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Counties may provide Work-Related Services to the non-custodial parents of children in a Work First family. The non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty. The non-custodial parent must be an U. S. citizen or qualified immigrant as defined in manual Section 111. This policy applies only to counties that have decided to provide these services and have submitted a local plan indicating the decision. The purpose of these services is to increase the non-custodial parent’s ability to pay child support and assist the parent with obtaining and maintaining employment.
Counties must consider available resources when determining whether to provide employment-related services to non-custodial parents. For counties that choose to serve non-custodial parents, local resources must be prioritized to ensure that the county has the capacity to provide intensive employment services to all Work First cash assistance recipients who are subject to the work requirements.
To provide employment-related services to non-custodial parents, counties must develop local procedures and collaboration efforts. Counties are strongly encouraged to use the following strategies when working with non-custodial parents:
To determine a non-custodial parent’s eligibility for services:
1. Complete the Eligibility Worksheet (DSS-8225). Be sure to document that the non-custodial parent’s child is a current recipient of Work First Family Assistance. Accept applicant’s statement for Citizenship, identity and qualified immigrant status.
2. Determine whether the non-custodial parent’s family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Use the family’s total gross monthly income.
Countable income is the same as for Work First Family Assistance. Count the income of the non-custodial parent’s family members as with Work First cash assistance family members. See Section 114, Income and Budgeting, of the Work First Manual. Compare the gross total family income to the income shown by family size on the DSS-8225.
The caseworker may accept the non-custodial parent’s statement of the family’s income unless it is questionable. If in doubt, request appropriate verification. Always verify the child’s receipt of Work First Family Assistance.
Maintain in a case file the completed eligibility worksheet to document the non-custodial parent’s eligibility for employment-related services.
The application for Work First Services is Form DSS-5027. This form serves as the application and the notice of rights and services. Complete sections A, B, C, G, and H. Give the applicant the copy that serves as the notice. Instructions for completing Form DSS-5027 are in the Services Information System (SIS) Manual.
When opening the case in SIS and when authorizing payment for services, use the service codes that apply to non-custodial parents, as defined in Appendix B of the SIS Manual.
The maximum authorization period is 12 months, but the case can be authorized for less than 12 months. If the family receives food and nutrition services, notify the food and nutrition caseworker of the authorization period.
NOTE: Information must be shared with food and nutrition services caseworkers regarding the authorization of services and benefits. Send information transmittals to food and nutrition caseworkers when an individual is authorized for services and when services end.
Do not provide services that meet the federal definition of assistance stated below.
Services that have cash value (are cash-like) and are intended to meet basic, ongoing needs are defined as “assistance.”
Services are not considered assistance if they are:
Services also are not considered assistance when provided to persons who are employed.
Employed: For purposes of the definition of assistance, a person is considered employed if they are experiencing a temporary period of unemployment between jobs. For example, the caseworker may continue to provide services to support a parent’s job search activities while they are between jobs without it being “assistance.” These services may continue for up to four months of unemployment.
Services that are not cash-like (such as counselling and case management) do not meet the definition of assistance and may be provided as needed.
EXAMPLES: Transportation is generally an ongoing need, and paying for or providing transportation would constitute “assistance” (except for employed persons). But, if the participant has a “specific episode of need,” the caseworker may be able to provide transportation that does not count as “assistance.” If the client’s car breaks down, transportation while the car is being repaired would be “non-recurrent, short-term benefits designed to deal with a specific episode of need” and, therefore, not assistance.
Or, if the participant is riding with someone to a class and the driver’s car breaks down or the driver drops out of class, the caseworker might provide the participant with transportation until he/she arranges another ride. Then (if it does not exceed four months) it is not “assistance,” because it deals with a specific episode of need.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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