016-28-24 Ark. Code R. § 1
The applicant is the primary source of information and is responsible for providing necessary verifications, as requested, to establish initial and ongoing eligibility. However, if the applicant is unable to provide essential information, or is having difficulty in obtaining it, the eligibility worker will assist in obtaining required information.
The applicant is expected to provide information as requested. Although the Department of Human Services (DHS) may assist the applicant, when necessary, the applicant should be encouraged to obtain as much information as they can, on their own, before requesting assistance. Such assistance may range from simply advising the applicant about how or where to get the information, to actually obtaining the necessary documents (for example, accessing the Department of Health birth records through ARIES).
Diversion Assistance is intended to help a family through a financial problem which jeopardizes employment and which, if not solved, could result in the family requiring regular ongoing cash assistance. Diversion Assistance is a replacement for, not a supplement to, regular assistance.
Diversion Assistance is a one-time payment to or on behalf of the family, which will resolve a financial problem so that the adult can maintain or obtain employment. Diversion Assistance is only available to an adult once during their lifetime.
The eligibility requirements for Diversion Assistance are as follows:
The regular TEA income and resource requirements do not have to be verified and established. If the family's resources are obviously over the resource limit, then Diversion Assistance will not be authorized.
The Diversion Assistance payment will be the actual amount needed in order to resolve the crisis for up to a maximum of three (3) months of maximum grant payments for the household (for example, a household of 3 = $204 x 3 months = $612 maximum diversion payment). If the amount needed to resolve the problem is more than the maximum payment, and there are no other resources available to assist with the cost, it will be determined whether the maximum will alleviate the crisis in any way. If not, the payment will not be authorized.
Under Arkansas state law, a Diversion Assistance payment is a loan which the client should repay to the State of Arkansas when able to do so. Repayment, though, does not entitle the individual to another Diversion payment in the future.
A Diversion Assistance payment counts as a TEA month or months for purposes of the twelve-month time limit, if the adult later applies for TEA assistance, unless the payment has been repaid. If not repaid, the diversion payment counts for up to three (3) months of the time limit (based on the amount of the diversion payment), divided by the maximum grant for the family size. The number of months will be rounded up to the next higher number. (See TEA 2130.)
Note: If the client requests to apply for Diversion Assistance, the client will be referred to the TEA Case Management unit.
Beginning March 1, 2024, a family who meets all the eligibility requirements may receive Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) cash assistance benefits for a period of up to twelve (12) total months. The months counted are based on receipt by the adult recipient or head-of-household minor parent. (Refer to Section 4141 of the TEA Case Management Manual for circumstances under which the time limit may be extended.)
The time limit does not apply in the following situations:
* In cases in which the only parent in the home, or both parents if both are living in the home, receives SSI benefits, and therefore, no adult is included in the case.
* In months in which the individual is deferred or exempt from work activity participation requirements. (See Example #2 below.)
* In the months in which a non-head of household minor (under eighteen years of age) parent receives cash assistance. The count will begin when the minor reaches eighteen (18) years of age.
The time limit applies:
* In cases in which the non-parent caretaker's relatives choose to be included in the TEA payment with the child, if a non-parent relative is a payee only, then the time limit does not apply to the case. This will be explained to the non-parent adult relative during the application interview. (See Example #1 below.)
The time a child receives assistance will not count toward their time limit when they become an adult.
Payments made by another state under a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program count toward the twelve (12) month limit in Arkansas if the adult has received more than forty-eight (48) such payments in another state. Only the payments from another state in excess of forty-eight (48) total payments will count toward Arkansas' twelve (12) month limit.
NOTE: The DCO-118, TANF Assistance Received Out of State, will be used to report TEA benefits received from another state. The form should be emailed to the TEA Policy Unit.
Example #1: A grandmother is applying (after July 1998) for her grandchild. The grandmother chooses to be included in the unit. After six (6) months of receiving TEA benefits, the case closes because the child has returned to their parent. The grandmother later reapplies for herself and a child of her own. Because she previously received six (6) months of assistance, she has (6) six months remaining in the twelve-month limit. Had she not been included with her grandchild previously, her twelve-month period would begin at one (1) month.
Example #2: Ms. Jones was temporarily deferred from work activity requirements due to a domestic violence situation at the time her TEA application was certified in January. The deferral continued for the next five (5) months, ending in June. The deferral months of January through June will not count toward Ms. Jones twelve-month limit.
Diversion assistance payments count towards the twelve-month time limit unless the payment has been repaid. The number of months that a diversion payment counts is based on the diversion amount divided by the maximum grant for which the family would have been eligible had the diversion not been made. The number of months is rounded up to the next higher number. (See TEA 2010.)
Inquiry to the TEA Time Clock may be made to determine the number of months an adult has received TEA benefits. Regular TEA payments and diversion payments are listed on this screen as well as payments paid by another state which must be counted toward the time limit.
Beginning April 1, 2024, a family who meets all the eligibility requirements may receive Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) cash assistance benefits for a period of up to twelve (12) months. The twelve (12) months do not have to be consecutive months. The months counted are based on receipt by the adult recipient or "head of household" minor parent.
The time limit does not apply:
* to cases in which the only parent in the home, or both parents if both are living in the home, receives SSI benefits, and therefore, no adult is included in the case;
* in the months in which an individual is deferred or exempt from work activity participation; or
* in the months in which an under the age of eighteen (18) non-head of household minor parent receives cash assistance. The count will begin when the minor reaches eighteen (18) years of age.
The time limit applies to non-parent caretaker's relatives only when such relatives choose to be included in the TEA payment with the child. If a non-parent relative is a payee only, then the time limit does not apply to the case.
The time a child receives assistance will not count toward their time limit when they become an adult.
Payments made by another state under a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program count toward the twelve-month limit in Arkansas if the adult has received more than forty-eight (48) such payments in another state. Only the payments from another state in a quantity that is in excess of forty-eight (48) will count toward Arkansas' twelve-month limit.
