Meeting the Work Program Rules

Some clients must meet work program rules as a condition of receiving their TAFDC benefits. Clients who are subject to work rules are considered nonexempt. These clients are also subject to time limit rules. Case managers are responsible for ensuring their clients are aware of how the Department’s Pathways to Work programs and supports can provide opportunities for economic mobility while meeting the TAFDC work rules.

A grantee or other parent who is subject to the work rules will receive a 60-day Pathways to Work Planning Period upon TAFDC case approval to complete a set of Planning activities. Following the Planning Period, the client is expected to fully engage in activities that meet the expected weekly hours and will support progress towards their employment goals.

Each parent subject to work rules must participate for a certain number of hours per week, which is determined by the age of the youngest child in the TAFDC assistance unit:

• 20 hours if the youngest child is between the ages of two and six, or
• 30 hours if the youngest child is six or older.

For TAFDC households that have two parents, each will be assessed for whether they must meet the work rules. TAFDC households where at least one or both parents are subject to work rules the case is also subject to time limits.

A grantee or other parent can meet the work program rules by:

• working in a job for pay,
• participating in an approved Pathways to Work education, employment or training activity,
• volunteering at an approved community service site, or
• a combination of these activities

Clients subject to work rules must be referred to their assigned Full Engagement Worker (FEW) to ensure they are connected to and enroll in a program that meets their needs and discuss participation and engagement expectations. Pathways Activity referrals should be issued based on client interest, eligibility, and program availability.

The Department will develop a Pathways to Work Plan with a client subject to work rules that both meets the required hours and aligns with their education or employment goals towards economic stability. If the client’s FEW, Self Sufficiency Specialist (SSS) or case manager are unable to agree on a Plan, a supervisor must support this process.

DTA must create a Pathways to Work Plan for any client who is employed or participating in an approved activity in the Pathways to Work workflow. Clients must provide monthly proof of their continued engagement in their activities, with the exception of employment.

Remember: The Department can connect clients to both funded and non-funded activities to develop a Pathways to Work Plan. Activities can also be client initiated and approved as an appropriate Pathways to Work activity by the Department.

Some clients may be subject to the work rules, but temporarily excused through a meets compliance reason. A client who has a temporary excuse from meeting the work rules due to good cause or other compliance reason must begin meeting those hours when that reason expires.

These clients must still be engaged as much as possible, even if they are unable to participate in a Pathways to Work program or work or meet their work rules at that time. These clients continue to be subject to time limits. (See Using Meets Compliance).