Question: We were told by a job worker that if my husband is going to school full-time (for 10month prgm) that that would be considered his full-time job to get cash assistance and i would be able to stay home with our 2 children who are 5 and 3
Answer:
The Arizona Department of Economic Security’s website (DES) does not state whether or not schooling counts specifically as a full time job. It does say that the parents have to “prepare and accept a job.”
Applicants for Cash Assistance must sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement. The Agreement also does not specifically state whether school counts as “preparing,” but if the program is a vocational college it may qualify.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services defines what types of vocational programs qualify as “preparing” in its “Final Rule” on pg. 37460 (bottom of the page). The rule states that the vocational program cannot be for more than twelve months in duration. It has to be training that provides someone with the knowledge and skill of a specific occupation.
For more information the rule may be found here.
The DES Cash Assistance eligibility requirements, state that those who are unsure if they qualify should still apply for benefits.
December 22, 2010
Legal Services Corporation