If an individual meets criteria to be exempt from RESET requirements, the AMR discussion will focus on activities that will improve the individual’s prospects for eventual employment and/or be directed toward obtaining other sources of income such as Social Security or SSI.
Example: For an individual who is recovering from surgery, the caseworker may list activities such as keeping doctor appointments, getting a medical assessment form completed, or keeping physical therapy appointments. Agency help might include a referral for medical transportation.
The AMR will also include activities that will improve the individual’s situation or the health and well-being of children such as enrolling a child in Head Start, keeping appointments for prenatal care, participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, getting a driver’s license, doing volunteer work, etc. Many of the activities on the AMR will be voluntary and will not be subject to sanction if the individual fails to follow through.
The AMR should always be written with respect to any required or court-ordered activities so that individuals can successfully participate in both programs. When appropriate, required or court-ordered activities should be incorporated into the AMR. However, in the event that the court-ordered activity requirement surpasses or conflicts with the RESET requirement, the individual cannot be sanctioned under RESET if they fail to comply with the requirements of the court order.
If the individual refuses to cooperate in completing the AMR or refuses to sign the form without good cause, the individual is ineligible for continued benefits. The individual is removed from the cash grant, or, in the case of an applicant, cash benefits are not authorized for the individual who refuses to complete or sign without good cause. The individual remains ineligible for cash assistance until compliance. The CAO will continue or authorize cash assistance for other family members, Medicaid and/or food stamps if all other requirements are met.
An individual may have good cause for not completing or signing the AMR due to physical or mental limitations, such as being temporarily hospitalized. Benefits should not be denied if the CAO determines good cause exists and the individual should be allowed 30 days from the date of the interview to complete/sign the AMR.
Issued November 2, 2018, reviewed April 11, 2019