MR #17.01: High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults is Now a Core Activity for TANF

Illinois Department of Human Services

01/03/17

Summary:

  • Effective 01/01/2017, an adult that does not currently have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate will be able to participate in a new activity, High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults, to obtain his/her GED as a core activity for TANF.
  • The client will be enrolled full time as defined by the school, unless a full time program is not available, or a part time program is most appropriate based on the individual or family circumstance.
  • A Responsibility and Services Plan Attendance and Activity Report (A&A), IL 444-4006, is required to be submitted on a weekly basis, or more often if requested by caseworker.
  • The client may remain in this program as long as satisfactory progress is made at the end of each term.
  • The caseworker may enter up to the full participation target (20/30) for the case in High School Equivalency/GED Program For Adults. Count one hour of study time for each hour of attendance. The one hour of study time will systematically be added to the A&A, based on number of hours client is actually in the classroom.
  • If the customer's hours are not enough to meet the full participation target, the client may only participate in one other activity to meet the remaining hours.
  • Even though participation in High School Equivalency/GED Program For Adults is now a core activity, in WVS track the activity as a non-core activity, Education Directly Related to Employment.  A subsequent release will address how to enter High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults as a core activity in IES/WVS Phase II.
  • A subsequent release will address how to track hours in IES.
  1. Who May Participate in High School Equivalency/GED Program For Adults
  2. What the Activity Requires
  3. How to Track Hours in Legacy WVS/CDB
  4. How To Track Hours In IES
  5. Manual Revision

Who May Participate in High School Equivalency/GED Program For Adults

A TANF adult client (age 20 years or older) that does not currently have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate may participate in a new activity, High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults, to obtain his/her GED as a core activity for TANF. If a customer submits an oral or written request to obtain their GED, the customer shall be enrolled in High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults unless it has been determined that the benefit from participating in another activity would be greater to the participant than participation in this activity. The availability of high school equivalency/GED programs may also delay enrollment in this activity.

The caseworker may enter up to the full participation target (20/30) for the case in High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults. Count one hour of study time for each hour of attendance.  The one hour of study time will systematically be added to the A&A, based on number of hours client is actually in the classroom.  If the hours are not enough to meet the full participation target, the client may only participate in one other activity to meet the remaining hours.

What the Activity Requires

Participation in High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults requires the following:

  • The client will be enrolled full time as defined by the school, unless a full time program is not available, or a part time program is most appropriate based on the individual's or family's circumstance;
  • The program shall be accredited under Illinois law;
  • A Responsibility and Services Plan Attendance and Activity Report (A&A), IL 444-4006, is required to be submitted on a weekly basis, or more often if requested by caseworker;
  • Verification of satisfactory progress will be provided at the end of each academic term. Satisfactory progress is determined by written policy of the school or program. The client is responsible for submitting the progress report unless it is submitted by the school.

How to Track Hours in Legacy WVS/CDB

  • When entering the RSP in WVS, check the box Education Related to Employment under the Secondary Non-Core Activities (Section B) to engage a customer in High School Equivalency/GED Program for Adults. On the RSP, enter the weekly hours that the client actually attends school. The Attendance and Activity Report, which will be ready to view the next day, will automatically give the client one hour of study time for every hour they attend the program. 
  • In the CDB, hours of school attendance are displayed in Item 60, Activity Code 356, Education Related to Employment.

How To Track Hours In IES

A subsequent release will address how to track the hours in IES.

Manual Revision

PM 21-01-00

PM 21-02-10 (NEW)

PM 21-03-02

WAG 21-02-10 (NEW)

[signed copy on file]

James T. Dimas

Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services

Forms referenced:

IL 444-4006