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DEFINITION OF WORK ACTIVITIES
WORK ACTIVITIES AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
The Division of Workforce Development (DWD) is responsible for placing families referred to them by the Family Support Division (FSD) in a countable work activity as outlined below. DWD applies FSD policies related to work activities, hours of participation, exemptions, exclusions, and good cause for not participating in a work activity, as appropriate.
WORK ACTIVITIES -- SINGLE PARENT FAMILY
Work activities for a single-parent family are:
1. Unsubsidized employment - Employment in which the wages are not supported
by federal funds.
2. Subsidized private sector employment – Employment in which wages are
supported by federal funds.
3. Subsidized public sector employment – Employment in which wages are
supported by federal funds.
4. Work experience - An unpaid assignment for individuals who lack previous
employment experience and/or job readiness and are difficult to place in unsubsidized
employment.
5. On-the-job training (OJT) – Public or private employment for an individual
to receive hands-on training at an employer’s place of business.
6. Job search and job readiness assistance – Activities designed to prepare
an individual to enter the workplace and to learn behaviors and attitudes necessary
to be successful on the job. Activities may include interview training, application
and resume preparation, and problem solving.
7. Vocational Education & Training – Participation in programs offered
through colleges, universities, community colleges, or other entity offering
a course of study that leads toward a degree, certificate or license. Graduate
programs are not a countable work activity.
8. Education Related to Employment – Educational programs provided to
someone who does not possess basic literacy skills, whether or not they have
obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Programs may include education
at a secondary school, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language and
literacy education.
An individual in a single-parent family is engaged in work if he/she participates in any combination of the above work activities during the month for at least an average of 30 hours per week.
A single-parent head of household under 18 years of age is deemed to be engaged in a work activity for a month if the individual maintains satisfactory attendance in a secondary school or a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence during the month or participates in education directly related to employment for an average of 30 hours per week.
A single custodial parent or caretaker relative with a child under age six is engaged in work activities if the individual participates in work activities for at least an average of 20 hours per week.
WORK ACTIVITIES -- TWO PARENT FAMILY
If a two parent family receives federally funded child care assistance, and an adult in the family is not disabled or caring for a severely disabled child, both parents must participate in work activities for a minimum of 55 hours averaged per week within a month. The first parent will be required to participate for a minimum of 35 hours per week, and the second parent will be required to participate for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Allowable work activities for a two parent household are the same as described in 1-8 in the preceding paragraph.
TRANSITIONAL SERVICES AFTER ASSISTANCE
Transportation related expenses, work related expenses and case management services may be provided for up to 90 days after the closing of the Temporary Assistance case. Individual circumstances determine the need for continued supportive services.
Child care assistance generally continues as long as the individual remains eligible under income guidelines.
Food stamp benefits are available to assist individuals who are no longer receiving Temporary Assistance. Change reporting policy for earned income households certified for six months is simplified so that the only change required to be reported is when total household income exceeds 130% of poverty. Other food stamp policy simplifications, which support the transition of working households from Temporary Assistance, include aligning vehicle policy with the Child Care policy. This results in exempting the value of all vehicles.
In Missouri, when a family loses eligibility for Temporary Assistance, the reason for the loss of cash may not affect Medicaid. Section 1931 Medicaid uses higher income limits than Temporary Assistance, and is less restrictive than Temporary Assistance on other eligibility factors. If the reason income exceeds the limits is due to earnings, the family is transferred to Transitional Medicaid unless they do not meet the requirement of 3 out of 6 months of receipt of Section 1931. If the family is not eligible for Transitional Medicaid or if the family loses eligibility due to other income, the family's eligibility is explored for all other categories of Medicaid. Missouri covers children up to 300% of the federal poverty level and pregnant women up to 185%.
When a Temporary Assistance case is closed for failure to cooperate with a review of eligibility, the family continues on Section 1931 Medicaid. If the Section 1931 Medicaid case is due for its annual review, then the Medicaid case can be reviewed. At that time a Medicaid only review form is used so that the family is clear that this review relates only to their Medicaid assistance.
Other cash eligibility requirements, for example - failure to participate with work requirements or owning resources over the limit, do not affect Medicaid eligibility.
REDUCTION OF ASSISTANCE BASED ON FAILURE TO COOPERATE
If an individual in a family subject to work participation requirements refuses without good cause to engage in a required work activity, the Division shall reduce the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family by 25%.
The following constitute good cause for failure to participate or accept employment:
• The employment would result in the family of the recipient experiencing
a net loss of cash income.
