Work First 104C - First Stop Employment Assistance

VII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN APPLICANT’S EXEMPTION STATUS CHANGES?

A. When a change occurs during the application process that makes an adult(s) in the Work First application no longer exempt from the registration requirement:

1. Notify the adult(s) of the First Stop work registration requirement.

2. Allow the applicant at least 10 calendar days to register for First Stop.

3. Advise applicants that if they are unable to register for First Stop, it is their responsibility to notify their caseworker prior to the deadline given to complete the First Stop work registration process.

4. If the applicant advises the caseworker that he/she will be unable to register for First Stop by the deadline, evaluate whether the reason is acceptable. The director or his/her designee must establish acceptable reasons for an allowable delay. There is no acceptable reason for failing to register, only for a delay in registering.

a. If the reason is acceptable, set a new deadline and advise the applicant of the new deadline for registration.

b. If the reason is not acceptable, advise the applicant that the Work First application will be denied if the First Stop work registration is not completed by the deadline.

5. If the applicant registers by the deadline, process the application if all other eligibility criteria have been met. If the application is denied due to other eligibility requirements, the family must be evaluated for any appropriate Medicaid program effective with the original application date.

6. If the applicant does not register by the deadline, deny the application. Evaluate the family’s eligibility for any appropriate Medicaid program using the same application date.

B. When a change occurs during the application process that makes the adult(s) exempt from the registration requirement and the adult(s) has not registered with ESC, notify the applicant that he no longer has to register.