This message is to let you know of changes to the time-limit exemption status for a number of Native communities. These changes are being made based on the 2000 census data, and are effective May 1, 2003. These changes affect communities in the Southeast, Northern, and Coastal regions; there are no affected communities in the Central region.
Both state and federal Temporary Assistance laws specify that months of assistance do not count toward the 60-month time limit when a family lives in an Alaska Native village or on an Indian reservation where 50% or more of the adults are not working. Originally,1990 census data was used to make the determination of which villages were exempt from the time limit.
We have now received the 2000 census information and it shows that there have been changes in the employment rate in a number of villages. 12 villages have seen a decrease in employment, and become exempt from the time limit because less than 50% of the adults in the village are working. Another 43 communities have seen an increase in employment, and their time limit exemption is ending because more than 50% of the adults in the community are working.
Each of the affected communities and their regional Native Organizations have been sent a letter informing them of the change in status, and we coordinating the policy change with the Native Family Assistance Programs. Work Services staff will also be notifying our grantees who provide work services for families living in the affected communities.
In consultation with Regional Managers, we decided to simplify the implementation of this change by having program staff in Juneau update individual EIS case records. Approximately 120 Temporary Assistance families living in affected communities were sent a notice informing them of the change and how it affects their months of assistance. A case note was entered for each case describing the change, and an EIS alert was set for the caseworker.
During May, program staff in Juneau will review April caseload information to identify any family that was not included in the original list of affected cases. Caseworkers should not need to take any further action.
EIS has been updated with these changes. The months of assistance fields on the TLIP screen will reflect the changes beginning with May benefits. Addendum
I of the Temporary Assistance manual has also been revised, and the updated version is attached to this broadcast. If you have any questions please contact any member of the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3347, or email dpapolicy@health.state.ak.us