Sec. 8. (a) This section does not apply to an individual who:
(1) is less than eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) is more than sixty-four (64) years of age;
(3) is medically certified as:
(A) physically; or
(B) mentally;
unfit for employment;
(4) is pregnant;
(5) is a parent or caretaker who personally provides care for a dependent child who has a:
(A) serious medical condition; or
(B) disability;
as determined by the secretary;
(6) is receiving unemployment compensation and complying with work requirements under IC 22-4;
(7) is participating in a treatment and rehabilitation program for a drug or alcohol addiction;
(8) is participating in:
(A) an adult basic education program;
(B) a workforce training, certification, or credentialing program; or
(C) a course of study at a postsecondary institution;
(9) has been awarded a federal or state financial aid award or grant;
(10) is a victim of domestic or family violence (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-84);
(11) separated from service in the armed forces (as defined in IC 36-8-4.7-3) not more than one hundred eighty (180) days before applying for TANF assistance; or
(12) has experienced homelessness.
(b) As used in this section, "IMPACT mandatory" means, with respect to an individual who applies for or receives TANF assistance, a determination by the division that the individual is required, as a condition of receiving TANF assistance, to participate in the IMPACT program.
(c) The secretary shall adopt rules under this section that require, at a minimum, the following:
(1) After submitting an application for TANF assistance, an IMPACT mandatory applicant must, as a condition of eligibility, provide evidence of the applicant's job search activities. The evidence of job search activities must include, at a minimum, evidence of:
(A) six (6) contacts by the applicant with employers; and
(B) submission by the applicant of three (3) job applications or resumes;
after the applicant's submission of the application.
(2) An IMPACT mandatory individual whose application for TANF assistance is approved or who receives TANF assistance, whichever comes first, must participate in the IMPACT program as directed by the division.
(d) The secretary may suspend application of rules adopted by the secretary under subsection (c) to individuals residing in an area in which:
(1) the unemployment rate is ten percent (10%) or greater; or
(2) an insufficient number of jobs is available to provide employment for residents of the area, as demonstrated by one (1) or more of the following:
(A) The United States Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has designated the area as a labor surplus area.
(B) The United States Department of Labor has determined that the area qualifies for extended unemployment benefits.
(C) The area has a low and declining ratio of employment to population.
(D) The average unemployment rate in the area for the immediately preceding twenty-four (24) month period is twenty percent (20%) or more above the national average unemployment rate during the same twenty-four (24) month period.
As added by P.L.102-2022, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.65.
