3100 WORK/SELF-SUFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

1. TANF applicants who are mandatory work program participants are required to complete the Self-Assessment Form (E-6), complete the online Employment services orientation tutorial, actively seek employment, and meet all work related requirements during the application process, unless they are exempt or good cause as defined in KEESM 3530 is established. See Section 3330.9 for special rules regarding TANF domestic violence/sexual assault victims.
   
   
2. Each Food Assistance household member, ages 16-59, who is not exempt from work requirements is required to register for work, see work related exemptions in 3200.
    
3. Upon application, adult TANF applicants of the mandatory filing unit (MFU) will be initially screened to determine the appropriate work activity and will complete the Self-Assessment Form and the online Employment Services orientation tutorial. The MFU will not be eligible for TANF benefits until documentation has been provided that all work program mandatory participants have completed both the self-assessment and the tutorial. After becoming a TANF recipient, the client(s) will continue to job search, until they meet with the EES case manager to develop a self-sufficiency agreement. A transportation allowance to support job search efforts may be issued until the recipient meets with the EES case manager and a new work program activity assignment is determined. Further assessments may be administered as determined necessary by the case manager.
    

4. Non-exempt food assistance only clients in designated counties may volunteer to participate in the federally mandated USDA Food Assistance Employment and Training Program (Food Assistance E&T). The designated counties include: Atchison, Brown, Douglas, Geary, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, and Shawnee. Non-exempt food assistance only clients will be automatically referred to a provider who will contact the client and offer available E&T services. The opportunity for food assistance only clients to volunteer for services will be applied consistently within the county. Requirements shall not be imposed on food assistance only applicants with the exception of the Potential Employment provisions of 3540.
    

5. Adult members residing in eligible TANF and/or food assistance households but who are a fugitive felon, probation or parole violator, disqualified for a fraud conviction, or an ineligible non-citizen are ineligible for work program services.
    

6. Exempt TANF applicants/clients and exempt food assistance clients who volunteer may be served with work program services although mandatory clients take precedence. All TANF adults who are exempt from employment program requirements, due to being needed in the home to care for a disabled household member, will be referred to employment services and given the opportunity to volunteer. Information about employment service opportunities, community support services and/or vocational rehabilitation services will be provided. TANF time limits will be explained and an opportunity to enroll in employment activities will be offered. No penalty will be assessed if the exempt adult chooses not to participate.
    

7. In addition to participating in assigned work-related/self-sufficiency activities and potential employment, clients are also expected to:
    

   • Report and maintain newly acquired or current employment
      
   • Attend and participate in all classes, groups, and appointments as scheduled
      
   • Provide written verification of information requested by the case manager
      
   • Address problems, barriers and limitations encountered during participation with EES case manager and work to resolve these issues
      
   • Participate in good cause determinations at any point non-compliance occurs
      
   • Provide documentation of all activities, including job contacts if required locally.
      

3100.1 Applicants - TANF applicants who are mandatory work program participants are required to complete the Self-Assessment Form (E-6) and the online Employment Services orientation tutorial unless good cause documentation is provided and will be screened during the initial interview to determine:

• Cooperation in work program requirements,

  
  

• Work readiness, and
   

• The need for domestic violence services.
   

Domestic violence/sexual assault victims who indicate they cannot safely participate in other work activities will be placed in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Activity unless they state they do not want DV/SA services. The EES case worker will then determine, in collaboration with the client, the safest and most appropriate work activity options for that individual.

TANF applicants who are determined to be ready for work should be assigned to appropriate work activities. Assignment to such activities should be client directed and based on the individual client’s skill level, situation and needs.  In no way should this assignment delay the approval of food assistance or expedited food assistance benefits.

Note:Completion of the self-assessment and the orientation tutorial, unless otherwise found exempt are eligibility requirements. Applicants who are required to complete the self-assessment and the tutorial but fail to cooperate are ineligible for TANF. (See 2121).

3100.2 Recipients -

1. In all counties, clients who receive both TANF and food assistance will meet work related/self-sufficiency requirements by participating in the TANF work program.
    

2. Following approval of TANF and prior to completion of the Self-Sufficiency Agreement, individuals should be involved in appropriate work activities. The complete assessment must occur within 90 days of the approval of TANF or food assistance.



3. All TANF adults who are exempt from employment program requirements, due to being needed in the home to care for a disabled household member, will be referred to employment services and given the opportunity to volunteer. Information about employment service opportunities, community support services and/or vocational rehabilitation services will be provided. TANF time limits will be explained and an opportunity to enroll in employment activities will be offered. No penalty will be assessed if the exempt adult chooses not to participate.