AGENCY TESTIMONY
Return to mandatory engagement and sanctions post-COVID-19
0:12:18
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64 sec
Scott French explains the resumption of mandatory engagement requirements and potential sanctions for cash assistance clients following the COVID-19 pandemic pause. He outlines HRA's approach to implementing these requirements and communicating with clients about the changes.
- Mandatory engagement was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed based on federal and state government directives
- HRA focused on clear communication with clients about the reinstatement of engagement requirements and potential sanctions
- The agency offers opportunities for clients to come into compliance or explain factors preventing them from meeting work requirements
Scott French
0:12:18
During the COVID 19 pandemic, this mandatory engagement was paused.
0:12:23
The federal and state government determines the timeline for lifting this pause.
0:12:27
Alongside other localities, HRA was directed by New York state to resume sanctioning clients who do not participate in mandatory engagement.
0:12:36
That said, over time, HRA has been a strong voice in seeking and obtaining a broader understanding of the rubric of mandatory work engagement to include training, education, apprenticeships, and other programs.
0:12:50
In implementing return to mandatory, we have focused on ensuring clients are not surprised by the end of the pause.
0:12:57
Communicating with clients ahead of time about the reposition of engagement requirements and the potential sanctions we would be by required by law to impose.
0:13:06
Furthermore, within the sanction process, we offer opportunities for individuals to come into compliance with the requirements or alternatively, clients may supply an explanation of the factors that present that prevent their meeting the work requirements under cash assistance programming.