Diversion Assistance payments also count toward the twelve-month limit if not repaid. See TEA 2130.
NOTE: A client may request case closure at any time during receipt of assistance.
During periodic contacts, the Program Eligibility Specialist will inform the client of the number of months of TEA eligibility remaining. The Program Eligibility Specialist should continue to stress to the client the importance of employment because of the time limit.
The Program Eligibility Specialist will explain to the recipient what action will be taken once the twelve- month time limit has been reached. Refer to TEA 5001 for termination procedures. The Program Eligibility Specialist will advise that the TEA case be closed unless it is determined that an extension, or exemption from the time limit, should be granted. See TEA 4141.
If the decision is to close the case at the end of twelve (12) months and not allow an extension, the client has the right to appeal that decision through the Appeals and Hearings office. However, benefits will not be continued pending the hearing decision after the twelve (12) months. Retroactive payment may be made if the hearing decision overturns the case closure decision.
A Case will be closed:
Cash assistance will be terminated at any point it is determined that a family is no longer eligible to receive assistance.
A family which includes an adult is eligible for Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) cash assistance benefits for a period of not more than twelve (12) months. The twelve (12) months need not be consecutive months.
During periodic contacts with the TEA Case Manager, TEA recipients will be informed of how many months of eligibility they have remaining due to the time limit. The number of months a TEA family has received benefits can be determined via the TEA Time Clock.
Upon completion of the tenth month staffing, a decision to close the TEA case or grant an extension will be made. The TEA Case Manager will advise the client of the decision.
Transitional Employment Assistance Policy Manual, Section 5000
If the decision is to not extend the time limit, the case will be closed when the recipient has received TEA for twelve (12) months. The client may appeal this decision. If the client appeals the decision within ten (10) days of the date of the closure notice, benefits will continue (pending the hearing). Upon actual closure of the TEA case, the TEA Case Manager will send a final notice to the client as a reminder that the TEA case has been closed.
Note: The time limit for TEA eligibility has no bearing on Medicaid Eligibility.
The family of any individual who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of, an Intentional Program Violation in the TEA program will be ineligible for further participation in the program for the following minimum time periods:
A ten-day notice will be sent to the client stating that the case will be closed due to an Intentional Program Violation. Also, that the case will remain closed until the resulting overpayment (for example, the total amount of assistance received to which the family was entitled) has been repaid to the State with interest. This requirement may be waived by the Director of the Division or their designee.
Refer to TEA 8100 for detailed policy and procedures concerning IPV Disqualifications.
At any point it is determined that a family is no longer eligible for TEA benefits due to earnings, the TEA case will be closed. An advance notice of closure will be required. In addition, the family's eligibility for extended support services will be determined. Refer to TEA 5004.
A
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Activity-Related Expenses
Expenses relative to the customer's participation in work activities, which are paid for by the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) Program and which are necessary in order for the TEA recipient to participate in the work activity.
Adequate Notice
A written notice that includes a statement of what action the agency intends to take or has taken, the reasons for the intended agency action, the specific policy supporting such action, an explanation of the person's right to request a hearing, and the circumstances under which assistance is continued if a hearing is requested.
Administrative Hearing
A process by which the customer can appeal any adverse decision made on their case.
Assessment
An initial appraisal and gathering of information, such as, needed support services, education level, work history, skills, interests, volunteer activities, and hobbies.
Assignment (Child Support)
When an individual accepts TEA cash assistance for or on behalf of a child or children, the individual has assigned all rights to child support from any other person to the Department of Human Services (DHS).
C
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Caretaker Relative
A person who exercises primary responsibility for the care and control of the child or children.
Casehead
The adult caretaker relative, or a minor parent who is the head of household. In a two-parent family, the choice of casehead is determined by the parents.
Case Management
The process of coordinating and brokering the multiple services needed to achieve progress toward self-sufficiency.
Certificate
A check or other disbursement that is issued by DHS to the parent who may use such certificate to pay childcare services from a variety of providers. Sometimes referred to as a childcare voucher.
D
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Deferral
A temporary postponement of program activities.
Deobligation
Discontinuing supportive services that have been authorized.
Diversion Assistance
A one-time-only payment to, or on behalf of, the family which will resolve a financial problem so the adult can maintain or obtain employment.
E
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Earned Income
Salaries, wages, tips, commissions, and any other payment resulting from labor or personal services.
Eligibility Requirement
Conditions that must be met in order for a family or individual to receive assistance.
Employment Plan
A plan developed by the agency and client which will help the client obtain or maintain employment.
Exemption
A condition which allows the postponement of program activities.
Extended Support Services
Childcare and Medicaid services that are provided after a cash assistance case closes due to employment.
Gross Income Trigger - Job Ready
G
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Gross Income Trigger
When the gross income of a family reaches one thousand twenty-six dollars ($1026) monthly, and the TEA payment is reduced by fifty percent (50%).
H
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Head of Household
The casehead.
Head of Household (Minor Parent)
A minor parent who is legally married regardless of whether they are currently living with the spouse, or a minor parent who is living on their own without adult supervision and it has been determined (TEA 2122.1) that this is an appropriate living arrangement for the minor parent and child.
Head of Household (Teen Parent)
A head of household who is under twenty (20) years of age.
Household Composition
All persons living in the home with family members included in the TEA Unit.
I
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Imposition of Sanction
The case was closed, or, if a closure exception was allowed, the payment was reduced due to non-compliance in certain program requirements.
Income Eligibility Standard
The dollar amount that a family's net countable income must be equal to or less than in order to meet the income eligibility requirement.
J
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Job Ready
A person who has no physical, mental, or job skill barriers that prevent employment.
Life Condition - Procedure Statement
L
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Life Condition
Problems or barriers that would prevent a customer from meeting participation requirements.
