WAG 06-01-06-d
When reconciliation is not successful, sanction a nonexempt client who failed to cooperate with the Refugee Job Placement Agency or Job Service without good cause. Examples of good cause are:
- death in the family;
- illness or incapacity;
- required court appearance or temporary incarceration;
- family crisis;
- breakdown in child care arrangements;
- sudden and unexpected emergency;
- unavailability of suitable child care;
- breakdown in transportation arrangements and no other transportation was available;
- inclement weather; or
- the referral did not meet appropriate work or training criteria.
To sanction a client, remove their needs when figuring the family's benefit amount. Use the sanctioned person's income and assets when figuring the family's benefits. A sanctioned person remains eligible for medical and SNAP benefits.
The sanction period starts the first day of the fiscal month that the client's needs are removed. The person's first sanction lasts until they register for work and request restored benefits. The 2nd sanction lasts at least 3 months, and the 3rd sanction lasts through the client's remaining months of RRP eligibility.
For the first sanction, restore cash benefits as soon as the client requests restored benefits and registers with the Refugee Job Placement Agency or Job Service. For the 2nd sanction, restore cash benefits when the 3-month sanction period is over and the client requests restored benefits and registers with the Refugee Job Placement Agency or Job Service. RRP benefits cannot be restored after the 3rd sanction.
The client can immediately register with the Refugee Job Placement Agency or with Job Service for a first sanction. For a 2nd sanction, the client must register within the 30 days before the end of the sanction.
When a client appeals a sanction, follow normal appeal policy (see PM 01-07-00). However, do not continue benefits past the end of the 8-month period unless the beginning date of the period is under appeal.
