Sanction policies are different for participants extended on MFIP beyond the 60-month time limit.

The differences include:

· Non-compliance can result in permanently closing a participant’s case.

· The count of sanction occurrences may start over after month 60.

· Two-parent provisions are more complex.

Participants extended for a reason other than employed are considered Family Stabilization Services participants.

· Follow the directions about the steps to take before a sanction is imposed in 17.61 (Sanctions).

Participants may claim good cause reasons for not complying. See 19.9 (Good Cause).

To impose a sanction:

· Send a MFIP Notice of Intent to Sanction (DHS-3175) (PDF).

· Notify the eligibility worker if both of the following occur:

· The participant does not respond within 10 days.

· The participant does not follow through with the steps necessary to comply as outlined in the Notice of Intent to Sanction.

For participants extended under the ill/injured or incapacitated hardship categories or using banked months, apply the sanction policies for pre-60 months MFIP.

For information about each extension category, see 18.18 (Extension Categories):

Sanction Sequence: For participants extended under the Employed or Hard to Employ categories.

1st Occurrence,	· The eligibility worker issues a notice of adverse action. · A 10% reduction to the grant is imposed if the participant still does not reply or take the steps necessary to comply.
2nd Occurrence.	A case review must occur. 19.36 (Sanction Reviews and Outreach). · The eligibility worker sends a notice of adverse action. · A 30% sanction with vendoring is imposed. See 19.15 (Vendoring Benefits).
3rd Occurrence.	A 30% sanction with vendoring is imposed. See 19.12 (Sanction Types).
4th Occurrence.	· Prior to closing, the County or tribe responsible for administering MFIP must make a good faith effort to meet with the participant face-to-face. See 19.33 (Face-to-Face Meetings for 100% Sanctions). · The participant’s case is closed. · The participant must apply and meet the following conditions to reopen the case · Comply with employment services for up to 1 month. · Meet the criteria for an extension category.
5th Occurrence.	The eligibility worker issues a notice of adverse action. A 10% reduction to the grant is imposed if the participant still does not reply or take the steps necessary to comply.
6th Occurrence.	· The County or tribe responsible for administering MFIP must review the participant’s employment plan to determine if it is still appropriate. · Prior to closing, the County or tribe responsible for administering MFIP must make a good faith effort to meet with the participant face-to-face. · The eligibility worker must send a notice of adverse action, if the first 2 steps do not resolve the non-compliance. · The notice must inform the participant that the participant will be permanently disqualified. · The participant’s case is closed. · The participant is permanently disqualified from MFIP.