M
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Mentoring
A nurturing process in which a more skilled or a more experienced person serves as a role model, teaches, sponsors, encourages, and counsels a less skilled or less experienced person.
N
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Non-Compliance: Child Support
Failure or refusal to cooperate with the Office of Child Support Enforcement in Child Support activities without good cause.
Non-Compliance: Work Activities
Failure to participate in work activities, refusal to accept employment, or termination of employment without good cause.
P
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Personal Responsibility Agreement
An agreement specifying the responsibilities of the parent(s) or other adult caretaker while receiving Transitional Employment Assistance.
Policy Statement
Policy statement is a written statement that declares an organization's intentions, objectives, or goals. Policy statements are identified by the shadow box border around it. Policy statements must be adhered to by all Division staff.
Procedure Statement
Information outside of the policy statement. A procedure may either be a mandatory or a flexible procedure. Mandatory procedures use verbs such as "must" and "will". A flexible procedure allows the county office staff to use their own judgment or discretion in applying a procedure.
Protective Payee
A relative, friend, neighbor, or member of a community service group, who is appointed to receive the payment on behalf of a family for whom a determination of mismanagement by the adult has been made.
R
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Relocation Assistance
A one-time-only cash assistance to help a family move from an area of limited job opportunities to a new locality within Arkansas for full-time employment. The person must have a bona fide offer of full-time employment in the new location.
Resource
Any real or personal property available to an individual to meet their needs.
Resource Limit
The dollar amount which a family's total countable resources must be equal to or less than in order for the family to meet the eligibility requirement.
S
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Sanction
A penalty imposed for not cooperating with program requirements.
Subsidized Employment
Full or part-time employment in a private for-profit enterprise or a private not-for-profit enterprise which is directly supplemented by federal or state funds.
Subsidized Public Sector Employment
Full or part-time employment by an agency of the federal, state, or local government which is directly supplemented by federal or state funds.
Supportive Services Payment
Transportation and other non-child care expenses paid by the agency to eligible providers and customers in order to engage in a work activity.
Supportive Services Reimbursement
Payment made to a customer for transportation and other non-childcare expenses that the customer has paid for in order to engage in a work activity.
T
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TEA Customer
A person who has been approved to receive on-going cash assistance.
Time Limit
The maximum number of months, twelve (12), that a family with an adult recipient can receive Transitional Employment Assistance benefits.
Timely Notice
A written notice which is mailed at least ten (10) days before the effective date of action.
Transitional Employment Assistance
A program to help economically (TEA) needy families with children under eighteen (18) years of age become more responsible for their own support and less dependent on public assistance.
U
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Unearned Income
Money that was not earned (for example, but not limited to: pensions, annuities, insurance benefits, military allotments, teacher's retirement, Workman's Compensation, Miner's pension, and Black Lung Benefits).
Unsubsidized Employment
Full or part-time employment that is not directly supplemented by federal or state funds.
W
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Warrant
TEA Check.
Work Activity
Allowable activities under TEA.
Case Management Services
Case management is the process of coordinating and brokering the multiple services needed to achieve progress toward self-sufficiency. Program Eligibility Specialists serve as a point of contact for participants and a point of accountability for the agency. The Program Eligibility Specialist has overall responsibility for working with participants from initial assessment until case closure.
The primary case management consists of the following primary activities:
* Screening & Assessment includes all the interactions that Program Eligibility Specialist have with participants, from the initial interview and screening process, through case closure and the provision of extended services. In all of these interactions, the goal is to help the participant identify which services are needed to support family self-sufficiency. Rapport and trust are built by helping participants identify and address their own issues.
* Brokering for resources, communication with partners and staffings ensure that the most appropriate services are provided to the participant. Program Eligibility Specialist will work closely with community and other partners; Brokering also involves continual evaluation of each service's usefulness and success. Brokered services include not only case plan activities and local resources, but DHS, Social Security, child support, and other benefits as well.
* Employment plans are the road map for the participant in their journey toward enhanced self-sufficiency. They are developed using the participant's best thinking on how they can increase self-sufficiency. The results of initial assessment are used to help the participant choose self-sufficiency-enhancing services, and the Program Eligibility Specialist acts as a broker to access these services. The plan states when, where, how, and by whom these activities will be provided. Employment plans should be individualized based on participant need and can be added to and adjusted over time.
* Narration and computer entry are the means by which our benefits are provided, and case activities recorded. They also enable us to collect and evaluate data to continually improve program services. Accuracy and timeliness of narration and computer entry are necessary to help us maintain federal and state funding. Case narratives should be clear, comprehensive, and void of personal opinion.
All these activities occur during case management, but the order may vary depending on the participant's situation. In all cases, we use case management skills such as asking open-ended questions, restating, and summarizing, and helping participants develop their own plan of action and be accountable for their own progress.
Case management services will be provided to those participants who need assistance before and after accepting employment. This service will be provided as long as the participant is eligible, and up to twelve (12) months after cash assistance has been terminated due to employment (Refer to TEA policy 3680.1).
Intent - Individualized Approach
Central to the purpose of the TEA program is an individualized approach to employment services. An individual Employment Plan is developed for each TEA participant based on his or her individual and family circumstances. Therefore, the process of working with the participant in employment related activities should, to the maximum extent possible, be geared to the specific needs and circumstances of that individual and family. It is the intent of the policy and procedures described in the following sections to assist local office staff with making decisions regarding the most appropriate work activities and supportive services which will lead participants to self-sufficiency.
Focus - Time-Limited Nature of Program
In conjunction with an individualized approach, focus must be placed on the time-limited nature of the program. Most participants will have a maximum of twelve (12) months to attain some level of self-sufficiency before cash assistance is terminated. Some participants may have less than twelve (12) months to attain self-sufficiency depending upon past periods of TEA receipt. Therefore, it is critical that the Program Eligibility Specialist and participant make decisions that consider where the family is in terms of the time-limit. For example, if a family has only two or three months remaining before the time-limit expires, job search or subsidized employment would probably be a more appropriate activity than career and technical education.
