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MFIP sets minimum hourly requirements for participants.

The program policies also recognize that in some situations the minimum required hours may not be possible.

Basic hourly requirements: Family Situation	Required Hours
Single parent or single caregiver family with a child younger than 6.	87 hours a month.
Single-parent or single caregiver family with no children younger than 6.	130 hours a month.
Two-parent families: both parents eligible for MFIP, including families in which 1 or both parents is disqualified for fraud.	At least 55 hours a week as a combined total. When 1 parent in a 2-parent family is participating 55 hours per week: · The 2nd parent must still participate. · Use professional discretion to decide the appropriate number of hours required of this parent to help achieve the goal of leaving MFIP.
Two-parent families: only 1 parent eligible for MFIP. (For instance, if 1 of the 2 parents receives SSI.)	130 hours a month.

The Fair Labor Standards Act may result in these hours being modified for individuals doing unpaid work. See 11.12 (Fair Labor Standards).

Guidelines for the range of hours to use in different situations

· Use the criteria below to determine the number of hours that fit a participant’s circumstances.

· Document in case notes the rationale for the number of hours in the plan.

Number of Hours	Situations That Are Appropriate to Those Hours
Maximum hours: 30-40 hours a week.	For participants for whom it is realistic and achievable, DHS recommends writing plans that mirror full-time work, 30-40 hours a week.
Between the minimum and maximum hours.	Set the appropriate number of hours between the minimum hours required based on the age of the youngest child and maximum based on the participant’s personal and family circumstances. This information could come from: · Assessment results. · The participant’s rate of progress. · Observations of the participant. · Special needs of the participant or children. · Family violence issues. · The level of English proficiency. · Involvement with social services. · Legal issues.
Below Minimum Hours.	Write a plan for less than the minimum if the participant: · Qualifies for a modified plan through Family Stabilization Services. · Has good cause and qualifies for a temporary Reduced Hours Plan. See 7.21 (Reduced Hours Plans).
Beyond 40 Hours a Week.	Only write an employment plan for more than 40 hours a week if all the following conditions are met: · The participant is involved in activities totaling more than 40 hours a week and needs the activities documented in the plan because child care is needed to support those activities. · The participant requested the additional hours. · The employment counselor approves the additional hours. · The Employment Plan clearly states that the additional hours and activity are voluntary and not subject to sanction.

Hourly requirements for specific circumstances

The Specific Circumstances	The Hourly Requirements
Participants just opening on MFIP meeting both these conditions: · With a skill level likely to succeed in obtaining suitable employment. · Not choosing education activities.	A minimum of 30 hours per week in job search for up to 3 months. To meet requirements for any remaining hours, include other allowable work activities in the plan. · This applies to single-parent participants and to both parents in 2-parent families.
Teen Parents.	See 9.24 (Documenting/Tracking Education Activities).
Participants with a family violence waiver.	See 8.24 (Employment Plans & Family Violence Waiver).
Participants in Family Stabilization Services.	See 17.55 (The Employment Plan).

Do NOT sanction a participant if the participant is meeting whichever is the smaller number of hours:

· The number of hours required in the participant’s employment plan.

· The minimum number of hours required in the circumstances.

If the plan requires more hours than the participant is achieving, the job counselor should learn the reason for the difference and consider revising the plan.

How to count transportation time:
Count transportation that is a part of the work activity.
For example, transportation from the Employment Services office to an interview or between interviews can be counted as part of job search activities.

Do NOT count hours used for transportation in either of the following circumstances:

· From home to a child care provider.

· To and from work or other work activities.

Round weekly activity hours to the nearest whole number

Number of Hours	Rounding Instructions
Less than 30 minutes.	Round down to the nearest hour.
30 minutes or more.	Round up to the nearest hour.

This applies to all activities.

If a participant is engaged in more than 1 activity, round the hours of participation separately for each activity each week.