Temporary TAFDC Disability Exemption Procedures

The Department continues to develop procedures for a permanent disability determination process for economic assistance clients, which was suspended in response to the public health emergency in March 2020. This includes the process for TAFDC applicants and clients who are seeking an exemption from work rules and time limits.

The procedures below must be followed until additional guidance is provided. No medical documentation or written statement is to be requested or required to provide a TAFDC client with an exemption for their disability. 

At this time, a TAFDC grantee or other parent who states they cannot work or engage in Pathways to Work activities due to their own disability or health problem may request an exemption from the work and time limit rules.

This exemption is verified by:

  • verbal self-declaration that they cannot work or participate due to their disability and that it is expected to last longer than 3 months

When a client requests an exemption for disability, case managers must make the following BEACON selections for that member on the pages listed below.

Work Requirements – TAFDC

  1. Select Required – No
  2. Select the appropriate Required status reason from the drop-down list based on the household:
    1. Disab. Parent in 1 parent AU
    2. Both Parents Disabled in AU
    3. Disab. Parent in 2 Parent AU
    4. Noncit Both Parents Disabled in AU
    5. Noncit Disab. Parent in 2 Parent AU
  3. Confirm the Start date is updated to the date the exemption is being entered
  4. Select the appropriate Exemption Status and Reason from the drop-downs for the case under AU Time Limit based on whether it is a one or two parent household and the age of the youngest child.

Disability

  1. Select Disabled – Yes
  2. Select Disabled determination source – Client Statement

Disability Determination

  1. Supplement sent - Enter the same date the exemption was entered
  2. Supplement return – Enter the same date the exemption was entered

Important: If a client states that they have a health problem that is expected to last 3 months or less, they have good cause. They must be excused from work rules with a compliance reason of Temporary Health Problem. This may also be verified by the client’s verbal self-declaration.

Important: Any change to a client’s exemption or compliance reason requires an Interview Wrap-up to be authorized for the change to be effective.