Documentation
Documentation and complete and accurate case records are vital to the success of good case management. The case record should include a clear chronology of events during a participant's entire experience with the program. The documentation constitutes a major source of evidence in the supporting of the agency's position in a case. In addition, good documentation enables other staff who may conduct reviews or who may later work with the participant to understand what has occurred in the case.
A "work eligible individual" is an adult or minor head of household parent who is receiving TEA cash assistance. A work-eligible individual who meets all the eligibility requirements may receive TEA cash assistance benefits for a period of up to twelve (12) months. The twelve (12) months do not have to be consecutive months. The months counted are based on the number of months the adult participant or "head of household" minor parent receives cash assistance.
The time limit does not apply:
* to cases in which the only parent in the home, or both parents if both are living in the home, receives SSI benefits, and therefore, no adult is included in the case; or
* in the months in which an individual is deferred/exempt from work activity participation; or
* in the months in which a non-head of household minor parent receives cash assistance.
The time limit applies to non-parent caretaker relatives only when such relatives choose to be included in the TEA payment with the child. If a non-parent relative is a payee only, then the time limit does not apply to the case.
The time a child receives assistance will not count toward his/her time limit when he or she becomes an adult.
Payments made by another state under a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program count toward the twelve (12) month limit in Arkansas if the participant has received more than forty-eight (48) such payments in another state. Only the payments from another state in excess of forty-eight (48) will count toward Arkansas' twelve (12) month limit.
Diversion Assistance payments also count toward the twelve (12) month limit if not repaid (See TEA policy 2130).
Note: A participant may request case closure at any time during receipt of assistance.
During periodic contacts, the Program Eligibility Specialist will inform the participant of the number of months of TEA eligibility remaining. The Program Eligibility Specialist should continue to stress to the participant the importance of employment because of the time limit.
The Program Eligibility Specialist will explain to the participant what action will be taken once the twelve (12) month time limit has been reached. (Refer to TEA policy 3300 for termination procedures.) The Program Eligibility Specialist will advise that the TEA case will be closed unless it is determined that an exemption, or extension from the time limit, should be granted (See TEA policy 3270 and 3405).
During Employment Updates and other periodic contacts with the participant, the Program Eligibility Specialist will ensure that the participant continues to meet eligibility requirements which are subject to change (e.g., child in the home, income, etc.). If it is determined that a participant's circumstances have changed, a task should be sent to DHS for redetermination of continued eligibility. The participant will be reminded of the responsibility to report changes within ten (10) days.
During periodic contacts, the participant will be informed of how many months of eligibility he or she has remaining due to the time limit. The number of months a TEA family has received benefits can be determined via the TEPC (TEA Payment Count in the WISE system) screen. The Program Eligibility Specialist should view this screen during periodic interviews with the participant.
The local office will review monthly reports identifying cases that have received TEA for Three (3), six (6), or ten (10) months.
Each TEA time-limited cash assistance case will be reviewed at designated times to monitor the participant's progress toward achieving self-sufficiency and to assess the appropriateness of closing, or of allowing an extension, as the participant nears the expiration of the twelve (12) month time limit.
Prior to closing the case due to time limit, a case review of the participant's situation will be made by a review team at the local level who will make the decision as to whether an extension should be allowed, or the case closed.
The local office review team will be composed of, at a minimum, the Program Eligibility Specialist, the supervisor, the local office manager, and a staff member from the county DCFS staff. The DCFS staff member's focus should be to ascertain the likelihood of the children having to enter foster care or other protective care if the cash assistance case were to be closed. In addition, any other staff person who has been actively working with the family should be included. Such staff would include WIA staff, Rehabilitation Counselor, substance abuse treatment provider, domestic violence advocate or counselor, etc.
The local office review team may be involved in any of the following case reviews but must be involved in the reviews at six (6) and ten (10) months reviews.
TEA time limits may be extended because a TEA participant was or is:
Also, the following individuals may receive an extension of the time limit:
The Program Eligibility Specialist may recommend an extension of the time limit based on the above criteria when a family is nearing the end of the time limit.
The decision as to whether an extension to the time limit should be granted is made at the local office level. There is no limit on the length or the number of extensions a participant can receive. An extension will be granted as soon as it is established but no later than thirty (30) days from the date it was claimed.
For those families in which the time limit count is at three (3) months, the Program Eligibility Specialist will review the case file to determine the work status of the participant. The Program Eligibility Specialist will complete form TEA-197, Case Management Staffing Documentation, and indicate whether or not the participant is making satisfactory progress toward the employment goal. If so, no further action is required at that time. If satisfactory progress is not evident, then the Program Eligibility Specialist will contact the participant to conduct an Employment Plan Update.
This review does not have to be a separate review from other regularly scheduled reviews or contacts the Program Eligibility Specialist may be conducting. The case record should be documented at these intervals to show that a time-limit review has occurred.
For participants whose time limit count is at six (6) months, the Program Eligibility Specialist will initiate a full review team case review and complete form TEA-197, Case Management Staffing Documentation. The Program Eligibility Specialist will first contact the participant and determine his or her current status, e.g., progressing satisfactorily or not, current health status, etc. The case review team then meets and reviews the participant's situation. On a case-by-case basis, the team may request the participation of the participant in this process.
The purpose of this local office review is to:
Following the review, the Program Eligibility Specialist will contact the participant if necessary to:
The Program Eligibility Specialist will also have, at a minimum, monthly personal contact with the participant for the next four (4) months to monitor progress, resolve problems, etc.
This review does not have to be separate and apart from other similar case staffings. If a regularly scheduled staffing occurs at the six (6) month interval, it may serve as this review. The case record should be documented accordingly.
