808.37 Participation Requirements for 2 Parent Families SR 04-26, 10/04 (FAM-A)

Two-parent families include those receiving NHEP financial assistance due to the unemployment of the principal wage earner. An able-bodied adult in a TANF-incapacity case is not considered to be a two-parent participant and must meet the same requirements as single parents.

Minimum Participation Requirements

Two-parent participants have special participation requirements:

• The "two component" structure of NHEP does not apply to two-parent families, nor does the 26-week "clock." See FAM 808.13, NHEP 26 Week Component.

 Exception: Two-parent households are required to participate in the initial 4-week job search activity.

• The minimum participation requirement for two-parent families is either 35 hours a week (30 of which must be in an approved activity), or, when the following conditions apply, 55 hours a week (50 in an approved activity):

- neither adult is disabled or caring for a disabled child; and

- the family is receiving federally-funded child care assistance, such as that offered by DHHS.

• Parents may share the required hours of participation. Regardless of whether the participation is shared or the requirement is being met by only one of the parents, consider both parents to be participating in NHEP work programs so long as minimum requirements are being met.

• Two-parent families have no "temporary exemption" statuses (see FAM 808.05, Exemptions from Participation in NHEP), since the minimum participation requirement is a shared requirement and may be met through the participation of either or both parents.

• Parents must participate in one or more of the NHEP activities specified below for at least 30 of the minimum 35 hours or, if required to participate 55 hours, for a minimum of 50 hours:

- unsubsidized employment;

- job search/job readiness (6 weeks only);

- OJT;

- AWEP;

- CWEP;

- Job Club

- vocational training (12 months only); or

- other approved work programs.

Example

Joe and Mary are a two-parent family and receive DHHS child care assistance. Joe participates in an AWEP for 40 hours per week. Mary is employed for 15 hours per week. The combined hours for both parents is 55 hours per week and the family is meeting the NHEP two-parent participation requirements.

Exceptions:

• If either parent is between the ages of 21 and 25 and does not possess a high school diploma or equivalency, he or she may choose to substitute educational activities for the work requirement. Educational activities that do not meet the minimum 30 or 50 hours above must be accompanied by additional mandatory work activities to meet the total 35 or 55-hour requirement.

• If either parent is between age 18 and age 21 and does not possess a high school diploma or equivalency, he or she must participate in educational activities when the couple’s youngest child reaches 6 months of age. Total hourly participation requirements remain the same. Other activities may be required to meet total participation requirements.

• If either parent is under age 18 and does not possess a high school diploma or equivalency, he or she must participate in educational activities when the couple’s youngest child reaches 12 weeks of age. Total hourly participation requirements remain the same. Other activities may be required to meet total participation requirements provided these activities do not interfere with the educational activity.

• In addition to the above activities, barrier resolution is also an approvable activity for two-parent families. Parents referred to barrier resolution activities are not required to meet the above hours of participation requirement as specified on the Employment Plan.

Approved Activities After Meeting the 30 or 50-Hour Minimum Requirement:

• unsubsidized employment;

• AWEP;

• CWEP;

• Job Club;

• job search and job readiness (6 weeks only);

• OJT;

• vocational skills training (12 months only); and

Exception: In order be approved for referral to OJT or vocational skills training, individuals must meet the specific referral conditions for the activity (see Section 808.39, NHEP Activities).

• Basic education.