Temporary Assistance/Case Management Manual

0205.060.35 Sanctions for Refusal to Cooperate

IM-85 May 29, 2019; IM-54 June 22, 2015; IM-30 June 9, 2014; IM-104 December 20, 2012; IM-55 July 3, 2012; IM-71 November 22, 2010

When Child Support determines a Temporary Assistance (TA) applicant or participant is not cooperating in establishing paternity, or in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order with respect to a child, and this non-cooperation is without good cause (refer to section 0205.060.20 Good Cause Defined and 0205.060.25 Determining Good Cause for additional information), the TA grant is reduced 25% by entering a sanction on the Sanction/Disqualification (SANDISQ/FMAM) screen, using type code NCS (non-cooperation with child support (TA only)). Refer to the Entering a Sanction or Disqualification user guide for instructions on entering a sanction in FAMIS. Refer to the Updating/Ending a Sanction or Disqualification user guide for instructions on ending a sanction.

Sanction Request Received from Child Support

TA sanction for non-cooperation with child support can only be entered or ended in FAMIS when a request has been received from Child Support through the Child Support (CS) to Income Maintenance (IM) Communication Portal. FSD staff cannot start or end a Child Support cooperation sanction without a request through the CS to IM Communication Portal.  This portal is currently worked by Eligibility Specialists (ES) in the TA/CC Processing Center.

When entering or ending a sanction, the ES must complete an eligibility determination (EDRES) to authorize the action. Refer to the Authorizing an Action in FAMIS user guide for instructions to complete the authorization process. After entering a sanction and completing the EDRES, FAMIS automatically generates the Notice of Adverse Action (FA-510).

If a hearing is requested within the adverse action period, do not take action until the hearing has been conducted and a decision rendered. Refer to the Changing an Adverse Action Status user guide for instructions to put the action to reduce benefits on hold. Putting the action on hold allows the eligibility unit to continue to receive the current amount of benefits until the hearing decision is rendered.