Located in:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:
c. Ensure That Parents and Caretakers Receiving Assistance Engage in Work in Accordance with Section 407 (section 402(a)(1)(a)(iii) of the Social Security Act)
Current Narrative:
Minnesota ensures that parents receiving assistance through MFIP engage in work activities through three mechanisms: requiring all adults receiving MFIP assistance to develop an individualized employment plan that identifies the activities the adult will participate in and that meets the hours required for participation (256J.561, subd.2); imposing sanctions if the participant does not comply with the work requirements (256J.46); and offering employment services to all adults receiving assistance.
Minnesota requires parents and caregivers to submit pay stubs and documentation verifying participation in work activities as detailed in the State’s Work Verification Plan. The Department of Human Services and the Department of Employment and Economic Development jointly operate MFIP employment and training services. The Minnesota Department of Human Services also releases regular management indicator reports to counties in order for the counties to track state-mandated performance measures for MFIP.
Child care assistance is available to all MFIP participants who engage in work activities in an approved employment plan.
Minor caregivers under the age of 18 who have not received a high school diploma or its equivalent are required to engage in appropriate educational programs and are provided with child care assistance and supportive services to enable successful participation. Caregivers ages 18 and 19 can choose whether they want to complete their high school education or participate in work activities leading to employment. Whichever choice is made, child care assistance is available to enable the parents to participate in the chosen activity.
Bilingual employment and training services and work literacy language programs may be available for those lacking English proficiency, although the lack of proficiency in English is not necessarily presumed to be a barrier to employment. Interpreter services are provided when necessary.
Diversionary Work Program (DWP)
DWP stresses that work is the means for families to meet their ongoing needs and provides support services as needed to help participants in crisis obtain and retain employment. After establishing financial eligibility, participants must meet with an employment counselor and develop an employment plan in order to be found eligible to receive assistance through DWP. Work activities available for participants include, but are not limited to: job search, job readiness assessment, job readiness assistance, job clubs, job counseling, job coaching, job skills training, work experience, subsidized employment, on-the-job training, job placement, educational programs and post-employment follow-up services. Education for DWP recipients is allowed, but the education program must be completed within the four-month DWP period or an education activity cannot be approved as part of the employment plan. Participants who do not comply with their employment plans have their cases closed.