780-17        REFUSAL OF PAYMENT

A family has the right to refuse any cash benefit they are eligible to receive. The family remains eligible to receive PASS I childcare assistance and supportive services during a month for which they refuse cash.

A month for which the family refuses the ATAP cash benefit does not count as a month of assistance for purposes of the 60-month limit.

There are two primary situations where a household would want to be in refused cash status:

• If the client is potentially eligible for a small ATAP benefit due to earned income, unearned income, deductions, etc.; entering refused cash status in this situation allows the client to save their ATAP months, but they are still able to receive supportive services (i.e., childcare, transportation support, etc.) while they pursue self-sufficiency.
• If the client has entered into a Job Start opportunity they must be placed into refused cash status so their ATAP benefit can be paid to their employer to subsidize their employment.

Note:

A client that is participating in OJT may request to enter refused cash status because their ATAP benefit is reduced to a small amount by their earnings. Their OJT earnings may also cause their ATAP case to close, or they may wish to continue to receive a small ATAP benefit. The amount of their earned income from their OJT directs their options and choices. For more information, please see ATAP MS 759-7 or WSPM MS 1005.