If an extension or exemption was not allowed at the six (6) month review, the local office case review team will meet again to review the participant's current situation. The Program Eligibility Specialist will complete form TEA-197, Case Management Staffing Documentation, and indicate whether or not any progress that has been made, and to determine if an extension to the time limit should now be allowed. All factors will be taken into consideration at this time and each member will make a recommendation as to case closure or extension at the end of twelve (12) months.
This review does not have to be separate and apart from other similar case staffings. If a regularly scheduled staffing occurs at the ten (10) month interval, it may serve as this review. The case record should be documented accordingly.
Near the end of the extension period, the same case review team process will occur before the case is closed. More frequent reviews may be made during the extension period at local office option.
As with cases that are reaching the State twelve (12) month time limit, an extensive staffing focusing on progress and activities that will best achieve employment by the time the participant reaches the time limit will be conducted on cases nearing the sixty (60) month time limit. Other individuals or agencies that have been involved with the participant will be invited to the staffings. If these participants are unable to attend the case staffing, the Program Eligibility Specialist will obtain information regarding their involvement and the participant's activities and progress by phone, email, etc. During the staffing, all information to be used to determine if a hardship extension is appropriate will be collected.
Cases in deferred status and not counted in the state count should be staffed at six (6) month intervals based on the federal count, as they are subject to the federal time limit. Therefore, these cases should be staffed every six (6) months in the same manner as the cases that are subject to the state count.
The report provided to the local office each month listing cases and the number of months a participant has received TEA will be used to identify the cases that have reached forty-two (42), forty-eight (48), fifty-four (54) and fifty-right (58) months on the federal count. The local office will use the information in the report to schedule case staffings. Prior to scheduling a staffing, the Program Eligibility Specialist should ensure that the count on the report and on the TEPC screen is the correct count according to the information that is contained in the case record. If the count is not correct, the local office contacts the TANF Policy Unit to request a TEPC count correction.
Cases that reach the 42nd month due to being in deferred status will have subsequent staffings at forty-eight (48), fifty-four (54) and fifty-eight (58) months unless the circumstances change. If the circumstances are expected to change earlier, the staffing schedule can be adjusted accordingly. These case staffings will be completed in the same manner as the three (3), six (6), and ten (10) month staffings until the case reaches the 58th month. The decision to extend beyond the sixty (60) month time limit will be made following the 58th month case staffing. For the forty-two (42), forty-eight (48), fifty-four (54) month case staffing, the Program Eligibility Specialist will complete form TEA-196, Pre-Staffing Summary Report, prior to the staffing and form TEA-197, Case Management Staffing Documentation. Even though no extension decision will be made during these staffings, form TEA-198, Time Limit Case Review Checklist, will be completed for documentation.
Cases that reach the 42nd month due to being extended beyond the twelve (12) month time limit will also have subsequent staffings at forty-eight (48), fifty-four (54), and fifty-eight (58) months. The Program Eligibility Specialist will complete form TEA-196, Pre-Staffing Summary Report, prior to the staffing. The Program Eligibility Specialist will complete form TEA-197, Case Case Management Staffing Documentation and TEA-198, Time Limit Case Review Checklist, during the staffing. The information obtained during the staffing and documented on these forms will be used when determining whether or not to grant another extension.
Decisions to grant extensions to the cases following the forty-two (42), forty-eight (48), and fifty -fourth (54)th month staffings will be based on extension reasons listed in TEA 3215.
In two-parent families:
(Refer to TEA policy 3410 for a list of core and non-core activities.)
Example 1- (fifty-five (55) hour rule - neither parent deferred) One parent could be involved in forty (40) hours of work activities, while the second parent would only be required to participate fifteen (15) hours per week.
Example 2: (thirty-five (35) hour rule - neither parent is an individual with disabilities, but one (1) can be deferred). Both parents are job ready, but child care is needed. While the first parent is engaged in twenty (20) hours of employment, the second parent is at home providing child care. When the first parent isn't engaged in employment, he or she can take care of the children. The second parent may then share in the participation requirement by doing the remaining fifteen (15) hours of required work activities while the first parent is providing child care.
Note: A job ready person is defined as one who has no physical, mental or skill barriers that prevent employment. In addition, the individual has the educational background and experience to gain and maintain employment.
The minimum number of required hours may be in a single work activity or a combination of allowable activities.
If a participant claims an inability to engage in work activities, the Program Eligibility Specialist will discuss the reasons why the participant believes he or she is unable to participate.
If a participant is exempt or deferred from work participation requirements:
The only persons who may be considered exempt, and therefore are not required to participate in work activities while exempt, are parents who are caring for a child:
A parent may be exempted for the above reason for a maximum lifetime limit of twelve (12) months.
A participant will be temporarily deferred from participation any time he or she meets the criteria for one of the deferral situations listed below. While in deferred status, the participant may elect to participate in a work activity or another appropriate activity if he or she voluntarily chooses to do so. Supportive services will be provided for the deferred individual who chooses to participate in a work activity.
Note: If the family member will require care for an extended period of time, the Program Eligibility Specialist should explore other resources or available services (e.g., a home health aide) which would enable participation.
Note: Any month a participant is deferred or exempt from work participation activities will not count toward the state's twelve (12) month time limit. Also, there is no limit on the length or the number of deferrals a participant can receive, provided requirements are met. Therefore, an exempt/deferred individual automatically receives a month-for-month extension to the twelve (12) month time limit for each deferred/exempt month.
A review of the deferral will be made at least once a month by phone or mail.
If a participant meets one of the deferral reasons, verify the reason for deferral and document the case record accordingly.
Self-employment is defined as income generated from working for one 's self rather than for others. The number of hours of self-employment counted towards participation is determined by calculating the participant's gross income, minus business expenses, divided by the Federal Minimum Wage.
