IM-53 May 22, 2017; IM-25 March 23, 2017; IM-33 June 24, 2014; IM-19 February 28, 2006; IM-143 December 5, 2005; IM-103 October 4, 2004; IM-09 February 6, 2002; IM-32 April 1, 1999
Exempt from mandatory work requirements an EU member who is:
- Responsible for care of a child in the EU under age six. If the child has his/her sixth birthday within the certification period, the individual responsible for the care of the child is exempt for this reason until recertification. (code 01)
NOTE: If a parent or another EU member both claim the responsibility for care of the child under age six, the actual responsibility is determined by discussion with the applicant. This includes stepparent situations. If there are two parents in the home, each with dependent children, both are exempt due to care of their own children.
- Under age 16. A person becoming age 16 during the certification period, and not exempt, will be work registered at the next application. Individuals under age 16 do not appear on the Employment Assessment (EMPLOY/FMMS) screen while in the controlled flow. FAMIS determines which EU members are under age 16 and enters work assessment code 03 in the Code field on the Employment Assessment (EMPLOY/FMMS) screen.
- Age 16-18 who is attending school full-time. (code 04)
- Disabled on a temporary or permanent basis per the Food Stamp definition (see 1100.010.00 Definitions). Receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefit from a private source is also acceptable verification. (code 06)
NOTE: Denial or closure of the claimant’s Income Maintenance, Social Security, or SSI grant is not sufficient grounds for denial or closure of the EU’s Food Stamp benefits for failure to meet work requirements. The claimant may lose his/her exemption from work requirements on this basis, and must be offered the opportunity to comply with the work requirements of the Food Stamp Program.
- Age 60 years or older. Individuals over age 60 do not appear on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen while in the controlled flow. FAMIS determines which EU members are over age 60 and enters work assessment code 07 in the Code field on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen.
- Required to care for ill or incapacitated person. (code 09)
- Working 30 hours or more per week, or receiving weekly earnings equal to the Federal minimum wage times 30 hours. (code 10)
NOTE: Teachers, school professionals, and administrative school personnel do not have to register nor be employed during the summer months as long as they meet the above requirements during the school year and continue employment for the next school year.
- Student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized secondary, vocational, or technical school, training program, or institution of higher education. Students attending an institution of higher education must meet the eligible student criteria (see 1135.025.10 Eligibility Determination). FAMIS makes the student determination based on information provided on the Education/Student Information screen and enters code 14 in the code field and EXE in the Status field on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen. If the EU member is a half-time student, use code 29.
- Mentally or physically unable to work, but who is not disabled per Food Stamp definitions. These are EU members who are mentally or physically incapable of engaging in gainful employment. In determining physical or mental incapacity preventing employment, use personal judgment as the primary basis for decision. If the EU member is obviously unable to work, no documentary proof is necessary. Type or prompt for code 15 in the Code field and EXE in the Status field on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen.
Obtain a medical statement only if the person does not receive disability benefits from a public or private source, and their claim of incapacity is questionable. Advise the EU member claiming incapacity that a medical statement may be required from a physician or licensed or certified psychologist. If the EU member cannot furnish a medical statement, the county may request a medical examination by a designated doctor (the county can pay for the examination). If this EU member refuses to cooperate, sanction the individual. If a one person EU, close the case or reject the application and record the reason.
- Subject to or participating in Temporary Assistance work requirement activities. This exemption is given to Temporary Assistance applicants whose Food Stamp application is approved while the Temporary Assistance application is pending. If the Temporary Assistance application is subsequently rejected, change the work assessment code to the most appropriate code for each EU member age 16 to 60. (code 16)
- Receiving Unemployment Compensation/Insurance. This includes persons who have applied for but are not yet receiving benefits. This person must be required to register for work as part of the unemployment compensation insurance application process. (code 19)
- Regularly participating in a substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation program as a resident or non-resident. (code 20)
- Age 16 or 17 years old, unless they are the head of the household. 16 to 18 years old that are the economic head of household and not attending school half time or enrolled in an METP component are mandatory work registrants. (code 35)
- A homeless person based on definition under 1105.035.30 Evaluating Months for 18- Through 49-Year-Old Training/Work Requirement, who is not otherwise exempt from the work requirements is exempt from the work registration. Code 15 can be used if no other code applies.
Individuals who are over age 15 and under age 60 who do not meet an exemption are mandatory to comply with work requirements.
NOTE: These individuals may volunteer to participate in the Missouri Employment and Training Program. If they volunteer, enter code 24 in the code field and EIV (exempt immediate volunteer) in the status field on the Employment Assessment (EMPLOY/FMMS) screen.