IM-12 February 9, 2023; IM-07 January 8, 2018
Each applicant/participant of Temporary Assistance (TA) who is at least age 18 (and teen parents under age 18) must participate in work activities, unless determined to be exempt or excluded.
The Lifetime Limit still applies to all excluded individuals. Excluded persons are still referred to Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) and must provide evidence to support their claim of an exclusion. An exclusion can be claimed at any time by the applicant/participant.
Evidence provided by participants claiming an exclusion must be emailed to MWAPERSONAL@dss.mo.gov; except in the case of domestic violence. Family Support Division (FSD) staff evaluate claims of domestic violence and this evidence is not sent to MWA. If domestic violence is claimed, forward the application and/or evidence provided to FSD.GROUPD@dss.mo.gov so that an exclusion determination can be made.
Individuals who are mandated to comply with work requirements, but who are temporarily excluded from work participation, are household members who:
- Have an active case with the Department of Social Service’s Children’s Division (CD). Staff shall contact CD to confirm if the participant has an active case, the anticipated duration of the active case, and whether the participant’s involvement in the case prevents the recipient from participating in work activities. This exclusion must be re-evaluated every 30 days by MWA. Code 3
- Are temporarily disabled with a condition expected to continue for at least 30 days and at most 6 months. A physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist must determine the temporary disability. This exclusion must be evaluated by MWA before the end of the determined disability period. Code 4
- Are victims of domestic violence and requesting time for the family to overcome its immediate crisis. There may be situations where documentary evidence does not exist. Allow the participant to provide a written statement of his/her own to support the domestic violence claim. Code 5
- FSD staff must re-evaluate the family’s circumstances within 30 days of applying this exclusion or when the individual demonstrates the ability to move forward. A participant may be excluded from work participation activities for a maximum of six (6) months.
- After the end of the maximum six (6) month exclusion period, it is possible that the participant has circumstances that will warrant an additional exclusion timeframe (i.e., family is not safe or stabilized). The participant will need to provide a written statement of his/her own to support the ongoing domestic violence claim.
- Have been unable to locate child care and have provided documentation supporting his/her efforts to obtain childcare; including information dates, contacts, and outcomes. MWA will re-evaluate the family’s circumstances within 30 days of applying this exclusion. Code 8
- Are unable to find transportation and have provided documentation supporting his/her efforts to obtain transportation, including information such as dates, contacts, and outcomes. MWA will re-evaluate the family’s circumstances within 30 days of applying this exclusion. Code 9