Participants must provide documentation of verified gross income, minus business expenses. This includes copies of money orders, checks, and other forms of proof of income or expenditures.
Participants must provide bi-weekly verification.
Example: Ms. Jones, a single parent, states she is taking care of the neighbor's child while they are working. Ms. Jones claims she makes one hundred dollars ($100.00) per week and has no expenses. The minimum wage during her time of employment is $6.55/hour. To verify Ms. Jones' hourly participation, divide one hundred ($100) by $6.55. The total hours of participation would be fifteen (15). Therefore, Ms. Jones would need an additional work activity for the remaining fifteen (15) hours.
Types of bi-weekly verification needed to show participation include invoices, paystubs, and form TEA-97, Verification of Earnings.
The subsidized employment work activity is a core activity defined as employment for which the employer receives a subsidy from TANF or other public funds to offset some or all of the wage and costs of employing a participant. It is also designed to provide trained participants with actual work experience. The person may be hired by a private or public sector employer. Employers are asked to hire participants in positions which would normally call for an employee with experience.
Subsidized Employment is limited to a maximum of six (6) months during a twelve (12) month period. However, the local office manager may approve extensions of up to ninety (90) days with appropriate justification and documentation. The level of participation in this activity must be at least the minimum number of hours per week as required in TEA policy 3401.1 with a maximum not to exceed forty (40) hours per week.
In situations in which a person with job skills has been unsuccessful in obtaining unsubsidized employment and the family is nearing the end of its time limit on cash assistance, subsidized employment may be appropriate. However, a participant may be engaged in subsidized employment at any time. While working in a subsidized job, a portion of the person's wages (up to half) may be paid by the TEA program.
A TEA participant in subsidized employment shall be eligible for the same benefits as a non-subsidized employee who performs similar work.
Prior to engaging a participant in a subsidized employment placement with a particular employer, the local office will develop a written contract with the employer.
Failure to be in compliance without good cause could result in imposition of the non-compliance sanction.
At worksites developed by the local office, up to half of the wages paid by the employer may be reimbursed by the TEA program. Local offices should use TEA-1437, On-the-Job Training Agreement, when setting up worksites. The signed agreement must be in place before the participant can engage in the OJT work activity. The participant will be required to verify hours of participation (Refer to TEA policy 2342).
Participation in the OJT work activity is limited to a maximum of six (6) months during a twelve (12) month period. The local office manager may approve a one (1) time extension of up to ninety (90) days for participation in OJT. The level of participation in this activity must be at least the minimum number of hours per week as specified with a maximum of forty (40) hours per week.
Upon completion of the OJT assignment, it is anticipated that the participant will be hired as a regular employee.
The local office will have responsibility for marketing and developing OJT worksites for the TEA program.
Local office staff will negotiate OJT/Employment agreements with employers in their area (i.e. city, county, multi-county). Private and public employers may be utilized when developing OJT agreements. Form TEA-1437, On-the-Job Training Agreement, will be used to outline the proposal.
In negotiating agreements, the local office will ensure that the employer understands that the purpose of the agreement is to:
The local office representative and employer will complete and sign the On-The-Job Training/Employment Agreement.
Once the TEA-1437 On-The-Job Training Agreement has been negotiated, it will be submitted to the local office manager for approval. The local office manager will review and make a decision within three (3) working days.
The local office will monitor the participation at the OJT employment site through contact with the Training Supervisor. This contact will be conducted at least once each month either by telephone or in person.
In certain situations, a family who becomes ineligible for TEA benefits due to employment may receive up to one year of extended Medicaid coverage (Refer to DHS Medical Services Policy 2061).
TEA cases which close due to employment (by agency determination or participant request) or have reached the time limit and the individual is employed will be eligible to receive an Employment Bonus payment, unless the family has already received an Employment Bonus within the preceding twelve (12) months. The purpose of the payment is to help the employed participant meet work-related expenses during the first full month of employment following the termination of regular cash assistance to better enable him or her to retain the job.
The amount of the bonus payment will be equal to the amount of the last regular TEA cash payment and it will not count toward the participant's twelve (12) month time limit.
When a case is closed for payment with one of the Action Reasons specific to the Employment Bonus, the system will automatically issue the bonus payment to the family in the month following the effective month of closure. If a system generated notice of closure is not sent, the local office should include the information regarding the Employment Bonus in their manual notice of closure so that the participant will know its purpose and be expecting it. (The system generated closure notice for an Employment Bonus closure code will include that information.)
Only one Employment Bonus may be authorized to a participant within a preceding twelve (12) calendar month period. Therefore, if a participant who received an Employment Bonus returns to TEA cash assistance, such participant cannot receive another Employment Bonus for at least twelve (12) months even if the case closes due to employment before then.
Example: Ms. Jones started to work in January 2008 and requested her case be closed due to her new employment effective February 2008. Her case was closed in ANSWER in January 2008 with an Employment Bonus Action Reason. The bonus payment was issued to Ms. Jones in February 2008. In November 2008 Ms. Jones loses her job, reapplies for TEA cash assistance, and is recertified in December 2008. She finds another job in January 2009 and again her case is closed due to employment effective for February 2009. However, she cannot receive an Employment Bonus this February 2009 because she received one within the twelve months preceding this month (i.e., the prior February of 2008).
TEA cases which close due to employment (by agency determination or at participant request) or have reached the time limit and the participant is employed will automatically be eligible to receive one (1) month of Extended Support Transportation bonus. The payment will assist the participant in meeting transportation expenses.
The Extended Support Transportation bonus will be in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) and will not count toward either the state or federal time limit.
When a case is closed due to earnings, the Program Eligibility Specialist will use the closure codes specific to allowing this Extended Support Service. Verification of earnings is not required. The system will automatically issue to the participant's EBT account the first month of Extended Transportation benefit in the month following the month of case closure. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may receive the extended support service transportation bonus.
