Welfare Transition Program Serving the Medically Disabled Population December 15, 2010 Linda Karon, RN, BSN, FCWP 2 Medical Deferment Coordinator, Region 21

Legal Guidance regarding Medical Incapacity Florida Statute, Chapter (4) (d) – allows Welfare Transition participants to be excused from work activities contingent upon verification by a physician licensed under Florida Statutes Chapter 458 or Chapter 459. The provision allows for assignment of work activities consistent with a participant’s medical limitations. 2

Who is in the Medically Deferred Population? A TANF recipient who has been referred to the Welfare Transition Program but is unable to participate in the work activity requirements due to a documented medical condition. An individual who has submitted a medical verification form (AWI- WTP 2288) signed by a licensed physician under Chapter 458 or 459 Or has submitted a statement from the physician specifying the nature of the incapacity, duration of the incapacity and the number of hours per week the individual can participate in the work activities. 3

Developing the Alternative Requirement Plan (ARP) The Alternative Requirement Plan (ARP) must be developed for every WTP participant placed in a medically deferred status. The ARP must identify the participant’s particular barriers to self-sufficiency and define their “Steps to Self-Sufficiency.” A deferral or “excuse” from work activity requirements is time limited as defined by the medical verification or physician’s statement. 4

Developing the Alternative Requirement Plan (ARP) Activities, including work activities, must be consistent with the limitations indicated in the medical verification/documentation. If the limitation has been identified as a permanent condition, the participant is required to apply for SSI/SSDI. This requirement is incorporated in the ARP’s “Steps to Self-Sufficiency.” 5

Medically Deferred but able to Participate The physician states on the medical verification form the number of hours the participant may be engaged in work activities. Work Activities are assigned in accordance with participant’s limitations, the number of hours permitted per week and employment/education goals identified on the ARP. Participants may be assigned the following hours:  10 hours per week  20 hours per week  30 hours per week  35 hours per week – no longer considered a deferral 6

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Work Activities Work Experience/Community Service Vocational Education/Training Education Related to Employment/GED Job Skills Training 8

Support Services for Participation Childcare:  Referral for subsidized childcare issued for a minimum of 20 hours per week participation. Transportation:  10 hours/week - $10 gas card or a 2-day bus pass  20 hours/week - $15 gas card or a monthly bus pass  30 hours/week -$20 gas card or a monthly bus pass  35 hours/week - $25 gas card or a monthly bus pass Other:  Clothing voucher – determined on an as needed basis  Tuition/Educational Supplies – determined on an as needed basis  Background Checks – determined on an as needed basis 9

Success Story A Participant’s Progression:  10 hours  20 hours  Full time Medical Assistant Student 10

Welfare Transition Program Serving the Medically Deferred Population QUESTIONS? 11