 failing to participate in the Work Experience Program refusing
submit to drug/alcohol screening or treatment missing an
appointment at their Job Center or BEGIN site |
~ Fact Sheet No.19 ~ |
Under welfare reform, your benefits can be cut or temporarily reduced if you do not follow all of the requirements of the new welfare law. In addition, a family can also lose their Jiggetts rent supplement if they are sanctioned by HRA.
SOME COMMON REASONS PEOPLE ARE SANCTIONED:
| failing to participate in the Work Experience Program refusing
submit to drug/alcohol screening or treatment missing an
appointment at their Job Center or BEGIN site |
HOW LONG DO SANCTIONS LAST?
If You Are a Parent with Dependent Children:
| The first time you are sanctioned | Until you are willing to comply.* |
| The second time you are sanctioned | For 3 months and, after that time, until you are willing to comply. |
| The third time and beyond | 6 months and, after that time, until you are willing to comply. |
*Note: Once you are "willing to comply," you must return to BEGIN to get a "Sanction Lift" letter, which you must then bring to your caseworker to get your sanction lifted. If you receive a JIGGETTS rent supplement and you are sanctioned, you will lose your supplement unless you get the sanction lifted within 30 days.
If You Are a Single Adult or Childless Couple:
| The first time you are sanctioned: | 90 days or until you comply, which ever period of time is longer. |
| The second time you are sanctioned: | 150 days or until you comply, which ever period of time is longer. |
| The third time and beyond: | 180 days or until you comply, which ever period of time is longer. |
Note: You should re-apply AT LEAST 45 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF YOUR SANCTION so you can receive benefits right after your sanction period ends.
IMPORTANT: If you feel that you have a good reason for failing/refusing to participate in WEP or for missing an appointment, ask for a fair hearing immediately. See Fact Sheet No. 2 on Requesting a Fair Hearing.
WE CAN Help!
| If you live in North Brooklyn and need assistance, call the WE CAN Hotline at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A: (718)487-2300 or (800) 696-6778. |
© 2000 Brooklyn Legal ServicesCorporation A