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Changes in eligibility: Clients applying for public assistance must undergo an additional needs assessment at the point of application.
Employment activities: IMPACT participants must spend 8 weeks in job readiness/job search activities. Applicants must register for work at employment office at the time of application.
Family caps: Benefits do not increase for births occurring more than 10 months after first welfare receipts if the child was conceived in a month when the mother was receiving welfare. Exceptions include births due to incest or sexual assault and the first birth to a minor parent.
Financial disincentives/sanctions: See program requirements. IMPACT participants are required to meet education and training requirements. Failure to meet requirements results in elimination of the adult portion of the grant for two months and increases in strictness as noncompliance continues.
Financial incentives: The State disregards child support payments during the first six months after job entry. Resource limit is increased if recipients find employment. The 100 hour rule is eliminated.
Program requirements: Clients are required to sign the Personal Responsibility Agreement. Failure to sign the agreement without good cause can lead to a $90 reduction in monthly AFDC benefits. All welfare recipients are required to submit proof that all children for whom they receive benefits have their standard childhood immunizations up to date. Noncompliance results in $90 monthly sanction until proof is received. Parents of children who do not meet local school attendance standards are required to meet with caseworkers. Continued school absence results in a $90 monthly sanction. All minor parents under the age of 18 must live with a parent, legal guardian or other related adult, or in an adult-supervised supportive living arrangement. Participants in IMPACT must spend at least 20 hours a week in work-related activities. Parents must agree to live in “safe and secure” homes and not use drugs or abuse alcohol. Paternity identification is required.
Time Limits: A lifetime maximum of 24 months of welfare receipt after entry (for mandatory IMPACT participants only). Children of parents who meet the time limit are still eligible for federal support.
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