(Revised 01/01/04 ML2893)
The conciliation period is used to determine if the mandatory BEST participant had good cause for not complying and to provide that individual with an opportunity to comply.
The conciliation period begins with the day following the date the worker learns of the noncompliance and continues for 30 calendar days. The worker must contact the non-complying household member to determine whether good cause exists. The worker may contact the household by using F803 - BEST Non-Compliance Conciliation Notice, by telephone, or face-to-face. If the contact is done by telephone or face-to-face, the worker must inform and document in the case file what the individual must do to comply and the date by which the individual must comply in order to avoid case closure.
If the individual responds within the 30-day period and it is determined that good cause does not exist (and the household member does not comply), begin disqualification procedures by issuing Notice F425 - BEST Non-Compliance. Be sure to enter the reason for noncompliance in the space provided on Notice F425.
To avoid Notice of Adverse Action (issuance of Notice F425), the individual must perform a verifiable act of compliance, such as attending the orientation session, Employment Communication Workshop, or Network Center. Verbal commitment by the individual is not sufficient, unless the individual is prevented from immediately complying by circumstances beyond the household member’s control, such as the availability of a suitable component.
To avoid Notice of Adverse Action (issuance of Notice F425), the individual must perform a verifiable act of compliance, such as attending the orientation session, Employment Communication Workshop, or Network Center. Verbal commitment by the individual is not sufficient, unless the individual is prevented from immediately complying by circumstances beyond the household member’s control, such as the availability of a suitable component.
If it is apparent that the individual will not comply (i.e., the individual refuses to comply and does not have good cause), issue Notice F425.
If Notice F425 is issued before the end of the 30-day conciliation period and it is verified that the individual complied, the notice should be canceled.
If the individual does not respond within the 30-day period, issue Notice F425 at the end of the 30-day period. Be sure to enter the reason for noncompliance in the space provided on Notice F425.
