Work First 202 - Changes In Situation

Change # 06-2006

September 1, 2006

I. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR CHANGES IN SITUATION?

NOTE: A change in situation is any change the family experiences that may affect who is included in the family unit, the family's Work First payment, or whether the family qualifies for Work First. Examples include a change in who lives in the home and starting or stopping employment.

A. The family is responsible for reporting changes. When a family experiences a change in their situation, they must report the change within 10 calendar days of when they know about it. Discuss this requirement when the Mutual Responsibility Agreement is discussed and signed.

B. When a family reports a change, or the agency becomes aware of a change from any source, make the change in benefits as early as the month following the month of change but not later than the second month after the change. Child Support Non-cooperation sanctions require that a timely notice (DSS-8110) be sent within 10 workdays of the work list create date on the IV-D Non-Coop Without Sanction Report. However, the change must take place not later than the second month after the change.

EXAMPLE: You are notified on January 8 that a parent went to work. Verify the new wages, send a timely notice, and enter the change into EIS to be effective no later than March 1.

NOTE: Changes are effective the month after the month in which the 10-day notice expires, unless the family waives the 10-day notice.

C. Verify the change according to the verification procedures in the Work First Manual. Always document the change and verification on the Verification Of Change In Situation form (DSS-1662).

NOTE: For income changes, refer to the Section 114.