• Court-required appearance or incarceration;
• Emergency family crisis that renders participation unreasonable;
• Breakdown in transportation arrangements with no readily accessible
alternative means of transportation;
• Breakdown in child care arrangements or availability of child care not
suited for special needs of the child for whom it is intended; or
• Lack of identified social services necessary for participation.
If the individual is a single custodial parent caring for a child under age six, and if the individual has demonstrated the inability to work as determined by the Division, the Division shall not reduce assistance because of the individual’s refusal to engage in required work because of one or more of the following reasons:
• Unavailability of appropriate child care within reasonable distance
from the individual’s home or work site;
• Unavailability or unsuitability of informal child care by a relative
or under other arrangements; or
• Unavailability of appropriate and affordable child care arrangements,
Medicaid eligibility is not affected by an individual's failure to cooperate with Temporary Assistance work activities.
DISREGARDS FOR CHILD CARE
The average number of households receiving a child care deduction due to employment
is 1,528 per month. Missouri’s data system does not capture the type of
child care provider for these families. Provider type is captured only when
the family is receiving state child care funding.
FAMILY VIOLENCE OPTION
A study conducted for the Family Support Division (FSD) reinforces national findings that domestic violence in Missouri has a direct effect on the incidence of child abuse and neglect, women’s employability, and the ability to collect child support. In response to those findings, FSD has chosen to adopt the Family Violence Option to develop policies and procedures that will enable staff to direct and assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining financial stability. Identified victims will be allowed good cause waiver from immediate work participation. These waivers will be allowed providing they are:
• Granted appropriately, based on need, as determined by an individualized
assessment;
• Temporarily applied, for a period not to exceed six months; and
• Accompanied by an appropriate service plan designed to provide safety
and lead to work.
In order for FSD to better serve and develop realistic plans for these individuals, front line workers have a major role in identifying, assessing, and referring victims to domestic violence shelters, advocacy programs, Child Support Enforcement services, Children Services, work participation, or any other available community resources.
A screening tool was designed in collaboration with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV) to assist staff in accurately identifying potential victims of domestic violence. Screening is completed at the time of application for Temporary Assistance and at interim contacts where eligibility factors are reviewed. The questions are not intended to be intrusive and only ask enough information to identify indicators of domestic violence. Staff discusses the purpose of the screening and allows the individual the option to answer the questions. If answers identify domestic violence, staff will assist in collecting information as it relates to participation in a work activity and cooperation with the assignment/collection of child support.
A key element to the success of a participant’s treatment of domestic violence is the existence of available resources. A directory published by MCADV, listing the State’s service providers specializing in domestic violence issues, has been provided to each office. County offices are encouraged to make contact with the program servicing their area and develop a strategy of collaborating services.
As of October 31, 2004 there were 1,101 families being granted an exclusion of good cause due to Domestic Violence.
SHORT-TERM BENEFIT PROGRAM
Missouri does not have a short-term benefit program.
PROCEDURES FOR DISPLACING EXISTING WORKERS THROUGH WORK ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The following policies are part of Missouri’s TANF State Plan. This information is also on worksite agreements signed by the employer, employee and the Family Support Division.
An adult receiving assistance through the Temporary Assistance program may fill a vacant position to engage in work activities. The adult must be guaranteed wages and benefits comparable to employees in like positions. An adult shall not be employed or assigned to a work activity if another individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee, reduced the hours of such employee, or caused an involuntary reduction in its workforce in order to fill the vacancy with an adult taking part in a work activity; or the employment opportunity is created by a strike, lockout, or other bona fide labor dispute.
An individual who believes that he/she has been adversely affected by a violation of this requirement or the organization that is duly authorized to represent the employee shall be afforded an opportunity to grieve it. The individual or employee, or an organization that is authorized to represent the individual or employee, shall first attempt to remedy the alleged violation through a meeting with the employer within thirty (30) days of the request of the meeting. If the complaint is not resolved, the individual or employee may appeal to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations commission. A hearing shall be conducted by the commission and a decision shall be rendered within forty-five (45) days of the hearing. If the individual or employee is aggrieved by the decision of the commission, he/she may file a petition for review in the circuit court in which he/she resides within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision. In addition, if it is found that the employer violated these provisions, the Division shall terminate the wage supplementation contract with the employer. Nothing in this paragraph shall preempt or supersede any provision of a collective bargaining agreement. If there is an existing grievance procedure in a collective bargaining agreement, it must be followed. Nothing in this paragraph shall preempt or supersede any provision of state or local law that provides greater protection for employees from job displacement.
