808.37 Participation Requirements for 2 Parent Families SR 98-32, 08/98 (FAM-A)

Two parent families include those receiving NHEP financial assistance due to the unemployment of the principal wage earner.

Exception: An able-bodied adult in a TANF-incap case is not considered to be a two-parent participant and must meet the same requirements as single parents.

Minimum Participation Requirements

The minimum participation requirement for two parent families is 35 hours a week, 30 of which must be in an approved activity. Two parent families must participate 55 hours a week, 50 in an approved activity, when the following conditions apply:

- Neither adult is disabled or caring for a disabled child, and

- The family is receiving DHHS child care assistance.

Parents may share the required hours of participation.

Exception: This exemption does not apply if the second parent is under age 21 and does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

*Nonexempt parents must participate in the initial 4 weeks of job search. First and, if required, second parents, must also participate in one or more of the following NHEP activities specified below.

For two parent families required to participate for 35 hours, 30 hours are required in one or more of the following activities in the order of priority:

• Unsubsidized employment;

• Subsidized employment;

• OJT;

• AWEP;

• Vocational training (12 months); or

• Other approved work programs.

Two parent families receiving child care assistance who do not have a disabled individual in the household must meet the participation requirement of 55 hours a week with 50 hours required in one or more of the activities listed above.

Example

Joe and Mary are parents in 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:

• Educational activities may be substituted for the work requirement for a parent under the age of 25 who does not posses a high school diploma or equivalency. After the parent meets the above requirements, that individual may participate in other approved activities.

• In addition to the above activities, barrier resolution is also an approvable activity for 2 parent families. Parents referred to barrier resolution activities are not required to meet the above hours of participation requirement.

Approved Activities After Meeting Minimum Requirements

• Unsubsidized employment;

• OJT;

• AWEP;

• Job search and job readiness (6 weeks);

• Vocational skills training (12 months);

• Job skills training directly related to employment; and

• Basic education.

A nonexempt parent at least 21 years old and under age 25 without a high school diploma or equivalent, may substitute a basic educational activity for a work activity and use the activity toward meeting participation requirements. Another approved activity is required if this educational activity alone does not meet participation requirements.

The following also applies to two parent cases:

• Other NHEP activities may be approved after participation requirements are met.

• Educational activities not meeting the time participation requirements may be accompanied by other mandatory work activities.

• 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).

Non exempt parents under age 21 without a high school diploma or equivalent are required to participate in basic education activity. Total hourly participation requirements remain the same. Other activities my be required to meet total participation requirements provided these activities do not interfere with the educational activity.