TANF applicants and recipients are told that TANF assistance is temporary, and that self-sufficiency and family economic independence are the goals they should strive to reach before their time on TANF is exhausted.
TANF applicants and recipients are asked to accept the personal responsibility to identify barriers, to participate in programs that will overcome the identified barriers, and to take an active role in developing their individualized plan for self-sufficiency, the Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR).
Under federal law, states have the option to extend TANF beyond 5 years (60 months) to a limited number of families based on hardship. The Department recognizes that some families, due to domestic violence, a mental or physical disability, or other barriers will not achieve self-sufficiency within the 60 month time limit for receipt of TANF assistance. Extended TANF (ETANF) gives families the ability to receive cash assistance contingent upon participation in employment or other work activities designed to move them toward economic independence.
Extended TANF provides families with member(s) that have exhausted their 60-month TANF limit, the opportunity to receive Extended TANF cash assistance contingent upon the adult’s participation in employment and training (E&T) or other services designed to move the family towards self-sufficiency and economic independence.
When an individual has received 60 months (1,830 days) of TANF, an alert (193) is created. The budget automatically changes to a Program Status Code (PSC) 07, which indicates the case is now in the contingency period. The contingency period is intended to give CAOs time to complete a partial redetermination and to determine if the individual is eligible for ETANF. The PSC remains 07 on the Case Summary screen in eCIS until the CAO takes action on the budget. The CAO must determine eligibility for ETANF and, if eligible, change the PSC within 30 days of the receipt of the alert.
If the budget is determined eligible for ETANF, the CAO must change the PSC 07/57 to either:
PSC 08/58 which indicates eligibility for ETANF; or
PSC 09/59 which indicates eligibility for ETANF because of domestic violence.
The CAO must then process the budget through the Extended TANF Tracking Exemption screen in eCIS.
The method for determining ETANF eligibility for an individual already eligible for TANF will follow the partial redetermination process. Individuals in the Contingency Period will be reviewed for conversion to ETANF using one of two methods:
1. Face-to-face interview
2. Telephone interview
a. When the ETANF interview is completed by telephone, the CAO will send the new or updated AMR to the adult for their signature/initials. The adult must return the signed/initialed, updated AMR to the CAO within 30 days of the CAO completing and sending the AMR. If the AMR is not returned within the 30-day period, the case will be closed with advanced notice.
The CAO will utilize whichever method is most practical for the client.
The CAO will thoroughly review the case record and conduct the interview. Based on the information in the case record, the CAO will decide which, if any, of the seven ETANF hardship tracks the adult may qualify to be placed if ETANF eligibility is determined. See Section 135.82, Determining Eligibility for Extended TANF.
An individual with more than 60 months of TANF may apply for Extended TANF. A TANF recipient must complete a partial redetermination. See Section 135.81. Individuals must meet all TANF eligibility requirements and must also meet the following criteria:
The adult must meet the requirements of one of the Extended TANF hardship tracks See Section 135.821.
The adult must complete a new or updated Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR) which specifies the ETANF hardship track and the participation requirements of that track.
The mandatory adult must participate for 30 hours per week, regardless of the age of the children, unless the adult has a verified exemption or establishes good cause.
If the circumstances change so that the individual no longer meets the eligibility criteria for a particular ETANF track, the CAO must determine if the individual is eligible using a different track.
The eligibility review will include the following:
A review of ETANF eligibility requirements
ETANF eligibility determination interview with the adult recipient(s) (See Section 104.4, Application Interview).
Completion of new AMR or update of existing AMR
Determine the eligibility of the adult in the appropriate ETANF hardship track
Review and update eCIS with the appropriate Tracking Exemption (TE) code and supporting eCIS data entry
Generate a notice indicating the eligibility decision
Complete the case narrative with a summary of the determination and case record documentation of eligibility for ETANF
Scan all verification and documentation into Imaging
The CAO will send the applicant or individual in the contingency period an appointment notice to schedule the ETANF determination interview. The appointment notice must advise the adult that they have received 60 months of TANF and must now be reviewed for eligibility in ETANF.
If the applicant fails to keep or reschedule their face-to-face or telephone interview the CAO will reject the application.
If the recipient within the contingency period fails to keep or reschedule their face-to-face or telephone interview the CAO will send Advance Notice to close the case.
