MFIP sanctions overview

Agencies apply Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) sanctions when participants do not comply with Employment Services, Child Support enforcement or financial services orientation.

For the first through sixth sanction occurrences, sanctioned participants are NOT removed from the MFIP assistance unit but the amount of the MFIP grant is reduced.

For the seventh sanction occurrence, also referred to as 100 percent sanction or sanction disqualification, the family’s MFIP case is closed. For the impact of an MFIP case closing due to a seventh sanction occurrence, see “MFIP case closes due to seventh sanction occurrence” below.

Whether the family continues to be eligible for child care assistance depends on the type of non-compliance and their continued participation in authorized activities.

Non-cooperation with child support

At application, the family must be cooperating with child support to be eligible for child care assistance.

During the 12-month eligibility period, if an MFIP sanction is imposed for failure to cooperate with child support, the family continues to be eligible for MFIP/DWP child care assistance except when the MFIP case closes due to the seventh sanction occurrence. See “MFIP case closes due to seventh sanction occurrence” below.

At redetermination, the family must cooperate with child support to continue to be eligible for child care assistance. See Chapter 4.9.12 (Child Support cooperation at redetermination).

Non-compliance with Employment Services (ES)

At application, redetermination, and during the 12-month eligibility period, eligibility for MFIP/DWP child care continues as long as the caregiver remains eligible for MFIP. Authorization of care depends on a variety of factors.

Non-cooperation with financial services orientation

If an MFIP sanction is imposed for failure to cooperate with financial services orientation, eligibility for MFIP child care is not affected. Eligibility for MFIP child care continues as long as the caregiver remains eligible for MFIP. For the effect of an MFIP case closing due to a seventh sanction occurrence on child care assistance eligibility, see “MFIP case closes due to seventh sanction occurrence” below.

MFIP case closes due to seventh sanction

If an MFIP case closes due to a seventh sanction occurrence, also referred to as 100 percent sanction or sanction disqualification, the family is no longer eligible for MFIP child care. When a family loses eligibility for MFIP child care due to a seventh sanction occurrence, assess their eligibility for Transition Year child care.

· If the family received MFIP or DWP for one of the last six months, the family is eligible for Transition Year child care. The family does not need to meet minimum activity requirements until redetermination.

· If the family has not received MFIP or DWP for one of the last six months, the family is not eligible for Transition Year child care. Assess eligibility for Basic Sliding Fee child care. The family does not need to meet minimum activity requirements until redetermination. If Basic Sliding Fee funds are not available, the MFIP child care case closes and the family is added to the Basic Sliding Fee waiting list.

For information about how changes in subprogram impact eligibility and authorization during the 12-month eligibility period, see Chapter 8.1.18 (Changes in subprogram) and Chapter 9.1.5.3 (Authorizing care – Sanctions).

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 119B.011 to 119B.24
Minnesota Statutes 256J