Not able to Work 80 Hours a Month

Unable to work means that the client is not physically or mentally able to work at least 80 hours a month as required by ABAWD rules.

If a client states they are unable to work and there isn’t a reason to question the claim, document that the client is “ exempt from ABAWD participation due to not being able to work ” and use the appropriate coding on the work registration page for this.

Use prudent person reasoning and interview observations when determining if the client’s statement about their ability to work is questionable. Document your decision.

Applicants for Aged , Blind, Disabled (ABD) cash assistance or a Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) referral: While pending a decision for the other program, it's a best practice to document whether the stated physical or mental condition meets the ABAWD exception. If ABD/HEN is subsequently denied, review for documentation to determine whether to enter the ABAWD exception when processing an ABD/HEN denial. If not documented, the hierarchy will run and, if no other exemption or exception can be applied, status will move to ABAWD 'Needs Review' until the next recertification or client reported change that causes a change in work registration or ABAWD status.

Asking about incapacity: What kind of work do you usually do? Are you able to do that work right now? When was the last time you worked? What barriers prevent you from working?

Questionable Circumstances

If the client’s statement is questionable, attempt contact with someone aware of the person’s circumstances/condition. If you can't make this contact by telephone, the client can provide a collateral statement from a reliable source or provide the ABAWD Requirement: Medical report form DSHS 14-541

A collateral contact can come from: A medical professional: nurse, doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc. A drug or alcohol treatment professional. Any reliable medical source that is familiar with the circumstances that make the client unable to work twenty hours a week

Collateral contact must include: Information regarding the client’s ability to work 80 hours a month (or 20 hours a week). Estimate of how long the client will be unable to work or otherwise participate 80 hours a month.

We review temporary incapacity exemptions at application, recertification, or when the client reports a change that changes their ABAWD status.