Each hardship track has a corresponding tracking exemption (TE) code on the Extended TANF tracking exemption screen in eCIS. The TE code in conjunction with the correct PSC (PSC 08/58 or PSC 09/59) is needed to authorize ETANF in eCIS.
To be determined eligible to receive ETANF, the adult must meet the requirements of one of the following hardship tracks:
HARDSHIP TRACK 1 (TE 38) – Domestic Violence
Federal regulations permit states to extend TANF beyond the 60-month limit to families which include a member who has been a victim of domestic violence or is at risk of further domestic violence.
A family with an adult or other family member who was a victim, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of further domestic violence may qualify for ETANF in this hardship track.
Eligibility Requirements for the Domestic Violence Hardship Track
If the adult has a current or past good cause waiver for not cooperating with TANF child support requirements due to domestic violence, the family is eligible in this hardship track.
If the adult has a current or past good cause waiver for not cooperating with RESET requirements due to domestic violence, the family is eligible in this hardship track.
If the adult previously received Time-Out due to domestic violence, the family is eligible in this hardship track.
The adult who discloses domestic violence for the first time at the Extended TANF eligibility review qualifies the family for Extended TANF in this hardship track.
In most cases, the adult will be the person who is or has been a victim of domestic violence or is at risk of further domestic violence.
A family member may also qualify the family for Extended TANF in this hardship track.
Verification Requirements for the Domestic Violence Hardship Track
NO further verification of domestic violence is required if:
The adult has a current or past good cause waiver for not cooperating with TANF child support requirements due to domestic violence, or
The adult has a current or past good cause waiver for not cooperating with RESET requirements due to domestic violence, or
The adult previously received Time-Out due to domestic violence.
The adult who has NOT previously disclosed domestic violence must complete the Domestic Violence Verification Form, PA/CS 1747.
The adult disclosing domestic violence for the first time must provide one of the types of verification listed in Section 2 or Section 3 OR must sign the Self- Affirmation section, Section 4, indicating that they or the family member is at risk of domestic violence and is unable to safely obtain other evidence.
Once the PA 1747 is completed, the adult will NOT be required to provide additional or further verification.
Domestic Violence Services Plan
A family eligible for Extended TANF in this hardship track must have a Domestic Violence Services Plan and must adhere to that plan to the extent that personal or family safety is not compromised.
The Domestic Violence Services Plan is a Federal requirement. The Domestic Violence Services Plan is one of the requirements of a Federally recognized good cause domestic violence waiver.
Federally recognized good cause domestic violence waivers are required if the state needs to use these waivers for penalty relief from not meeting work participation requirements. For Extended TANF, the Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR) is the Domestic Violence Services Plan.
It is imperative that references to “domestic violence” do not appear on the AMR.
The AMR should contain the phrase “Referred for Supportive Services” in the Plan for Self-Sufficiency block.
A detailed discussion of relevant facts regarding the domestic violence situation should be included in the case narrative.
The caseworker should offer information on and a referral to the local Domestic Violence Agency; however, the adult is not required to accept the information and/or referral.
RESET Requirements for the Domestic Violence Hardship Track
If the adult in this hardship track establishes good cause for not complying with RESET requirements, they are not required to participate in an employment and training program. The adult may volunteer for the Maximizing Participation Project or any employment and training program as appropriate.
Failure to comply with a voluntary activity will not result in ineligibility or in a RESET sanction.
HARDSHIP TRACK 2 (TE 31) – Maximizing Participation Project (MPP)
Adult individuals may qualify for ETANF through the MPP hardship track.
The ETANF adult who is found eligible in MPP will be required to participate in the Work Capacity Assessment (WCA).
Certain post 60-months Extended TANF adults must agree to enroll in MPP, cooperate with MPP requirements, cooperate with the MPP Service Plan and participate in the WCA if they want to receive Extended TANF for themselves and their family.
Eligibility Requirements for the Maximizing Participation Project (MPP) Hardship Track
The MPP Hardship Track is designed for the following post-60-month ETANF families:
A family with an adult who is exempt from RESET participation requirements due to a verified physical or mental disability that temporarily or permanently precludes the individual from any form of employment or work-related activity for more than 90 days. (ETP 53).
An individual may also qualify if there are multiple barriers to participation that were not able to be resolved during time spent in Hardship Track 3 (Deferral), and the individual has demonstrated a pattern of being terminated from E&T programs with good cause due to these barriers.
Please see 135.8, Appendix H for MPP Procedures.
