Emergency Assistance (PRC)

Employers are required to provide documentation to the agency that background checks are required of all applicants, not just TANF recipients.

To be eligible for employment drug testing, the following must be verified: (1) there is an offer of employment; (2) the employer requires all job applicants — not just TANF recipients — to obtain a drug test prior to employment; and (3) the employer requires all applicants to pay for their own drug testing out of pocket.

Transportation subsidies such as mileage reimbursement and gasoline vouchers are not permitted.

PRC payments for employment-related goods and services are made directly to the provider, up to a maximum of $250.00 or the actual cost, whichever is less. The adult employment-seeking member must seek assistance through all available local, state, and federal programs. A currently employed member must verify employment with the employer’s name and address; a newly hired member must provide an employer statement verifying the projected start date, hours per week, and hourly rate of pay. Documentation is retained in the case record.

Employment must be verified as above. Assistance groups without an employed adult member or a member with a bona-fide job offer are not eligible for employment-related services, including vehicle repairs. At least one adult in the assistance group must have a valid driver’s license before a vehicle repair can be authorized. In the event of domestic violence, the applicant will complete a self-attestation for proper documentation in the case file.

Authorization depends on whether the repair is cost-effective: the vehicle must have a market value equal to or more than the cost of the repair. The applicant must provide two (2) written estimates from a local certified mechanic — an estimate by the applicant or a relative is not acceptable. Vehicle repair is limited to a maximum of $500.00. The applicant must provide verification of driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance.

The eligibility worker reviews the estimates and accepts the one that best meets the applicant’s needs (generally the lower estimate). An exception may occur when the applicant needs to expedite the repair to avoid loss of employment; if the higher-cost provider can expedite and the other cannot, the higher estimate may be authorized with approval of the Supervisor, Director, or designee. All documentation is retained in the case record.

Repayment agreement: PRC applicants who are employed or offered employment must sign an acknowledgement each time they receive assistance stating that willful termination of employment within three (3) months following issuance will allow MCDJFS to pursue collection of the assistance through administrative or civil action.

PRC funds may be used to pay for a driver’s license, state identification, or birth certificates. This must be for the purpose of obtaining or retaining employment or to fulfill public assistance program requirements. The assistance group must meet all income guidelines and provide verification that the material is required.

PRC funds can be issued for eradication assistance when a family needs help to rid their household of pests so the home does not become uninhabitable. Infestation of pests — specifically bed bugs, lice, roaches, mice, and rats — can create health hazards that could result in the removal of children from the home if not properly and promptly treated.

Only one episode of need per assistance group per 12-month rolling calendar is allowed, paid directly to the vendor in the form of a voucher, for a maximum of $500.00 or the actual cost of the service, whichever is less. Families should use PCSA funds or other community resources before applying for PRC. If the PRC maximum will not meet the emergent need and the family can make a co-payment or arrangements with the provider for the balance (with written verification submitted to MCDJFS), payment will be made; if no such arrangement can be made, the application must be denied because the need cannot be met. This program is not designed for annual pest control of basic household pests such as spiders or ants. Benefits are subject to available funding.

PRC funds may be used to replace or repair a primary refrigerator, stove/range, or deep freezer. No other appliances will be approved, and the appliance must be the only one of its kind in the home. If the information provided is questionable, the county may request verification that the appliance is not working. This service can be approved only one time per assistance group. The family’s total gross income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level for their assistance group size.