SECTION 372.407. Consequences for Failure to Pursue Other Income

(a) In SNAP, there is no requirement for members of a household to pursue or accept income; however, a recipient not exempt from work requirements must accept a suitable job as noted in §372.1351 of this chapter (relating to SNAP Work Requirements).

(b) In the TANF Program, a person described in §372.403 of this division (relating to Determining Whose Income Counts in TANF), without good cause, must pursue and accept all income to which the person is legally entitled. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) may determine a certified group ineligible for TANF benefits due to a household member's failure to comply with this requirement.

(c) HHSC may grant good cause for failure to comply with subsection (b) of this section if:

(1) the potential income is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the person is physically or mentally unable to apply for the SSI, and HHSC fails to assist the person with the SSI application process; or

(2) if HHSC determines that pursuing or accepting the income:

(A) causes financial hardship to the household;

(B) is not cost-effective;

(C) endangers the health or safety of a household member; or

(D) requires the assistance of an attorney, which the person was unable to obtain after making a reasonable effort.

Source Note: The provisions of this §372.407 adopted to be effective September 1, 2009, 34 TexReg 5361