Work Capacity Assessment (WCA)
The ETANF adult who is eligible in the MPP hardship track is required to participate in the WCA. The WCA is a series of assessments including a medical evaluation, social determinants of health, job readiness, literacy, and other assessments as deemed necessary. These assessments will be available in all counties, are standardized statewide, and will be facilitated by a DHS contracted provider.
The WCA is an independent
evaluation of medical, vocational, and/or functional factors which assess
the factors which preclude or limit the adult’s ability to comply with
RESET requirements.
The WCA also includes a thorough evaluation of existing documentation received from the CAO and the adult’s treating physician(s).
The goal of the WCA is to evaluate the adult’s circumstances evaluating:
Their health condition and/or
The current family situation
The evaluation will be used to determine:
The degree of existing barrier(s)
The adult’s employment potential
Recommended services or activities that will assist the adult and their family to move toward economic independence
The WCA may include additional testing to acquire a diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
The findings and recommendations of the WCA will be provided to the MPP Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). The MPP MDT, along with the adult, will incorporate the information obtained from the WCA into developing the MPP Service Plan.
If the results of the WCA indicate that there is no medical condition, functional limitation, or good cause situation that precludes the adult from complying with RESET requirements, the CAO will refer the adult to the appropriate Employment and Training provider.
If the adult disagrees with the findings or recommendations of the WCA, they may request a second opinion.
Requirements for the MPP Hardship Track
There are no RESET or hourly requirements for ETANF adults who meet this eligibility for this hardship track.
However, the individual enrolled in MPP must comply with the requirements for eligibility in the MPP Hardship Track.
The ETANF family who is terminated from MPP due to non-cooperation is ineligible for ETANF. Their family is also ineligible for ETANF. When this occurs, the ETANF case is closed due to failure to cooperate with MPP requirements. The ETANF recipient has the right to appeal the proposed closure and request a fair hearing.
Individuals eligible in this hardship track are not subject to RESET sanction. The family may reapply for ETANF at any time. The family is determined eligible if the adult is now willing to cooperate with MPP and the WCA process or if they are now eligible in one of the other ETANF hardship tracks and agrees to cooperate with the requirements of the other hardship track. Additionally, the individual must do the following:
Seek and apply for any federal benefit for which they may qualify (such as Social Security benefits)
Follow to medical/mental health treatment plans
Ensure all doctors’ appointments are kept for the family
NOTE: The DHS contracted provider may refer to the MPP Service Plan as the IEP as this is the corresponding field in CWDS.
AMR Requirements for the MPP Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult in the MPP Hardship Track will explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track, will indicate their agreement to enroll in, participate in and cooperate with all the MPP Requirements including the WCA and the MPP Service Plan.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
HARDSHIP TRACK 3 (TE 34) – Deferral
Some Extended TANF applicants or recipients may be in a situation that temporarily prevents them from complying with RESET requirements. When the temporary situation is resolved, the adult will be reviewed for hardship track eligibility criteria in and whether they are able to comply with RESET requirements.
An adult may qualify for ETANF in the Deferral Hardship Track due to a temporary good cause anticipated to last less than 90 days. Additionally, the Deferral Hardship Track is for adults who meet specific exemption criteria from RESET make immediate referral to an Extended TANF program inappropriate.
Eligibility Requirements for the Deferral Hardship Track
This hardship track was designed for a family with an adult who has a temporary good cause situation usually no longer than 90 days. Instances where ETANF adult may receive Extended TANF in the Deferral hardship track (TE 34) include, but are not limited to, if the individual:
Exempt from participation in RESET because of a verified physical or mental disability which is expected to last less than 90 days and temporarily precludes the adult from any form of employment or work-related activity. (ETP Code 53)
OR
Mandatory but has established good cause to verify an exemption such as a physical or mental disability (PA 635) or caregiver exemption (PA 1820). (ETP Code 60, with Good Cause Code 53)
OR
Mandatory RESET, but has established good cause, for not complying with RESET Requirements. (ETP Code 60, with appropriate Good Cause Code)
OR
A parent/caretaker of a child who does not have child care and needs time to locate it. This good cause may be granted based on client statement unless it is questionable then ELRC verification is required. (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 56)
OR
A parent/caretaker of a child age six or older if no alternate child care is available within a reasonable distance from home. This good cause must be verified by ELRC. (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 57)
OR
A parent/caretaker of a child of any age if the available child care is unsuitable/unsatisfactory. This good cause must be verified by ELRC. (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 57)
OR
In the process of a compliance review (previously called a conciliation review) due to willful non-compliance with RESET requirements. No longer than 30 days. (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 45).
