With Congressional reinstatement of Supplemental Grant funds, funds have become available to reinstate the ESS Employment Bonus and Transportation payment to TEA clients whose TEA cash assistance case closes with earnings involved. This change will be effective beginning with the May 2002 closures.

TEA Policy [5130] and [5140]-5145 has been revised to incorporate policy and procedures for providing Extended Support Services Employment Bonus and ESS Transportation assistance payments. The payments will be issued to the client’s EBT account when the cash assistance case is closed using the appropriate 500 series closure code. (Refer to User’s Manual for the codes)

Effective with this implementation, the clarification provided in Screen Message 1309, dated February 25, 2002, that allowed transportation assistance to be paid in the month after closure of the TEA case until the first paycheck is received is being rescinded.

Inquiries to: Lorie Williams, TEA Unit, 682-8256

Paula Gentry, TEA Unit, 682-8182

Gerry Reed, TEA Unit, 682-8253

Renee Green, TEA Unit, 682-8266