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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 18

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 15 Chapter 18 WV WORKS Activities/Requirements

Once the forms are received in the state office, they are logged in and tracked to make sure information is obtained and a timely decision is made. The participant’s Case Manager and the Case Manager’s Supervisor are notified of the request. The Case Manager completes the Extension Request Form (DFA-EX-1) and forwards it along with any other information requested to the DFA Family Support Policy Unit. If the participant is requesting an extension due to a late onset illness or disability, the packet should include the MRT decision. The DFA-EX-1 must be signed by the Case Manager and Supervisor and include the local office recommendation regarding the extension. All requested information must be submitted within 30 days or the local office should notify the DFA Family Support Policy Unit regarding the reason for the delay. All such extensions are approved at the state office level by the 60-Month Extension Committee.

18.2.5.D Notify Parties of Request for Extension Review Result 18.2.5.D.1 Extension Approved If an extension is approved, the Committee notifies the local office of the length of the extension and the requirements for compliance with the terms of the extension. The local office notifies the participant of the approval and the participant’s responsibilities once the extension begins. The local office is responsible for monitoring the time limit to assure that it is not exceeded and that the participant remains eligible for the extension. The Case Manager adjusts the months in the eligibility system and documents the Committee’s decision, reason for the extension, and number of months granted in case comments. 18.2.5.D.2 Extension Denied If an extension is denied, the Case Manager must send notice of the decision, along with a Fair Hearing Request form to the participant. This must be documented in case comments. The participant may request a Fair Hearing, but benefits must not be continued pending the Fair Hearing decision. ➢ Pre-Hearing Conference During a pre-hearing conference, the Case Manager may determine that a verified change in the participant’s circumstances has occurred and that a reconsideration of the participant’s extension request is appropriate. The change must have occurred between the time of the initial request for extension and receipt of the 60th month of WV WORKS benefits. The Supervisor is