701-5          COMPLIANCE WITH FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN WHILE ON EXTENSION

Adults must continue to develop and follow an FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan while the family is receiving benefits under an extension to the 60-month time limit.  The consequences for non-compliance under the hardship criteria are different than the consequences under the other three criteria. In the case of hardship, the extension may be ended if an individual does not develop and follow an FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan.  Under the other three criteria, a non-compliance penalty may be imposed.

The Work Services case manager, in consultation with the caseworker, makes the decision to impose a penalty, end the extension, or hold a Family Progress Review to obtain further information.  

Before imposing a penalty or closing a case, every effort should be made to determine why an individual is refusing to comply or is unable to comply with the program requirements. The case manager needs to attempt conciliation to resolve the non-compliance, which may involve a face-to-face appointment or home visit.  

Before ending a hardship extension, the case manager must also determine if the family qualifies for an extension under other extension criteria.

701-5 A.     NON-COMPLIANCE UNDER HARDSHIP

When families receive an extension based on hardship, complying with an FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan demonstrates the families are experiencing circumstances outside their control, and that they are actively working to overcome these issues.  The FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan may also include activities to address conditions that threaten their health and safety.

If an individual does not develop and comply with an FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan that addresses the circumstances outside the family’s control or conditions that threaten their health and safety, the extension may be denied or ended, and the case closed.  

• Activities that address "circumstances outside the family’s control" are activities directly related to the reasons the extension was granted, and are directed toward overcoming the problems that interfere with the family’s ability to become self-sufficient. Such activities include participating in job preparation or work activities, following through on referrals for assessments, entering a treatment program, or attending classes for limited English proficiency.

• Activities intended to alleviate "conditions that threaten the health and safety of the family" are activities that allow the family to provide for essential needs, or that allow the family to stay together.   Such activities include applying for affordable housing or following a plan to keep a child in the home.

701-5 B.     NON-COMPLIANCE UNDER OTHER CRITERIA

When extensions are based on domestic violence, incapacity, or the need to care for a child who is experiencing a disability, the adult may be subject to a non-compliance penalty if they do not develop an FSSPFamily Self-Sufficiency Plan and comply with the activities included in the plan.