209.07 Continued Absence of a Parent: 30-Day Continued Absence Period SR 94-04, 04/94 (FAM-A)

See SR 98-50 dated 8/98 for changes to this policy applicable only to Concord D.O. pilot implementation of New HEIGHTS.

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If 30 days of parental absence has not elapsed by the time of the initial eligibility interview but is anticipated, grant assistance if all other eligibility factors are met. Direct the first assistance payment to the District Office to allow time to verify that the 30-day requirement has been met. In MA-only cases contact the individual to ensure the 30-day requirement has been met.

The 30-day continued absence period is considered unbroken if the absent parent returns home to visit the child. It is also considered unbroken if the parents attempted—but failed—to reconcile and reunite the family during the 30-day continued absence period.

However, the 30-day continued absence period is considered broken and must begin anew when reunited parents separate after a temporary adjustment period has expired or when a different absent parent is being used to determine deprivation.