NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA
September 23, 2009

IM 5081

TO:		County Social Service Directors
Economic Assistance Policy Regional Representatives
Economic Assistance Policy Quality Control Reviewers

FROM:	Tove Mandigo, Director, Economic Assistance Policy

SUBJECT:	BEST Program – Burleigh and Cass Counties Only		 
PROGRAMS:	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

EFFECTIVE:	October 1, 2009 

RETENTION: 	Until Manualized

SECTIONS 
AFFECTED:	Exemptions from BEST 430-05-40-55-10 

Effective for all new applications and recertifications received on or after October 1, 2009 the following exemptions from BEST will apply:

1.	Individuals who do not physically live in the city limits of Bismarck or Fargo.

2.	Individuals exempt from work registration.

3.	Migrants in the job stream.

4.	Individuals who lack adequate child care, as determined by the worker, for children between the ages of six and 12.

5.	Individuals exempt for good cause as determined by sound, professional judgment of the worker.  The case must be thoroughly documented to support the exemption.

6.	Individuals who are under the age of 18 or age 50 or older.

7.	Limited and non-English speaking individuals.

8.	Individuals who are participating in the Parental Responsibility Initiative for the Development of Employment (PRIDE) Program.  

9.	Individuals where public transportation is limited because of where and when the public transportation is available. 
10.	Individuals with a temporary disability such as a broken leg, illness, etc.
For ongoing cases, these exemptions will be reviewed at recertification.

If you have questions, please contact your Regional Representative.