5812.1 A non-exempt TANF or POWER applicant or recipient who, without good cause, fails to sign an Individual Responsibility Plan, fails to attend all required initial orientation, counseling, or assessment activities, or who fails to participate in or complete other job readiness or job search activities, as directed by the Director or his or her designee, shall be subject to sanctions by DHS.

5812.2 If a person is sanctioned pursuant to these rules, the Director or his or her designee shall not take into account the applicant's or recipient's needs in determining the assistance unit's needs and the amount of the TANF payment. The sanction shall remain in place for one (1) of the following time periods:

(a) Until the applicant or recipient complies with program requirements or one (1) month whichever is longer, if it is the applicant's or recipient's first sanction;

(b) Until the applicant or recipient complies with program requirements, or three (3) months, whichever is longer, if it is the applicant's or recipient's second sanction; or

(c) Until the applicant or recipient complies with program requirements, or six (6) months, whichever is longer, if it is the applicant's or recipient's third or subsequent sanction.

5812.3 If the Director or his or her designee cannot schedule a TANF or POWER applicant or recipient in the required activity in time to ensure payment of benefits in the next payment cycle, compliance will be considered to begin on the day the applicant or recipient notifies the Director or his or her designee that he or she agrees to participate.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 10251 (November 9, 2001).