Participation requirements for orientation and employment services differ. For information on participation requirements for ES Overview orientation, see 0028.09 (ES Overview/SNAP E&T Orientation), 0028.09.06 (Exemptions From ES Overview/SNAP E&T Orientation).

For information on general participation requirements and when people become mandatory participants for employment services, see 0028.06 (Participation Requirements).


MFIP:
In the first 60 months of MFIP eligibility all caregivers are required to participate in Employment Services (ES). Some caregivers will have a different level of participation which is dependent upon their circumstances. The only possible exceptions to ES participation requirements are good cause or if the caregiver has a child under 12 months or under 6 weeks (depending on the age of the parent and the option used to develop the EP). See 0028.18 (Good Cause For Non-Compliance--MFIP), 0028.06.02 (Universal Participation Provisions). For information about ES requirements for extended cases, see 0011.33 (MFIP Hardship Extensions).


FAMILIES WITH A MINOR PARENT CAREGIVER
Caregivers under age 18 must receive an assessment of educational progress and develop an Employment Plan concurrent with receipt of MFIP assistance. Refer the minor caregiver to the county social worker or the agency with whom your county has contracted to provide minor caregiver services.


FAMILIES HEADED BY AN 18- OR 19-YEAR OLD PARENT WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
Counties must allow 18- and 19-year old teen parents who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent to choose an EP with either an education option or a work option.

The work option means the EP includes activities under the regular employment services track. The 60-month clock DOES NOT stop for teen parents who choose this option. Under this option earned income DOES count for teens who choose the employment option.

The education option means that the EP includes education requirements (high school or its equivalent). The 60-month clock STOPS for teen parents who choose this option. Plans that include both secondary school attendance and work fall under this option. Under this option income IS NOT counted toward the MFIP grant.

County and Employment Services staff working with 18- and 19-year old parents must explain the option and make specific efforts to inform those who are in sanction for not attending school that there is a way to come into compliance.

Caregivers 18 and 19 years old who choose employment will be federally funded.

Also see 0012.06 (Requirements for Caregivers Under 20).

As soon as eligibility is determined, refer caregivers who must participate to MFIP-ES. Use the Employment Services Referral (DHS-3166) (PDF).

Sanction the unit when a caregiver refuses to participate in mandatory employment services. See 0028.18.03 (Suitable/Unsuitable Work), 0028.30 (Sanctions for Failure to Comply - Cash), 0028.30.03 (Pre 60-Month Type/Length of ES Sanctions), 0028.30.04 (Post 60-Month Empl. Services Sanctions).


SNAP:
Minnesota operates a voluntary SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. SNAP E&T is available to help any adult SNAP recipient get a new job or train for a career. The service is free and recipients can volunteer to work with an E&T provider. Workers must send an electronic WF1 Referral when a SNAP recipient volunteers to work with a SNAP E&T provider. To learn more see https://mn.gov/dhs/snap-e-and-t/ and TEMP Manual TE10.34 (Manual Referral Option for WF1).


MSA, GA, HSP:
No provisions.