Ch. 351                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND ,

(3)     Except as otherwise indicated, the provisions of this section shall only
apply to the pilot program.

(4)     The provisions of this section are not intended to create incentives for
individuals to seek AFDC benefits instead of employment.

(c)     (1) A recipient shall participate in the pilot to the extent required by this
section and the waiver requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(2)     A recipient shall be subject to the pilot requirement for the life of the
project, even if the recipient moves to a nonpilot site in this State.

(3)     A recipient may not be required to participate in the pilot training and
work requirements if the recipient meets the criteria for exemption from required
participation in Project Independence, with the following changes:

(i) A recipient is not required to participate if the recipient is caring
for a child 3 years of age or older;

(ii) After selection for participation in the pilot, a recipient will not
later be exempt from required participation as a result of caring for any children under
the age of 6 years; and

(iii) A recipient may not be exempt from required participation
because of a medically certified disabling condition that continues for more than 12
months unless:

1.       The recipient applies for supplementary security income; and

2.       The application is pending or in the appeal stage:

(d)     (1) (i) Applicants for assistance under or current recipients assigned to
the pilot program shall be referred to a case worker for a family assessment.

(ii) All applicants or recipients shall be assessed regarding: .

1.       Reasons for applying for or continued reliance on assistance;

2.       Technical and financial eligibility for AFDC;

3.       Any medically certified disability that would preclude
participation in employment and training activities;

4.       Suitability for use of the welfare avoidance grant, as specified
in subsection (o) of this section;

5.       Educational level, job skills and readiness, aptitudes, and
interests that will determine the appropriate training or employment activity; and

6.       Any other need for support services necessary for
participation in the pilot.

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