It is important to report any changes (WITHIN 10 DAYS) in your household to your caseworker. If you don’t report these changes, it will affect your benefits. Here are some common changes:

• Starting a job
• Stopping a job
• Birth of a child
• Someone moving in or out of your home
• Moving to a different address
• Change in your child care provider, especially if Hennepin County pays for your child care
• If you start getting any money
  » Examples are SSI and Child Support
• If you stop going to school

What is it? It is a decrease in payment of your government grant because you did not comply with the requirements.

• It may be a misunderstanding of the requirements!
• Contact your case worker!
• We might be able to help!

What happens?

• The first month, your grant is decreased by 10%
• The first month, in a two parent household it could be reduced by 30%
• The second month (and after) your grant is reduced by 30%
  » We will send direct payment to your rent and/or utility providers for at least 6 months
  » If this happens, we do not need to send you another NOITS to make changes

Questions? Please contact your case worker to resolve. Unsure of who your case worker is? Take a look at our worker bio page to see if you recognize your worker. If you’re still not sure, please call 612-617-4502 or 612-998-5775.

Reasons why you might be sanctioned:

1. If you do not attend the overview session.
2. If you do not create or sign your Education plan
3. If you do not make progress on the activities in your Education plan
4. If you do not meet school attendance requirements (At least 80%)
5. If you do not meet with your case manager in person at least once a month
6. If you do not reply or turn in paperwork to child support

What if I can’t go to school?

• Is there something we can help you with?
• Talk to your case manager about your situation
• See Good Cause

Have you been told you need an overview? Contact 612-617-4502 or 612-998-5775.

If you are on government assistance with the education option, you are required to have an “intake” appointment, which we call an ‘overview.’ We will help you plan and achieve an education path that is best for you (not every person is the same!)

1. We have experience in working with young parents who are trying to finish their education, and you have many options…the sky is the limit.
2. We do not judge, we’ll meet you where you are in your education and help you decide which education route is the best route for you.
3. Find out ALL the options you have available.
4. Make a plan and have support to help you achieve your goals…being a young parent is just the start of your amazing story!

This is a written plan that defines your education goals and includes timelines to reach those goals. These goals are agreed upon by you and your Education Counselor, and any other relevant people involved in your case. This plan considers your skills, interests and previous education history.

Example of activities in your Education Plan are: attending high school, completing a GED, or completing a short-term training program. It might also include Family Violence Waiver activities, employment, or job search.

Your education plan includes:

1. Your education goals
2. Specific activities tied to your education goal (steps)
   a. Plan for long-term self-sufficiency
   b. Activities that will help move you toward graduation or your end goal
3. Specific hours that you will spend in education activities
4. Specific steps you will take to complete education goals
5. Timetable for completion of plan
6. Signatures verifying that you and your Education Counselor agree to the plan

Sometimes there are situations beyond your control that might prevent you from going to school. What can you do? The best answer is to contact your worker and explain your situation. Below are some reasons that occur often, but if you do not fit into any of these categories, your worker will be able to determine if your unique case is eligible for a Good Cause Waiver.

Many times, your worker will know about possible issues and help before they happen. This is why it’s important to keep in contact and be honest with your worker. They are not able to help you unless you tell them your situation.

Whether your worker knows about issues that might arise, or if you have an issue that happens suddenly, any proof or documentation you can provide is very useful such as notes, signatures, etc.

Some common reasons:

1. You were not able to find suitable child care
2. You are not physically or mentally able to attend school
3. You are ill or injured
4. You must be at home because a family member in your home is ill or injured
5. You are unable to find the transportation you need
6. You have an emergency that prevents you from complying with your education plan
7. You are unable to attend school or a mandatory MFIP meeting because you are required to attend a court proceeding
8. Other reasons
   » Family Violence
   » Homelessness/couch-hopping/more
   » Any reason could be a valid reason because everyone has their own situations…TALK TO YOUR CASE WORKER!