NOTE: This hardship track is time-limited to 30 days for those in the Compliance Review Process (Compliance Code 45).
OR
Receiving TANF pending the outcome of a timely appeal and fair hearing. (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 46).
NOTE: Eligibility is reviewed when circumstances change, but not less often than every 90 days.
There are exceptions to short-term good cause situations in the Deferral Hardship Track:
A TANF parent providing care for a disabled family member living in the home (ETP 54) is also placed in this hardship track. The need for a caregiver must be verified on the Caregiver Review Form (PA 1820).
If a parent in a one-parent household who chooses to use the time limited newborn exemption (See Section 135.32, Newborn Exemption).
NOTE:The newborn exemption must be reviewed every six months. This exemption must end the month the child reaches 12 months of age or when the 12-month limit expires, whichever is earlier.
In a two-parent household when both parents are mandatory, one parent may be given good cause to care for the child for a maximum of 12 months in the parent’s lifetime or until the child reaches the age of 12 months (ETP Code 60, Good Cause Code 73).
Eligibility Review for Deferral Hardship Track
Placement in the Deferral Hardship Track gives the adult a period, usually no longer than 90 days, to work on and resolve their situation.
If the adult is a custodial parent in a one-parent household caring for a child under the age of 12 months, the adult will remain in the Deferral Hardship Track until:
the month the child turns age 12 months of age or
the parent exhausts their 12-month in a lifetime limit or
the adult decides to no longer take this exemption
whichever occurs earlier.
If the adult is a parent providing care for a disabled family member living in the home, the adult will remain in the Deferral Hardship Track until:
The family member is no longer disabled
The family member no longer lives in the household
The adult is no longer needed to provide care for the disabled family member
whichever occurs earlier.
This will be reviewed annually at renewal. An updated PA 1820 is required once a year if the situation is changeable in nature. If the disabled family member’s condition is not likely to improve, or may worsen, a new PA 1820 is not required until a change is reported or when the situation is questionable.
Except for the newborn and caregiver exemptions, eligibility under the Deferral Hardship Track will be reviewed when the family’s circumstances change, or in 90 days, whichever occurs sooner.
A good cause code and good cause review date must be set in the system. Additionally, a CAO-directed (A Project) must be created on the ETP Enrollment Screen. A good cause review alert will appear on the IMCW’s dashboard when it is time to review eligibility in the Deferral Hardship Track.
The IMCW will utilize the partial redetermination process for the ETANF eligibility review on the good cause review date.
At the eligibility review, if the family’s circumstances have changed so the adult no longer meets the criteria of the Deferral Hardship Track, the IMCW will determine if the family qualifies for Extended TANF in one of the other hardship tracks. If so, the AMR is updated, or a new AMR is completed.
At the eligibility review, if the family’s circumstances have NOT changed, the IMCW will refer the adult to the MPP Track, unless the basis for the Deferral is expected to be resolved within the next 90 days. In this case, the family will remain in the Deferral Hardship Track until the situation is resolved.
The decision to extend the adult beyond the first 90-day deferral period must be approved by the Executive Director or his delegate and must be noted in the case record.
A family may
qualify for Extended TANF in this hardship track for a maximum of two
consecutive 90-day periods.
AMR Requirements for the Deferral Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult in the Deferral Hardship Track must explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track and will include a plan and specific steps to resolve the situation or circumstances within 90 days.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
HARDSHIP TRACK 4 (TE 35) – Referred to or Enrolled in an Approved Employment and Training (E&T) Program
A family may qualify for Extended TANF if the adult is currently enrolled in an approved E&T program when they exhaust their 60-month limit.
Eligibility Requirements for the E&T Hardship Track
Families who reach their 60-month limit qualify for Extended TANF in this hardship track if the adult has an approved RESET plan at the time eligibility for Extended TANF is reviewed. This includes an adult who becomes ETANF that is working up to 20 hours per week and referred or enrolled for the additional hours in an approved E&T program to meet the 30-hour requirement.
The requirement for this hardship track is the adult is referred to or enrolled and participating in an approved E&T program and the current AMR reflects participation in the approved E&T program.
