808.45 Referrals to the TANF Program Analyst SR 09-20, 07/09 (FAM-A)

Refer individuals to the *TANF Program Analyst whenever an individual:

• claims an exemption from NHEP due to their own or a relative’s or assistance group member’s medical condition that is expected to last longer than 6 weeks;

• claims a limitation in NHEP participation due to their own or a relative’s or assistance group member’s medical condition that is expected to last longer than 6 weeks; or

• requests a hardship extension due to their own or a relative’s or assistance group member’s medical condition.

If the medical situation is expected to last less than 6 weeks and the client is not requesting an exemption or a hardship extension, do not refer the case to the TANF Program Analyst; NHEP can monitor short-term impairments and place the individual in the Interim Activities activity. All approved activities must take into account the individual’s temporary limitations.

Individuals claiming an exemption from NHEP, a limitation in NHEP participation, or a hardship extension due to their own medical condition, must complete a *Form 752 Medical Exemption packet containing:

• Form 752a, Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information; and

• Form 752(State Office), Physician/Clinician Statement of Capabilities.

Individuals claiming an exemption from NHEP due to the necessary care of a household member’s medical condition, must complete a *Form 752 Medical Exemption packet containing:

• Form 752a, Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information; and

• Form 752HH(State Office), Physician/Clinician Statement of Necessary Patient Care for a Household Member.

Exception: For individuals requesting a hardship extension only, if there is a Form 752(State Office)or Form 752HH(State Office) on file that is less than 4 months old, do not make the individual complete a new *Form 752 Medical Exemption packet. If current verification on file is more than 4 months old, the individual requesting a hardship exemption must provide a completed new Form 752 Medical Exemption packet.

The request for a hardship extension or an exemption from or limitation in NHEP participation will be denied, if:

• the healthcare provider fails to return the Form 752(State Office) or Form 752HH(State Office), even after the *TANF Program Analyst attempts to help get the information; or

• the applicant fails or refuses to cooperate with the *TANF Program Analyst.

Participant Status After Referral to *the TANF Program Analyst

Applicants

Applicants claiming a medical exemption from NHEP work requirements will be considered exempt until the *TANF Program Analyst receives Form 752(State Office) or Form 752HH(State Office) and is able to determine the individual’s ability to participate in NHEP.

Recipients

Mandatory or voluntary participants in NHEP who claim an exemption to work requirements due to a medical issue will retain their status of mandatory or voluntary during the period of time the *TANF Program Analyst is awaiting the return of needed documentation and making a determination on the recipient’s claim for exemption. Participants must continue to comply with NHEP. Failure to comply with NHEP during the *TANF Program Analyst’s determination process is cause for progressive sanctioning.

Recipients who are currently exempt from participation requirements due to a medical issue will be referred to *the TANF Program Analyst at their next regularly scheduled redetermination and must redocument the medical condition if, at that time, the Form 752(State Office) or Form 752HH(State Office) * does not provide current medical information clearly documenting a current medical issue that requires an exemption.*

Medical exemptions must be redocumented at least every 6 months unless otherwise indicated on the form.

Claim Status After Referral to *the TANF Program Analyst

If not requesting a hardship extension, once the Form 752(State Office) or Form 752HH(State Office) is returned to the *TANF Program Analyst and the healthcare provider has indicated that:

• the individual is partially or fully able to participate in work or work-related activities, the *TANF Program Analyst will enter this information into New HEIGHTS and the individual will be referred to NHEP if the individual is not currently participating in NHEP; or

• the individual is totally unable to participate in work program activities, the *TANF Program Analyst will provide case management services and offer to help the individual explore and apply for programs, if appropriate, that might better serve the individual’s needs, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, veteran’s benefits, Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled, or Aid to the Needy Blind.

If requesting a hardship extension due to a medical condition, the *TANF Program Analyst will determine the individual’s ability to participate in NHEP work activities based on the information provided by the healthcare provider and then forward the Form 752(State Office) or Form 752HH(State Office) to the Hardship Coordinator for a decision on the hardship request.