MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The Food Stamp Manual is revised to:

• clarify the use of Food Stamp work assessment code 18,
• clarify the definition of good cause, work assessment code 18,
• add procedures when it is determined an EU member has good cause for non-participation in METP activities, and
• update the procedures used when eligibility specialists determine non-compliance.

The title of Section 1105.025.35.05 is revised to include Work Effort Reduction.

Work Assessment Code 18

Work assessment code 18 is entered by FAMIS on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen when the Division of Workforce Development sends a reminder to FSD after talking with a participant and it appears the individual may meet a work registration exemption or exclusion.

Code 18 may also be used by eligibility specialists when it is determined an EU member has a temporary circumstance preventing participation in METP activities. When an EU member is temporarily unable to participate in Food Stamp employment and training activities, enter work assessment code 18 for that EU member on the Work Assessment (FMMS) screen.

Temporary is defined as being a condition or circumstance preventing an EU member from participating in employment and training activities and that condition or circumstance is expected to last less than 60 days.

The Food Stamp Manual section 1105.025.05.10 is revised changing the definition of work registration code 18 as, “Individuals who have a temporary condition or circumstance/good cause and who are unable to participate in Job Search and Job Search Training for less than 60 days are excluded.” The description of work assessment code 18 remains “Workforce Development (DWD) Good Cause” in FAMIS but can be entered by the eligibility specialist as well as the system.

Good Cause for Non-participation in METP

Procedures are added to the Food Stamp Manual sections 1105.025.35 and 1105.025.45 for action required when it is determined an EU member who is in non-compliance for failure to participate in Job Search and Job Search Training has good cause which is expected to last less than 60 days. When the condition or circumstance resulting in good cause is not resolved at the time the determination is made, change the non-complying individual’s work assessment code to 18 and status to EXC on the Work Assessment (FMMS) screen. Upon resolution of the good cause condition or circumstance change the individual’s work assessment code to the most appropriate code.

If the temporary condition or circumstance is resolved by the time it is determined the non-complying EU member had good cause for non-compliance, enter “Y” in the good cause field on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen to stop the sanctioning process. In addition, when the Adverse Action (FA-510) has been sent and is not expired, void the adverse action (see the Changing an Adverse Action Status user guide) and go to the Sanction Disqualification (FMAM) screen and delete the sanction.

Eligibility Specialists Determine Non-Compliance

The procedure is revised for starting conciliation when it becomes known to eligibility specialists that a mandatory work registrant refused an offer of employment without good cause. Add work assessment status MNC (mandatory non-compliant) on the Employment Assessment (FMMS) screen. Upon entry of MNC, FAMIS sends the EU an FA-601 conciliation notice. If the EU member does not comply, the work assessment code and status are not changed to an exemption or exclusion code, or good cause changed to ‘Y’ during the conciliation period, FAMIS creates the sanction and sends the EU an Adverse Action, FA-510, notice when the conciliation period expires. If, during the adverse action period, the EU member does not comply, the work assessment code and status are not changed to an exemption or exclusion code, or good cause is not changed to “Y”, FAMIS imposes the sanction and removes the individual or closes the case if a one person EU. The eligibility specialist is not required to manually create the sanction.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff

JKW