Narrative: b.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Caregivers must begin participating in work activities within 30 days of being determined eligible for MFIP. Counties have the option of requiring that work activities begin sooner. MFIP uses a combination of work incentives and required work activities such as job search, short–term training or subsidized work. Sanctions enforce work activity requirements and include grant reductions, vendor payments of shelter costs from the grant, and even case closure (when there are seven occurrences of noncompliance). When a case is closed, the financial worker re–determines the family’s continued eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. MFIP must remain closed for a minimum of one full month when closed for sanction reasons. Before ending a family’s assistance, because of sanction, the county agency must review the case to determine if the employment plan is still appropriate, and must attempt to meet with the participant face–to–face. Diversionary Work Program (DWP) The goal of the Diversionary Work Program is to provide short–term, necessary services and supports to families, which will lead to unsubsidized employment, increased economic stability, and reduced risk of those families needing longer term assistance under MFIP. DWP supports families during a crisis situation and is not intended to meet recurrent needs. Short–term supports provided may include temporary help with rent, utilities or other housings costs and a personal allowance. Eligibility for DWP begins the date a signed application form is received by the county agency. State statute requires financial workers to hold the interview for an applicant who appears to be eligible for DWP within five working days of the receipt of the application. If it appears that child care is necessary to enable a parent to work or look for work, and the parent has not applied for child care, the application for child care assistance must be completed before the interview with the financial worker is completed. As soon as possible, but no later than ten working days before being notified by the county agency that the applicant is financially eligible for DWP, the employment services provider must meet with the applicant and develop an employment plan. The county agency must issue DWP benefits within one working day after receiving notice that an employment plan has been signed. By requiring a child care application to be completed during the DWP interview process, and by requiring the applicant to meet with workers and develop an employment plan prior to issuing any cash benefits to the applicant, Minnesota stresses work as the means to address the family’s ongoing needs and places a high priority on starting to work or increasing the number of hours a person is employed. When a participant fails to comply with the DWP employment plan or with child support enforcement without good cause, the DWP case is closed. The family is not eligible for MFIP during the DWP disqualification period and the case remains closed unless the parent comes into compliance within four consecutive months of the DWP eligibility period. The disqualification of the family from DWP does not affect receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or health care benefits.