MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

Temporary Assistance guidelines for recipients have changed. Previously, pregnant recipients were excluded from working with the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program during their 3rd trimester of pregnancy and caretakers of a child under the age of one (1) were exempted from work activities.

Now, recipients are required to cooperate with work and training activities through MWA throughout their pregnancy and after the child reaches twelve (12) weeks of age, unless they meet one of the following:

• Over age 60;
• Permanently disabled;
• Needed in the home to care for a disabled household member;
• In a domestic violence situation that prevents them from taking part in work activities

A recipient may be temporarily excluded from work and training activities but required to work with MWA to resolve the barrier in the following instances:

• Temporarily disabled expected to last between 30 days and 6 months. (this must be verified by a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist) once verified, will be reevaluated after timeframe of the expected disability;
• Actively involved in a case with Department of Social Service’s Children’s Division.
• Lacking transportation; or
• Lacking child care

If a recipient meets any of the above, she/he must tell the Family Support Division (FSD).  FSD MWA staff will determine if the recipient needs to participate or not.

Email any verification of exclusion to FSD.MWAEXCLUDE@dss.mo.gov when provided at the time of application or interview.

Recipients can always volunteer with MWA which can help with transportation and work related expenses, finding training and employment and allows the participant to receive childcare through FSD while in the program.

 

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

JG/am