AG 2001 09 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. An applicant, when it is determined that they can best be served by Benefit Diversion, can receive up to $1,200.00 as a one-time payment. They would not be able to apply for ongoing Work First cash benefits for a period of three (.3) months, but would be able to apply for Medicaid or Food Stamps at any time. This would be an effort to simplify the New Focus process, by avoiding the combining of several programs into a single benefit package. They must attend budgetary counseling in conjunction of receipt of this benefit. 7. Presently, a parent is exempted for twelve (12) months with the "S" exemption when they have a child under the age of one (1). This would be reduced to three (3) months per child. It is our feeling that the longer the period of time an individual is out of the work force, the more difficult it is to get them back in. As an additional incentive to return to work, we would encourage a parent to start back working after six (6) weeks, with the understanding that if this did not work out. they could reclaim the remainder of their three (3) month "S" exemption. Good cause for not adhering to the three (3) month rule. could be given for up to twelve (12) months. An individual has a lifetime maximum limit of twelve (12) months total. 8. In an ongoing WFFA case that experiences a change, due to an able-bodied financially responsible adult moving into the home, the family would be re- assessed for appropriate sen, ices. If they failed to participate in this assessment. the family would be ineligible for WFFA. Evaluation for Medicaid would be done. The re-assessment done on the family could result in Benefit Diversion, other appropriate services, or termination of the WFFA case. C. Waivers Requested If necessary, the department would be willing to pursue federal or state waivers to implement any of our requested eligibility changes. lX. Emergency Assistance The Emergency Assistance program, available to assist families in a work-related crisis situation during FY 2001-03, will be $208,926.00. An emergency is defined as a work-related crisis situation that is unplanned or unanticipated, and which, if unmet, can put a family at risk of dependency. EA assistance will not be provided more than one time in a year. It will be used as follows: 1. All except a 10% set-aside wilt be used tbr a documented work-relatedcrisis situation. 2. There is a $300.00 maximum assistance payment per family per fiscal year. 3. Eligibility will be based on 150% of the federal poverty level. 4. The base period is the actual income in the month prior to the application. 5. In order to receive assistance, there must be a minor child residing in the home. The definition of age and kinship will be the same as it wag in tke ~r]cr EA ;~:'~gram is in Work First. 19