The following are situations in which ESS employment bonus and/or transportation assistance will be authorized.
Note: A system edit will prevent more than one Employment Bonus from being issued in any twelve (12) month period.
In the following example, an ESS Employment Bonus and Transportation assistance will not be authorized.
Example: A telephone call was received in the local office reporting that Mr. Jones was employed. A ten (10) day notice was sent to Mr. Jones to contact the local office concerning the report. Mr. Jones did not contact the local office. The TEA case was closed for failure to respond to the notice. Even though this was a report of employment, the ESS Employment Bonus and Transportation assistance will not be authorized because Mr. Jones did not confirm that he was employed.
Those participants who become ineligible for continued TEA cash assistance benefits due to employment may receive, during the twelve (12) month period following case closure, cash payments for the purpose of enabling the participant to retain his or her job. The participant must show that there is an immediate job-related need which, if not resolved, will result in the termination of his or her job. In addition, there must be no other local resources available to meet the need. All ESS Job Retention services must be pre- approved.
The amount of the payment will be the actual amount needed to resolve the job-related need. If the payment exceeds two hundred dollars ($200), the local office manager must submit written justification prior to keying to WISE. To do so, the local office manager must complete a written justification and email or fax to the TANF Policy Unit.
The Extended Support Services Job Retention Payment will not count toward the participant's maximum t welve (12) month limit.
The following are examples of situations in which a former participant would need assistance in retaining a job:
Example: Ms. Smith started to work in July 1998 and her TEA case closed in December. Ms. Smith is still employed in February 1999. However, her car has broken down and is in need of repairs in order for her to continue to work. All other resources have been exhausted and her case closed within the prior twelve months. In this instance, Ms. Smith may receive an Extended Support Service Job Retention payment to repair her car.
Example: Mr. Jones has been employed since March and his TEA case closed in September. Mr. Jones has not received any assistance for the past eleven months. In order for this former participant to remain employed, he must purchase a special type of uniform. Mr. Jones states that after his expenses are met, he has very little, or nothing left over for extras. All other local resources have been exhausted. In this instance, Mr. Jones may be paid an Extended Support Service Job Retention payment to purchase the special uniform.
Although more than one job retention payment may be made during the twelve (12) month period, Program Eligibility Specialists should be alert to situations in which a participant requests multiple payments throughout the year. Job retention payments should not become a substitute for regular cash assistance payments or be viewed as an additional year of cash assistance.
Prior to authorizing any job retention payment, it must be clearly established that a job-related need exists and that failure to meet that need will most likely result in the participant's job being terminated. In addition, job retention payments may not be used to provide on-going assistance with basic needs such as rent or utilities since that type of assistance must be counted for purposes of the time limit.
The purpose of the non-compliance process is to encourage the participant to comply with the work activity requirement. It is expected this process will assist the participant in successfully reaching the goal of full-time employment while safeguarding the health and well-being of the children.
Failure to comply occurs when a person who is required to participate in the program:
The non-compliance process will be stopped if the participant demonstrates that he or she had good cause for not complying. The determination of good cause is a local office decision.
Good cause for failure to comply will be found to exist if:
Once failure to comply with TEA work requirements has been established, the Program Eligibility Specialist will:
Note: Suspended is defined as a period in which the family's financial assistance shall be held pending compliance. After which the family's assistance may be reduced, lost and/or paid at the regular grant amount.
Note: Any time a participant meets a deferral reason, the non-compliance process will be stopped.
Note: If the Program Eligibility Specialist becomes aware that the participant had good cause for failing to complete the two weeks of participation, consideration of that will be given. However, it is not necessary to formally provide the person with an opportunity to show he or she had good cause in this situation.
An act of non-compliance opens the initial sanction process. The sanction process is as follows:
When a TEA participant reports a marriage, the worker will:
If the decision is to close the case at the end of twelve (12) months and not allow an extension, the participant has the right to appeal that decision through the Appeals and Hearings office. However, benefits will not be continued pending the hearing decision after the twelfth (12th) month. Retroactive payment may be made if the hearing decision overturns the case closure decision.
The participant is responsible for notifying the County Office within ten (10) days of any change of address. It is important that the participant be advised of his/her responsibility to report any change of address within ten (10) days to ensure that the participant will receive appointments, notices, etc. in a timely manner. It is also important that any change of address reported be processed promptly by the County Office.
Arkansas Act 1705 of 2005 established the Work Pays Program. Work Pays is an incentive program designed to encourage working TEA participants to remain employed after closure of the TEA case while increasing their hours of work and/or hourly wage. Provided they meet Work Pays eligibility requirements, families participating in Arkansas Work Pays will receive: a monthly cash assistance payment in the amount of two hundred and four dollars ($204) for up to twelve (12) months, case management, supportive services, and job retention and advancement services. The twelve (12) months will count toward the federal sixty (60) month time limit but not the state's TEA -month limit. If the participant reaches sixty (60) months while participating in Work Pays, an automatic extension will be given to the sixty (60) month time limit. This work incentive program may be limited to three thousand (3,000) families.
The worker will explain the Work Pays program to the applicant and provide a Work Pays pamphlet during the initial interview for TEA cash assistance. The Program Eligibility Specialist will discuss the Work Pays program with the participant during ongoing case management activities. When the TEA case closes due to employment, the participant will receive additional information about Work Pays, including a Work Pays application.
A participant must meet the following requirements:
Note: Stepparents with no child in common are NOT part of the Work Pay budget unit. Therefore, the income of the stepparent is disregarded.
Note:If a participant has reached or exceeded the sixty (60) month federal time limit when the participant applies (or reapplies) for Work Pays, the application will be denied.
For participants interested in applying for Work Pays, the application must be completed and submitted via mail, email, or fax to DHS for initial eligibility determination. The Work Pays applicant must sign the application. If it is a two (2) parent household, both parents must sign the form.
