R986-200-202. Family Employment Program (FEP)

(1) The goal of FEP is to increase family income through employment, and where appropriate, child support and/or disability payments.

(2) FEP is for families with no more than one able bodied parent in the household. If the family has two able bodied parents in the household, the family is not eligible for FEP but may be eligible for FEPTP. Able bodied means capable of earning at least $500 per month in the Utah labor market.

(3) If a household has at least one incapacitated parent, the parent claiming incapacity must verify that incapacity in one of the following ways:

(a) receipt of disability benefits from SSA;

(b) 100% disabled by VA; or

(c) by submitting a written statement from:

(i) a licensed medical doctor;

(ii) a doctor of osteopathy;

(iii) a licensed Mental Health Therapist as defined in UCA 58-60-102;

(iv) a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; or

(v) a licensed Physician's Assistant.

(d) the written statement in paragraph (c) of this subsection must be based on a current physical examination of the parent, not just a review of parent's medical records.

(4) Incapacity means not capable of earning $500 per month. The incapacity must be expected to last 30 days or longer.

(5) An applicant or parent must cooperate in the obtaining of a second opinion regarding incapacity if requested by the Department. Only the costs associated with a second opinion requested by the Department will be paid for by the Department. The Department will not pay the costs associated with obtaining a second opinion if the parent requests the second opinion.

(6) An incapacitated parent is included in the FEP household assistance unit and the parent's income and assets are counted toward establishing eligibility unless the parent is a SSI recipient. If the parent is a SSI recipient, that parent is not included in the household and none of the income or assets of the SSI recipient is counted.

(7) An incapacitated parent who is included in the household must still negotiate, sign and agree to participate in an employment plan. If the incapacity is such that employment is not feasible now or in the future, participation may be limited to cooperating with ORS and filing for any assistance or benefits to which the parent may be entitled. If it is believed the incapacity might not be permanent, the parent will also be required to seek assistance in overcoming the incapacity.