An approved E&T program includes contracted programs such as Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS), Work Ready (WR), and EARN (in counties where WR is not available).
The combination of work and/or work-related activities must equal an average of at least 30 hours per week.
When the E&T program enrollment ends for a reason other than willful non-compliance, if the adult meets the requirements of another hardship track and agrees to cooperate, they may continue receiving ETANF.
If the adult is terminated from an approved E&T program for non-compliance, a compliance review takes place and if the individual was willfully noncompliant because no good cause or exemption existed at the time of noncompliance, then a RESET sanction is applied. See Section 135.71, The Compliance Review Process.
AMR Requirements for the E&T Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult in the Referred to or Enrolled in an Approved E&T Program Hardship Track will explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track and will indicate their agreement to continue participation in the approved Employment and Training Program.
The AMR for the adult working and engaged in an approved work-related activity will indicate their agreement to continue working and participating in the approved, work-related activity.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
HARDSHIP TRACK 5 (TE 32) – Work Plus (WP)
Eligibility Requirements for the Work Plus Hardship Track
A family with an adult who is mandatory or who volunteers to participate in RESET and is either:
Not employed or employed less than 20 hours per week and capable of working 30 hours per week.
Not employed or employed less than 20 hours per week and has established good cause for not working or participating in work related activities for a combined total of 30 hours per week.
Employed 20-29 hours per week and has established good cause for not working or participating in work related activities for a combined total of 30 hours per week.
Agrees to enroll in an appropriate E&T program and cooperate in obtaining necessary assessments for themselves and their family. The adult will also participate in the creation of their Individualized Employment Plan (IEP).
NOTE: Self-employment and in-kind employment are considered working for participation requirements.
The Extended TANF recipient who, without good cause, fails to cooperate with and participate in work or work-related activities, cooperate with the full family and individual assessments and/or maintain current employment is subject to a RESET sanction.
The RESET sanction imposed is cumulative and durational based on RESET sanction(s) previously imposed. Prior to imposing the RESET sanction, the IMCW will offer a compliance review. The review will establish if the adult willfully and without good cause failed to comply with RESET. See Section 135.71, The Compliance Review Process.
The Extended TANF recipient has the right to appeal the proposed sanction and to request a fair hearing.
The Extended TANF recipient who does not comply with the AMR activities related to working with the DHS contractor to resolve their good cause situation will have their TANF case closed. The family may reapply at any time.
AMR Requirements for the WP Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult in WP Hardship Track will explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track and will indicate their agreement to continue current employment and enroll and participate in WP Hardship Track for a total of at least 30 hours per week.
For the Extended TANF adult who establishes good cause for not participating in work and/or work-activities for 30 hours a week, the AMR will also indicate the specific steps they will take to address their good cause situation.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
HARDSHIP TRACK 6 (TE 33) – Working but Not Meeting Hourly Requirements
Another way a family may qualify for Extended TANF is if the adult is employed an average of at least 20 hours per week, but less than 30 hours per week, in unsubsidized employment, including self-employment and in-kind employment, and agrees to enroll and participate in E&T program. This adult is mandatory for RESET and can participate in work and work-related activities at least 30 hours per week.
Eligibility Requirements for the Working but Not Meeting Hourly Requirements Hardship Track
A family with an adult who is employed an average of 20-29 hours per week and agrees to participate an appropriate E&T program receiving appropriate skills, training, job upgrade, and job retention activities.
The ETANF recipient, who without good cause fails to participate in and cooperate with the DHS contractor, is subject to a RESET sanction.
The RESET sanction imposed is cumulative and durational based on RESET sanction(s) previously imposed. Prior to imposing the RESET sanction, the IMCW will offer a compliance review. This review will establish if the adult willfully and without good cause failed to comply with RESET. See Section 135.71, The Compliance Review Process.
The ETANF recipient has the right to appeal the proposed sanction and to request a fair hearing.
If the ETANF adult’s hours of employment are reduced below an average of 20 hours per week, the adult is transferred to WP Hardship Track with an updated AMR reflecting the Hardship Track change and reason for the change.
AMR Requirements for Working but Not Meeting Hourly Requirements Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult in the Hardship Track 6 will explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track and will indicate their agreement to continue working an average of at least 20 hours per week and to participate in and cooperate with E&T program requirements to gain appropriate skills or training, upgrade employment, increase wages, and/or hours of employment.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
HARDSHIP TRACK 7 (TE 35) – Working and Meeting Hourly Requirements
A family with an adult who is mandatory to participate in RESET and is employed 30 or more hours per week.
