COMAR 07.03.17.23. Work Requirement for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

A. Except as described in §§B(6) and (7) and G of this regulation, an individual may not participate in the Program as a member of a household if, during a 36-month period, the individual received Program benefits for at least 3 months as described in §F of this regulation , consecutive or not, during which the individual did not:

(1) Work 20 hours or more per week averaged monthly;

(2) For 20 hours or more per week, participate in and comply with:

(a) A Welfare Innovation Act program;

(b) A Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program; or

(c) An employment and training program;

(3) Combine work and participation in a work program as described in §A(2) of this regulation that totals 20 hours a week averaged monthly;

(4) Participate and comply with the requirements of a workfare program under §20 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, or a comparable program established by the State or local government; or

(5) Qualify for an exemption under §B or C of this regulation.

B. An individual is exempt from the requirement as described in §A of this regulation if the individual is:

(1) Younger than 18 years old, or 47 years old or older;

(2) Physically or mentally unfit;

(3) A parent or other household member residing with a dependent child 17 years old or younger;

(4) Pregnant;

(5) Exempt from work requirements as described in Regulation .21B of this chapter ;

(6) Residing in one of the local department areas that has a waiver of the applicability of §A of this regulation from the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture; or

(7) Exempt from work requirements in accordance with 7 U.S.C. §2015(o)(6).

C. Subsequent Eligibility. An individual denied eligibility under §A of this regulation shall regain eligibility if, during a 30-day period, the individual:

(1) Works 80 hours or more;

(2) Participates in and complies with the requirements of a work program for 80 hours or more; or

nited States Department of Agriculture; or

(7) Exempt from work requirements in accordance with 7 U.S.C. §2015(o)(6).

C. Subsequent Eligibility. An individual denied eligibility under §A of this regulation shall regain eligibility if, during a 30-day period, the individual:

(1) Works 80 hours or more;

(2) Participates in and complies with the requirements of a work program for 80 hours or more; or

(3) Fulfills the requirements of §A(3) of this regulation .

D. Maintaining Eligibility. An individual who regains eligibility under §C of this regulation remains eligible as long as the individual meets the requirements of §A of this regulation .

E. Loss of Employment. An individual:

(1) Who regains eligibility under §C of this regulation and who no longer meets the requirements under §A of this regulation remains eligible for a consecutive 3-month period as described in §F of this regulation , effective the date the individual first notifies the local department that the individual no longer meets the requirements of §A of this regulation ; and

(2) May not receive any benefits as described in §E(1) of this regulation for more than one 3-month period in a 36-month period.

F. A countable month is a month during which the individual receives a full month's allotment.

G. The provisions of §§A—F of this regulation are not applicable from April 1, 2009 until September 30, 2011, in accordance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Cross References 07.03.17.04B(4) 07.03.17.20C(11) 07.03.17.20E(1)(f) 07.03.17.47C