MANUAL TRANSMITTAL
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of County Operations
Policy Directive Issuance Number: TEA 99-5
Transitional Employment Assistance Manual Issuance Date: April 1, 1999
From: Ruth Whitney, Director Expiration Date: Until Superseded
Subj: TABE Testing for TEA Applicants
In an effort to immediately begin working with individuals who apply, and are later approved, for TEA cash assistance, the decision has been made to allow applicants to be referred to take the TABE during the application process.
Effective immediately, all non-deferred/exempt applicants will be required to take the TABE, unless one has been completed within the last six months. During the application interview, the worker will determine if the applicant will be required to take the TABE. The worker will explain the requirement to the applicant and advise that he or she will be notified of the date, time and place for the testing. The TABE should be scheduled as soon as possible after the application interview.
NOTE: The county office will take all necessary steps to arrange transportation to the TABE site for the applicants who do not have available transportation. If all transportation resources are exhausted and the applicant cannot get to the TABE site, then he or she will not be required to take the TABE until after certification.
Processing of the TEA application should not be delayed pending the scheduling and taking of the TABE. If all other eligibility requirements have been met, the application may be approved. The TABE will then be scheduled and /or taken after approval.
The TEA worker will explain to the applicant that failure to take the TABE without good cause may result in the application being denied or the case being closed. If good cause does exist, the applicant or recipient should be re-scheduled for the TABE as soon as possible.
NOTE: An application denial resulting from the client's failure to take the TABE will not be counted as a non-compliance sanction.
Pending Applications
The worker will review pending applications to determine if the applicant must take the TABE. If it is determined that the TABE is required, the worker should notify the applicant of the requirement and schedule the testing as soon as possible. However, processing of the TEA application will not be delayed pending the test.
TEA Policy 2004 and 3100 is being revised to include this policy. Until the revised policy is issued, this Policy Directive will be followed.
If you have any questions regarding this directive, please contact your Program Support Specialist
Inquiries to: Lorie Williams, TEA Unit, 682-8256
Ron Johnson, TEA Unit, 682-8182
Renee Green, TEA Unit, 682-8266