The transition period begins in the 48th month of MFIP use.

It continues through a participant’s 60th month of MFIP assistance.

The objectives of the transition period are to:

· Continue to help families secure employment.

· Identify and help families gather all information necessary to determine if the participant qualifies for an extension after month 60. See 18 (Time Limits and Extensions).

· Ensure families understand their options.

· Prepare participants unlikely to be extended by explaining which public benefits are still available and referring participants to other community resources.

Starting at month 48:

· MAXIS sends monthly notices to participants informing them that they are approaching the 60-month limit.

· The notices include:

· Information about the 60-month lifetime limit.

· The number of months the participant has remaining.

· The policies for extensions.

Between the 54th and 58th months counties must:

1. Complete an administrative review. For more detail, see below.

2. Hold, or at least attempt, a face-to-face meeting with the participant.

N/A	The Administrative Review
Purpose.	To determine if the employment plan is still appropriate.
Who Should be Involved.	Counties will determine who is responsible and involved in this process. · DHS recommends that eligibility workers, employment counselors and other professionals involved with the household be involved. Participants do not have to be involved.
Information to be Covered.	Consider whether: · The count of months is accurate. · The employment plan is still appropriate. · The participant is in the Family Stabilization Services track and whether the documentation is up to date. · The participant is aware of options to stop the 60-month clock. · Existing conditions affect the participant’s progress toward self-sufficiency. · Adequate information is available to determine if the participant is eligible for an extension. · The participant has a current sanction or has had more than 2 months in sanction since month 48. · Services may be available if MFIP benefits end.

N/A	The Face-to-Face Meeting
Purpose.	To ensure participants are aware of the policies, the status of their case, and their options.
How do Counties Meet the Requirements to Attempt a Face-To-Face Meeting.	· Counties should make at least 3 attempts at a face-to-face meeting. · The attempts should be documented in case notes. · Attempts must include: · Efforts to reach the participant in writing as well as by telephone (if a telephone number is available). · Information about a proposed time and place. · Participants are not required to attend. Do not sanction participants who do not attend.
Who Should be Involved	In some counties, eligibility workers will be responsible for the face-to-face meetings. In other counties, employment services agencies will be responsible.
Information to be covered.	The following information must be covered: · How many months of assistance the participant has used and when he/she will reach the 60th month. · The criteria for extensions. · What to do if the participant thinks he/she may meet the criteria. · How to request an extension and verify eligibility. · What to do to cure a sanction, if necessary. · Other resources available to meet the family’s needs. · The right to appeal the closing of the MFIP case if the participant does not qualify for an extension.
If the Face-To-Face Meeting Is Not Possible and Does Not Occur.	The county or tribe administering MFIP must send the following to the participant: · Any information that would have been shared in a face-to-face meeting. · A notice of adverse action about the case closing and include an extension request form.

For participants who speak limited English, counties and employment services agencies must:

Follow the county’s or tribe’s Limited English Proficiency plan. See 4.27 (Limited English Skills).

· Review the plan to be clear about what language resources are available to help participants understand the information about time limits and extensions.

· Review MAXIS information about the participant’s primary language and need for an interpreter before a face-to-face meeting.

· Counties or employment services agencies are responsible to arrange for interpreters if needed.