Individuals eligible for TANF, excluded from Diversion and mandatory to participate in work or work related activities may be referred to the Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) contractor. The hours of participation are determined by the household composition for TANF. SNAP-only recipients must participate for the hours of the program as indicated on an EDP.
Individuals who are eligible for EARN are:
Receiving TANF at the time of enrollment.
Receiving Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits, or non–Cash Assistance and SNAP benefits.
An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD).
A non-assistance custodial or noncustodial parent of one or more children under the age of 18 who are not emancipated.
Otherwise referred or assigned to the EARN by the CAO. TANF participants who do not meet the criteria for a CAO-directed activity should be referred to a contracted E & T program as long as they have not exceeded their once-in-a-year or three-in-a-lifetime enrollment limit.
OPS 14-03-03 Removal of Annual and Lifetime Limits for Contractor Referrals (Linked May 16, 2014)
EARN offers an assessment that is combined with a system of work activities. An important element of EARN is the development of individualized plans that combine education, training, and work activity programs for individuals needing remediation. These programs are designed to enable individuals to obtain job skills and to improve basic math and literacy skills.
Individual applies for TANF or a recipient’s good cause, exemption or sanction ends. Following a sanction the individual will not be eligible for a referral to a contracted program until the next program year.
Complete or update the AMR.
Complete a referral in eCIS by entering "D" on the ETP Project Enrollment screen.
AMR ( PA 1661).
Individual Non-Fin Questions screen.
Enter ETP code 60.
ETP Project Enrollment screen.
Open Project D.
Enter the referral date.
Enter the appointment date.
Update as necessary or required.
Individual who has received more than 1,830 days of TANF may be eligible to enroll in EARN. However, the expected hours of participation is 30 hours per week, unless the individual has good cause.
Updated October 2, 2013, replacing April 11, 2013