Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
An individual who is eligible for TAFDC may participate in the
Community Service Component as provided in 106 CMR 707.170(A) through (C).
Participation in community service is subject to available program resources
and the individual's approved Employment Development Plan (EDP), if
applicable.
(A)
Activities.
(1) The
required hours per week as provided in 106 CMR 703.150(A)(5):
Requirements in an unpaid community service placement. A
community service placement cannot be in the office of an individual
candidate's campaign for public office. Participation in community service is
limited by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Individuals who choose
to participate in community service but cannot meet the required hours due to
the FLSA shall participate in an additional allowable activity to meet hourly
work program requirements. Individuals who are mandated to participate in the
Community Service Component may either participate in community service and an
additional allowable activity or participate in an allowable activity instead
of community service to meet the hourly requirements.
When all the dependent children are mandatory full-time school
age, participation hours should be performed during the hours the children are
in school.
(2) A combination
of employment, education or training and community service when the applicant
or client is employed for less hours than the Work Program required hours per
week as provided in 106 CMR 703.150(A)(5):
Requirements. The
number of hours of community service and/or education or training required is
the difference between the required hours per week of community service and the
number of hours the applicant or client is employed.
A participant's community service placement may be changed at
the Department's discretion.
(B)
Participation
Criteria.
(1) The following
individuals may participate in the Community Service Component:
(a) an individual who volunteers;
(b) an individual who is unable to obtain a
job may meet his or her Work Program requirement by participating in community
service provided the FLSA calculation for the individual meets or exceeds his
or her work required hours; and
(c)
an individual who is mandated to participate in community service because of
his or her failure to comply with a prior Work Program requirement.
(2) The Community Service
Component participant shall:
(a) find a
community service site and have it approved by the Department;
(b) select a community service site
identified by the Department; or
(c) accept and enroll in a community service
placement assigned by the Department within ten days when no community service
site has been selected by the participant.
The Department has the primary responsibility to locate a
community service site for the participant.
(C)
Participation
Requirements. The community service participant must:
(1) participate for the actual scheduled
hours per week as provided in 106 CMR 707.170(A); and
(2) perform the activity to the satisfaction
of the community service site; and
(3) provide verification of his or her
community service participation at time periods determined by the Department in
a manner determined by the Department.