Although the individual is meeting RESET participation requirements with employment, they should still be offered the opportunity to enroll with an appropriate E&T program for potential job upgrade, job skilling/reskilling opportunities, and job retention services.
When the CAO receives verification of employment, if the verification is representative of ongoing, unsubsidized employment at initial entry, the corresponding activity hours are input into the activity and prospectively for a six-month period. A copy of at least one pay stub that was current at the time is used to project hours for no more than six months. Hours of participation will be adjusted if the individual reports and verifies a change in employment status such as increased or decreased hours, loss of job, or new employment. Upon expiration of the six-month period or at the semi-annual review, whichever comes first, the individual must again provide verification that will be used to project the hourly participation for the subsequent six-month period.
The Extended TANF recipient who, without good cause, terminates their employment is subject to a RESET sanction.
The RESET sanction imposed is cumulative and durational based on RESET sanction(s) previously imposed. Prior to imposing the RESET sanction, the IMCW will offer a compliance review. This review will establish if the adult willfully and without good cause failed to comply with RESET. See Section 135.71, The Compliance Review Process.
The Extended TANF recipient has the right to appeal the proposed sanction and to request a fair hearing.
If the Extended TANF adult’s hours of employment are reduced, the adult is referred to either Hardship Track 5 or 6, whichever is applicable based on the reduction in hours of employment. An updated AMR is necessary reflecting the Hardship Track change and reason for the change. If the adult’s employment ends, with good cause, the individual should be reviewed for eligibility in Hardship Track 3, 4, or 5 whichever is applicable.
AMR Requirements for the Working and Meeting Hourly Requirements Hardship Track
The AMR for the adult who is in the Working and Meeting Hourly Requirements Hardship Track will explain the reason the adult qualifies for this hardship track and will indicate their agreement to continue working an average of at least 30 hours per week.
If the individual volunteers to participate in an E&T program, the AMR must note they are meeting requirements with employment and are being referred for case management, job upgrades, skills, training, or job retention services.
The AMR must be detailed and specific to the adult’s circumstances.
A lack of general education, English proficiency, adult basic education, and post-secondary training/education have been identified as major barriers to recipient employability and ability to obtain jobs with family-sustaining wages. This ETANF education policy exists to improve client access to education and training to improve employability.
An ETANF adult actively participating or interested in pursuing HSE, ABE, ESL, or post-secondary education on or after reaching 1,830 TANF days may continue to or initiate participation in vocational education activities, as well as receive special allowances to support their educational activity, for up to 24 months.
ETANF individuals may also qualify for 6-month extensions if they meet all extension criteria. As with a TANF individual, if the extension criteria are not met at the time a participant exhausts their initial 24 months, or upon continued extension eligibility determination, they must meet required hours in another core activity but can be reviewed for extension eligibility after each semester.
To qualify for six-month extensions, after 24 months of participation in a vocational education activity, students must meet ALL conditions at the time of extension eligibility determination:
Must be engaged in a degree or certificate program that will likely lead to employment in a High Priority Occupation as defined by the Department of Labor and Industry;
Must not be enrolled in any remedial courses;
Must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or above*; and
Must have completed an average of at least eight credit hours per semester.
NOTE: Post-graduate (for example, a master’s degree) vocational education activities are not allowable activities for TANF/ETANF or SNAP E&T participants.
*For post-secondary educational programs that do not assign credits or GPAs, the educational institution will be required to confirm that the individual is meeting satisfactory progress toward completion as defined by the institution.
A mandatory ETANF recipient that does not meet all extension criteria can remain in the post-secondary educational activity but would be required to meet the 30 hours in another core activity, other than vocational education, in order to be eligible to receive special allowances to support the educational activity.
An AMR for an ETANF individual must include:
1. Denote ETANF Status and ETANF hardship track eligibility information explaining how the individual is eligible for ETANF
2. Individual’s goals and how education will support the ability to achieve those goals
3. Good cause when it is granted for additional core or noncore hours and activities to remediate educational barriers due to their circumstance to improve employability
4. Completed Vocational Education AMR Addendum
The same good cause policy and codes for HSE, ESL, ABE, and vocational education past the 12-month lifetime limit shall be utilized for ETANF participants.
Updated September 21, 2021, replacing August 7, 2014