7.4.3.1 Eligibility for CMC

To qualify for a CMC placement, the custodial parent With respect to a dependent child, a parent (see definition of parent) who resides with that child and, if there has been a determination of legal custody with respect to the dependent child, has legal custody of that child must meet all W-2 financial and nonfinancial eligibility requirements (see Chapters 2 and 3 ), and:

Have a child 8 weeks old or less; and

No other adult member in the W-2 Group An adult custodial parent, all dependent children with respect to whom the individual is a legal custodial parent and all minor children with respect to whom the adult individual’s dependent child is a custodial parent. W-2 Group includes any non-marital co-parent or any spouse of the individual who resides in the same household as the individual and any minor children with respect to whom the spouse or non-marital co-parent is a custodial parent. W-2 Group does not include any person who is receiving cash benefits under a county relief block grant program. This is also referred to as the W-2 Assistance Group (W-2 AG) is participating or eligible to participate in a W-2 employment position or is working in an unsubsidized job.

If another adult in the W-2 Group is working in unsubsidized employment or is eligible for W-2 participation, regardless of the W-2 Group’s income, the family is not eligible for CMC. Even if the income of the other adult results in the family's income being at or below 115% of the federal poverty level, the family is still ineligible for a CMC payment.

If the family's income is at or below 115%, the other adult must be considered for placement in a W-2 employment position. In this situation, this family would be considered a two-parent family and be treated accordingly. (See Chapter 14 )

EXAMPLE 1 : Diane gives birth to Marina and applies for CMC Custodial Parent of an Infant . Diane reports that Marina’s father lives with them and works part-time hauling lumber. Since he is a non-marital co-parent living in the home and is employed in unsubsidized work, the family is not eligible for CMC. The FEP Financial and Employment Planner must offer the family other employment services, if otherwise eligible, such as case management services in the CMU Case Management Underemployed placement.

EXAMPLE 2 : Dorothy applies for a CMC and has a 3-week-old baby. During intake, Dorothy explains that she is married to John, who is not the baby’s biological father but lives with her and works in unsubsidized employment. Although the family income is below 115% of the Federal Poverty Level, they are ineligible for CMC due to John’s unsubsidized employment. The FEP should explore other appropriate services and W-2 placements with Dorothy.

EXAMPLE 3 : Mia has a baby while employed full-time. Her husband Jeff, the baby’s biological father, has not worked in a year to stay home and care for their 3-year-old son. Because Jeff lives in the home and is eligible for W-2 employment services, the family is not eligible for a CMC. Based on Jeff’s work history, the FEP determines that Jeff is appropriate for a CSJ Community Service Job placement. Jeff agrees to be the placed parent as Mia plans to stay home with their son and newborn.

EXAMPLE 4 : Sonia has a 5-week-old baby. Sonia’s husband Victor is the biological father of the baby. Victor has been receiving SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance since 2000 when he was injured in a car accident. Although Victor is included in the W-2 Group, he is not working, and he would not be eligible to participate in a W-2 employment position. The family is eligible for CMC.