PROGRAMS DIRECTED AT PURPOSES THREE AND FOUR OF PRWORA
PURPOSE NUMBER 3 - TO PREVENT AND REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES.
TANF expenditures applied toward purpose number 3 are primarily focused on issues relating to youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The following describe some programs funded under this purpose:
Program 1. This program provides tutoring and latchkey services to children who are considered at-risk students and who would otherwise be left unattended after school is dismissed. The tutoring program is free to students in grades 2 through 6. The children are transported by van from elementary school to the center for tutoring. The latchkey program provides a safe and educational environment for at-risk unattended youth whose parents are working. It operates 5 days a week during the school year from 3 PM to 5:30 PM. The program provides snacks and is free for at need youth.
Program 2. This program provides the funding to secure presenters to do workshops and activities for youth that address the issues of pregnancy prevention and abstinence. Approximately 1650 youths participate in this program.
Program 3. A program designed to prevent and develop early intervention strategy for school aged children who are considered to be at-risk. The program addresses the urgent social problems of youth pregnancies, youth violence and chronic juvenile delinquency by building and enhancing youth’s relationship with their families, peers, teachers, school staff, and other members of the community.
Program 4. This program seeks to move teen parents receiving cash assistance into employment. Services are provided to teen parents, between the ages of 16 through 20, receiving cash assistance payments. The contractor provides a case management support system for teen parents which includes monitoring attendance, participation and progress in educational and training activities, counseling, and coordination of support services to ensure the successful transition of the teen parent from welfare to work.
Program 5. A team-mentoring model based on putting youth and family relations first. The intervention targets youth families receiving Temporary Assistance or who qualify as “needy” as they transition from welfare to work. Participants are referred from FSD and matched with screened, trained volunteers from congregations and other organizations. The intervention includes the following components: acceptance criteria for participation; collaboration with FSD; focused mentoring from the volunteers; training and support for new volunteer mentors; and coordination of services from agencies, organizations and individuals involved with participants.
Program 6. The program’s focus is a holistic approach to increase coping skills and success in both living and working environments. The purpose is to achieve the following program strategies: collect data to establish a base line; analyze data to establish at-risk group trends; research “like communities” for benchmarks and best practices related to effective pregnancy prevention programs; define stake holders; designate “pilot sites”; develop tools for an on-going evaluation process; and raise community awareness regarding teen pregnancy.
PURPOSE NUMBER 4 -TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TWO
PARENT FAMILIES.
TANF expenditures used for this purpose are primarily focused toward three separate family groups.
First is a focus on young males who are already parents and at risk of becoming dependant on public assistance. In order to provide for themselves and encourage family stability, they are offered services such as mentoring and job preparation.
The second population is families who have been recipients and are currently coming off of public assistance. Programs are developed as supports to the family. Counseling and mentoring assist the family in maintaining strength and support to continue without the assistance of welfare
Finally, the third group consists of families with joint custody of the children. Services include mentoring, supervised visitation opportunities and workshops aimed towards providing the family the same opportunities that are available to two parent families. The intent is to encourage positive reinforcement to the children.
Annual Report on State Maintenance-of Effort Programs: Form ACF-204
State: Missouri Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 29, 2004
Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program
Cash Assistance
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services and Activities
Cash Assistance
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Cash Assistance
4. Program Type. (Check one)
__X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_____ This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a separate
State program.)
This is not a work activity program.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $103,788,759
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $52,195,658
8. Total Number of Families Served Under the Program with MOE Funds: 18,259
This last figure represents (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services:
State TANF Plan Page 3 - 7
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under
prior law?
Yes __X_ No _____
11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:
(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)
This certifies that all families for which the State Claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year met the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
SIGNATURE:________________________________________________________
NAME Denise Cross
TITLE Director, Missouri Family Support Division
Approved OME No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/02
Annual Report on State Maintenance-of Effort Programs: Form ACF-204
State: Missouri Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 29, 2004
Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program
Cash Assistance
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services and Activities
Cash Assistance
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Cash Assistance
4. Program Type. (Check one)
____ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
__X_ This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a separate
State program.)
The following families receive Temporary Assistance cash under a Separate State Program because they are exempt from defined* work activities and the 60 month lifetime limit.