In accordance with Arkansas Act 1205 of 2015, drug screenings of applicants and recipients will be conducted as a part of the application process - during initial eligibility determination and during reevaluation (redetermination).
For initial eligibility, the Program Eligibility Specialist will review the application to determine if the participant was employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the application date. If the participant was not employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the application date, no initial interview will be scheduled. The application will be denied, and a TEA-1 will be sent as an adequate notice of the denial. No good cause will be given for not meeting initial eligibility. (See TEA policies 4050 and 4051 for more information on adequate notices).
Example: An applicant submitted an application dated October 15th. On the application, the applicant indicated employment began on September 16th. Because the applicant was only employed twenty-nine (29) days, the application is denied.
If the participant was employed thirty (30) days prior to the application date, the Program Eligibility Specialist will review the following information in the automated system to further determine if the participant meets initial eligibility. (Refer to Policy 10100).
The participant:
* Must have care and custody of a related minor child (including family cap child and child receiving SSI);
* Must meet the citizenship or alienage requirement;
* Must apply for Work Pays within six (6) months of TEA case closure (unless the previous
Work Pays case closed due to insufficient hours);
* Must have received at least three (3) months of TEA cash assistance, including deferral and exemption months. (This includes TEA cases that close due to reaching the time limit or have been extended and earnings are included.); and
* Must not have received more than twelve (12) months of Work Pays.
If the requested information is submitted within ten (10) calendar days, the Program Eligibility Specialist will key the actual hours into the automated system and select the full payment indicator.
If the requested information is not submitted within ten (10) calendar days, the Program Eligibility Specialist will key the actual hours into the automated system and select the sanctioned payment indicator. (Refer to Work Pays policy 10700 for non-compliance requirements).
As an incentive to participants to retain their jobs, each Work Pays participant may receive pre-set bonus payments after meeting certain job retention targets. To be eligible for the bonuses, the participant must have met the federal work participation rate requirement in each of the preceding months according to the bonus schedule below. All bonus payments will be made through the participants' EBT card but not counted as cash assistance. Bonuses will be keyed after the monthly cash assistance payment has been released.
The Program Eligibility Specialist will assess prior work participation and select the indicator in the automated system to trigger the appropriate bonus payment. The bonus payment indicator should be marked at the same time as the work participation is entered each month. (See Work Pays policy 10504 for information on keying work participation hours.)
Note: Good cause months are classified as non-compliance and must be considered when determining if a participant is eligible for a bonus.
If the Work Pays participant exits the program and re-enters the program, the participant will be eligible for bonuses not already received when their Work Pays eligibility has been re-established. (See Work Pays policy 10800 for the eligibility criteria for re-entry to the Work Pays program.)
Participants that meet the work participation requirements for three (3) consecutive months will receive a bonus in the amount of four hundred dollars ($400.00).
Participants that meet the work participation requirements for an additional six (6) consecutive months not including the initial three (3) months in bonus one (1) above will receive a job retention bonus in the amount of six hundred dollars ($600).
Upon closure of the Work Pays case due to time limits, participants that have met the work participation requirements for twelve (12) out of twelve (12) months will receive an exit bonus in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800).
The Work Pays participant may receive an earnings' bonus of $1,200.00 anytime within the twelve (12) month case time limit if their income exceeds 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for their family size. The Program Eligibility Specialist will notify the supervisor if it appears that earnings exceed FPL. The supervisor will review the documentation and determine eligibility for the bonus. If it is determined that earnings exceed FPL, the Program Eligibility Specialist will send a ten (10) calendar day advance notice of closure to the participant (TEA-1). Once the notice expires, the Program Eligibility Specialist will close the case. After case closure, the supervisor will authorize the bonus to be issued.
Note: Temporary fluctuations such as overtime, seasonal bonuses, etc. will not be considered when determining eligibility for the earnings bonus. (See Work Pays policy 10300 for more information on FPL calculations).
Non-compliance occurs when a person who is required to participate in certain activities fails to do so. Below are two reasons that a Work Pays participant's case may be deemed in non-compliance. The participant:
The participant will be required to comply with the Office of Child Support Enforcement. Failure to comply without good cause will result in a 25% sanction being imposed. This sanction is an automatic system generated sanction and requires no action on the part of the Program Eligibility Specialist.
The sanction process will not be applied if the person demonstrates that he or she had good cause for not complying. The determination of good cause is a decision made by each local office. For acceptable good cause reasons, refer to TEA policy 3800.2.
Note: Good cause months are classified as non-compliance and could result in case closure when determining if a participant has failed to comply for three (3) consecutive months or failed to comply for at least three (3) months out of the past six (6) months.
Once failure to comply with Work Pays requirements has been established, the following procedures will be followed:
If on the 5th workday of the month, verification of hours has not been received, a ten (10) calendar day advance notice (TEA-1) will be sent on the 6th workday of the month requesting documentation. If the documentation is not received within the ten (10) calendar days provided in the sanction notice (and good cause is not established), either a 50% sanction (reduction in benefits) will be imposed on the Work Pays case or the case will be closed. (Refer to Work Pays policy 10504 for more information on applying the sanction.)
If a participant does not comply with both the work requirement and the Office of Child Support Enforcement, the sanction applied will not exceed 50%.
If the participant fails to meet the participation requirements, then the participant will be sanctioned. Either a 50% sanction (reduction in benefits) will be imposed on the Work Pays case or the case will be closed.
Home visits will be required on Work Pays cases when an act of non-compliance occurs (i.e., each month of non-compliance).
If the participant fully participates in the next month following a sanctioned payment, the Program Eligibility Specialist will authorize a full payment.
If the payment was reduced due to an OCSE sanction, the participant must fully cooperate with OCSE before full payment can be authorized. The OCSE sanction will be lifted upon receipt of OCSE documentation verifying cooperation.
016.28.24 Ark. Code R. § 001