1014               PENALTIES, DISQUALIFICATIONS, AND GOOD CAUSE

Overview

Penalties are intended to enforce the expectation that families meet program requirements and to engage families in the planning and activities that will lead them to employment and self-sufficiency. When a client fails to follow through, without good cause, to comply with certain program requirements, a financial penalty can be imposed on the client. A penalty is a reduction in the amount of cash assistance a family receives when an adult is able to but chooses not to comply with their responsibility. A penalty is only used when other efforts to engage the family have failed. If a penalty is imminent, the case manager should contact the family to determine if good cause exists, or to resolve the non-compliance before the penalty takes effect. Communication between the case manager and caseworker is essential in this process. (ATAP Manual Section 723) The penalty can be requested when a client does not:

• Develop, sign, and comply with a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan;

• Participate in work or self-sufficiency activities; or

• Cooperate with the Child Support Services Division (CSSD).

These penalties are progressive and unless the client complies, the amount of the reduction in a family’s payment may increase over time.

A financial penalty is also imposed when a minor parent does not meet the school attendance requirement.  A school attendance penalty is not progressive, and the amount of the reduction in assistance is different than for other penalties.

Penalties are ended when an individual complies with the requirement or becomes exempt from the requirement. If the individual is determined to have good cause for not complying, the penalty is ended effective the date good cause began.  

No penalty is imposed when an individual:

• Has good cause;

• Is exempted from the requirement, (ATAP Manual Section 730-2) or,

• Is excluded from the Temporary Assistance case.