1006-8          EXEMPTIONS FROM WORK ACTIVITIES

A parent or caretaker relative may be fully or partially exempt from the requirement to participate in work activities. The exemption may be applied at application or at any time during a family's period of eligibility if a change in circumstances also changes the individual's exemption status.

An adult applicant or recipient may be exempt from the requirements to participate in work activities for the following reasons:

• Caretaker of baby;
• Caretaker of disabled child;
• Caretaker of disabled adult;
• Medical reasons;
• Family hardship;
• Lack of childcare;
• No childcare funds; or,
• No transportation funds.

For a more detailed description of each exemption, see ATAP MS 730-2.

Certain work activity program requirements may be temporarily waived if compliance would:

• Endanger a family affected by domestic violence; or,
• Interfere with the family's ability to escape domestic violence or its escalation; or,
• Unfairly penalize them.

Individuals affected by domestic violence are required to participate in work activities and cooperate with the Child Support Services Division. However, these requirements may be temporarily waived when, in consultation with the individual, it is determined necessary. In MS 1001-5, it discusses the screening process for domestic violence and provides guidance for case management regarding work activity assignment. For policies related to:

• Child support, see ATAP MS 717;
• Time limit exemptions, see ATAP MS 701-3; and,
• Good cause for not participating in work activities, see ATAP MS 723-1.