LAC 67:III.5715. Good Cause

A. A work-eligible applicant or recipient of cash assistance shall immediately participate in work activities for the minimum number of hours per week required by federal law unless one of the following good cause reasons applies: 1. Appropriate child care is unavailable within a reasonable distance from the participant's home or worksite after efforts have been made, and assistance has been offered, to secure child care. 2. Appropriate transportation is: a. unavailable and the participant's home or worksite are not within a reasonable walking distance, or b. available but is cost prohibitive. 3. Situations Related to Domestic Violence. Any participant that receives a good cause exception related to domestic violence shall complete a plan that specifies the necessary actions, goals, and services that may enable the victim to become free of the violence. 4. Situations related to the treatment of a mental or physical illness, including substance abuse treatment, where there is verification that participation in required activities would impair a treatment plan of a mental health or medical professional. 5. Temporary, short-term illness, or the temporary care of a family member who is ill, as documented by a medical professional. 6. Temporary emergency crisis, such as homelessness, fire, accident, dislocation due to natural causes, hurricane, flood, or similar circumstances that can be substantiated. B. Participants who are granted good cause shall be informed that this time is counted against their federal 60-month time limit and state 24-month time limit for receipt of cash assistance. C. When good cause is granted, the basis for good cause shall be re-evaluated every six months to determine if good cause continues to exist.