Payees who are age 60 and over
Payees who are permanently and totally disabled
Payees who are caring for a disabled individual in the home
Families receive Temporary Assistance cash under a Separate State Program because they have a child in the home under the age of one year and have received this exemption for more than 12 months. They are exempt from defined* work activities but they are not exempt from the mandatory 60 month lifetime limit for the receipt of Temporary Assistance.
Families who are legal immigrants receive Temporary Assistance cash under a Separate State Program. They are not exempt from participation in defined* work activities or the 60 month lifetime limit.
Two Parent families receive Temporary Assistance cash under a Separate State Program. They are not exempt form participation in defined* work activities or the 60 month lifetime limit.
Teen parents receive Temporary Assistance cash under a Separate State Program.
Those engaged in an educational work activity are exempt from the 60 month lifetime
limit.
Even though a payee may be exempt from participating in a defined* work activity, they are offered the opportunity to volunteer to participate and receive the same supportive services (transportation, work related expenses, etc.) as payees who are not exempt.
* Work activities are defined on page one of this report.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $12,343,011
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $10,343,011
8. Total Number of Families Served Under the Program with MOE Funds: 4,318
This last figure represents (check one):
_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services:
State TANF Plan Page 3 - 7
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law?
Yes __X_ No ____
11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:
(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)
This certifies that all families for which the State Claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year met the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
SIGNATURE:________________________________________________________
NAME Denise Cross
TITLE: Director, Missouri Family Support Division
Approved OME No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/02
Annual Report on State Maintenance-of Effort Programs: Form ACF-204
State: Missouri Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 29, 2004
Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program
Child Care
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services and Activities
Child Care
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Child Care
4. Program Type. (Check one)
_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
____ This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a separate
State program.)
This is not a work activity program.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $185,702,003
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program, for the Fiscal Year: $53,749,590
(Amount from Child Care Block Grant MOE = $16,548,756)
8. Total Number of Families Served Under the Program with MOE Funds: 15,499 Children
This last figure represents (check one):
_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services:
Income eligibility for child care exists when the adjusted gross income does not exceed the maximum based on the household size
Temporary Assistance households, defined as Temporary Assistance cash cases or $10.00 minimum pay cases are eligible for Child Care Assistance without meeting the Temporary Assistance hourly work participation requirement.
For households who show a need for child care, but are engaged in an eligible need component for a limited number of hours, the Child Care application will include a statement to show how Child Care Assistance supports the family's employability plan.
If participants are in educational components, they must be attending at least half time as defined by the facility. The participant must make satisfactory progress in the educational component and be able to document this progress.
The course of study must be consistent with a reasonable goal as reflected in an individual employment plan/self-sufficiency pact. A reasonable goal is one that leads to employment and/or increases the family's self-reliance.
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under
prior law?
Yes _X_ No ____
11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:
(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)
This certifies that all families for which the State Claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year met the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
SIGNATURE:_______________________________________
NAME Denise Cross
TITLE: Director, Missouri Family Support Division
Approved OME No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/02
Annual Report on State Maintenance-of Effort Programs: Form ACF-204
State: Missouri Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 29, 2004
Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program
Program Administration
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services and Activities
Program Administration
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Program Administration
4. Program Type. (Check one)
__X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_____This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a separate
State program.)
This is not a work activity program.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $12,327,082
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $6,163,541
8. Total Number of Families Served Under the Program with MOE Funds: N/A*
*Administrative Costs do not involve a specific payment to a specific family.
This last figure represents (check one):
The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services:
Not Applicable
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under
prior law?
Yes_X_ No ___
11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:
(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)
This certifies that all families for which the State Claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year met the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
SIGNATURE:________________________________
NAME: Denise Cross
TITLE: Director, Missouri Family Support Division
Approved OME No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/02
Annual Report on State Maintenance-of Effort Programs: Form ACF-204
State: Missouri Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 29, 2004
Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program
Data Processing System Costs
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services and Activities
Data Processing System Costs
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Data Processing System Costs
4. Program Type. (Check one)
_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
____ This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a separate State program.)
This is not a work activity program.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $7,354,054
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,677,027
8. Total Number of Families Served Under the Program with MOE Funds: N/A*
*Data Processing System Costs do not involve a specific payment to a specific family.
This last figure represents (check one):
____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services:
Not Applicable
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under
prior law?
Yes _X_ No ____
11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:
(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)
This certifies that all families for which the State Claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year met the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
SIGNATURE:__________________________________
NAME: Denise Cross
TITLE: Director, Missouri Family Support Division
Approved OME No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/02
