2.9.2.3 Up-Front Job Search Participation and Barriers

The FEP determines, on a case-by-case basis, whether an applicant has made a good faith effort to obtain employment by completing assigned up-front job search activities.

Throughout the application period, the FEP should check in with the applicant to determine how the up-front job search activities are going and offer support.

If the applicant is not completing the assigned activities, the FEP must:

Discuss the situation with the applicant;

Determine if any barriers exist; and

End up-front job search activities if barriers are identified that make the applicant unable to find employment in the application timeframe.

If no barriers are identified and the applicant does not provide good cause for failing to meet the up-front job search requirements, the FEP may deny the application. (See 11.3.1 )