New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 90 - WORK FIRST NEW JERSEY PROGRAM
Subchapter 17 - EARLY EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE (EEI)
Section 10:90-17.1 - Purpose and scope

(a) Consistent with the policy of the WFNJ program that seeking and accepting employment is a critical element of the program and is one of the primary requirements for receipt of cash assistance as outlined in 10:90-1.1(d), a program entitled "Early Employment Initiative (EEI)" has been established. The EEI involves mandatory participation by an adult member(s) of an applicant family, who meets certain EEI eligibility criteria, in an up-front concentrated job search/placement strategy that will provide an opportunity for the family to regain independence and self-sufficiency through obtaining unsubsidized employment, thereby avoiding receipt of WFNJ/TANF cash assistance. The EEI is designed to provide immediate up-front short-term financial investments for such EEI eligible applicant families. In return for this up-front assistance, the adult member(s) of such families shall be required to cooperate and actively participate in the EEI for a minimum period of 15 days to a maximum period of up to 30 days (which shall run parallel to the time frame for determining WFNJ program eligibility), in accordance with the provisions set forth in this subchapter, as a condition of eligibility for the WFNJ/TANF program (see 10:90-2.1(b)1 ).

(b) If an individual is determined EEI eligible in accordance with 10:90-17.2, and thereafter has a change in circumstances placing the family in immediate need prior to the expiration of the minimum 15 day participation period, the family shall be immediately referred to the WFNJ county agency for an immediate need determination. Such individuals shall have been considered to have met their EEI participation requirement.

(c) Participation in the EEI is subject to the availability of slots at the EEI entity. On a daily basis, the WFNJ agency shall confirm the availability of EEI slots prior to taking any action concerning determining EEI eligibility. The lack of an EEI slot shall not delay the processing of the WFNJ/TANF application. When EEI slots are not available, the WFNJ agency shall not screen any applicant for participation in the EEI, and participation in the EEI shall not be considered an eligibility requirement for those applicants. No further action shall be taken by the WFNJ agency to refer such applicants for EEI participation during this WFNJ/TANF application process, however, at the time of a subsequent reapplication for WFNJ/TANF cash assistance, the family may be referred for EEI participation, if applicable.