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TANF Transmittal 65

901.6 TANF MANUAL 10/18 Page 7

prevented compliance, the current sanction should be imposed as if the previous sanction had not occurred. For example, if this would have been the second sanction but the ESW determines that non-compliance with program requirements that resulted in the first sanction was the result of a disability, the second sanction will be treated as if it is the first sanction and the penalty for a first sanction will be applied.

G. While a payment is suspended for a sanction period, the assistance unit members are considered TANF recipients for all other purposes. The time clock for VIEW participants continues during the sanction.

H. The ESW will advise the eligibility worker of the effective date of compliance. If the date of compliance is during the fixed sanction period, the sanction will be lifted effective the first day of the month following the end of the fixed period. (Note: If the case is approved in a sanction, and the payment suspended, each of the month(s) of suspended payment, including a partial month, will count toward the fixed sanction period.) If the date of compliance is after the fixed period has ended, the sanction will be lifted as of that date and the payment for that month will be prorated.

I. When the sanctioned individual becomes exempt after the minimum sanction period has elapsed, the sanction will be lifted effective with the date the exemption was verified.

An underpayment will not exist when an exemption change, which should result in an increased payment amount, is reported or verified late.

Exception: If the ESW verifies that the non-compliance with program requirements that resulted in the sanction was the direct result of a disability, the need to care for a household member with a disability, or limited English proficiency, the ESW will notify the EW, who will immediately lift the sanction, reinstate payments, and enter the exemption information into the computer system.

J. Sanctions when a client reapplies following case closure:

1. If the sanction is in the fixed period when the case closes, the sanction resumes at approval at the point it left off when the case closed.

Example: A second VIEW sanction was imposed effective 1/1. Client requested that her TANF case be closed effective 1/31. Client reapplied for TANF on 6/15. The application is approved on 7/12 with payments suspended for June and July since the minimum sanction period has not been served. June (though a partial month) and July will count as the second and third months of the three-month sanction period. Once the fixed period has ended and the client has complied with program requirements, the ESW will schedule the client for reassessment at which time a new APR will be signed.

2. If the fixed sanction period passed while the client’s case was suspended but still open, and she did not cure the sanction, the TANF case will be approved in a suspended status if she applies for assistance again.