Work First 119 – WORK FIRST BENEFITS

IX. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH MRAs

When an adult in a Work First Benefits case fails, without good cause, to comply with all provisions of his/her MRAs, the family will not be eligible to receive a WFFA payment for that month. The caseworker will not issue the check from the WB screen. (See exception at C. below for substance abuse treatment.)

Once the decision has been made not to issue the check, the case must be transferred to MAF. A re-application will be required before the family may receive WFFA again.

A. Non-Cooperation With Child Support Enforcement

When an adult in a Work First Benefits case fails to cooperate with child support enforcement, as indicated by a client cooperation status of “No” in ACTS, the WFFA check for the month of non-cooperation will not be issued. Additional steps to be taken are described in WF 120 II.

B. Good Cause

It is the primary responsibility of the participant to communicate why requirements were not met so the caseworker can make a good cause determination. If a participant fails to complete the activities outlined on the MRA, the caseworker must determine if the participant has good cause. Counties must use prudent judgment to ensure that good cause is applied reasonably and equitably to all families. Good cause is defined as but not limited to:

• A significant family crisis or change;
• Illness or disability of the caretaker or child, including participation in substance abuse treatment or medical appointment;
• Civil leave, including jury duty, or a required court appearance;
• The loss or interruption of transportation or child care services; and
• Any other reason deemed sufficient by the county director or designee.

Good cause reasons for noncompliance are of limited duration. It is important to determine whether the situation should be considered a “good cause exemption” or an “excused absence.”

The caseworker must ensure reasonable accommodations are available to all individuals with disabilities who need assistance to meet their requirements.

It is also important in determining good cause that the caseworker review the participant’s case record and MRAs as well as discussing with the participant their reasons for failure to meet the MRA requirements.

If there is an indication that existing or new disabilities are a factor in non-compliance, the caseworker must conduct a thorough assessment, and/or revise the MRAs and if appropriate release the Work First check.

Caseworkers must review cases to identify previous good cause reasons and determine if there is a pattern and document the case file. Good cause must be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Caseworkers must have frequent contact with the participant to monitor MRA compliance. Caseworkers must document in the case record all efforts and contacts with the participant.

To ensure appropriate good cause determinations, it is recommended that agencies develop a protocol for consultation by caseworkers with a supervisor when determining good cause.

C. Substance Abuse Treatment

For individuals who have been referred for substance abuse treatment by a QPSA as described in WF 104B, their failure to participate in treatment is penalized as described in WF 104B IV.

Failure to participate in substance abuse treatment does not result in non-issuance of the WFFA check. See WF 104B for detailed instructions.