MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

During the recent snow and ice storm, several Career Assistance Program (CAP) offices were closed or otherwise non-functioning for one or more days.  Division of Workforce Development (DWD) has instructed CAP case managers to grant "Good Cause" for Temporary Assistance (TA) applicants referred to those offices for Immediate Engagement (IE).  CAP staff were instructed to use good cause reason "DWD Unable to Provide Services Within 30 Days" or "Emergency Family Crisis".  In normal situations these good cause reasons would not be granted to everyone; however, since offices were closed there is no way to determine who did and who did not attempt to comply with IE during that timeframe.  It is also unknown if the applicant was or will be able to make it to the office within the 30-day timeframe due to the state of his/her home, telephone, transportation, etc.

If the only reason the TA application was rejected is because he/she couldn’t comply with IE due to the CAP office closings, the eligibility specialist (ES) must send this information via e-mail to Cindy.S.Rice@dss.mo.gov at the Family Support Division (FSD) Central Office.   When this information is received, FSD Central Office staff will notify DWD Central Office so good cause for ‘DWD Unable to Provide Services’ can be allowed if applicable.  If good cause is granted, FSD Central Office staff will notify the ES of this determination so the TA application can be cancel rejected. (NOTE:  if the TA application was rejected for multiple reasons, do not send an e-mail to FSD Central Office.)

If an applicant contacts the FSD office and is not able to comply with IE due to no electric, no water, housing destruction, etc., FSD staff must grant the following good cause reason: “Emergency Family Crisis” (02).  Refer to TA Work Requirement Screen User Guide for instructions on how to update the TA Work Requirement (FM8B/COMPACT) screen.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

VJD/CSR