(a) An individual from a family that wishes to participate in the pilot program must attend an in-person intake meeting with a program case manager. During the intake meeting the case manager shall:
(1) determine whether:
(A) the individual’s family meets the eligibility requirements under § 550.0205; and
(B) the application of income or asset limit eligibility requirements for continuation of financial assistance and supplemental nutrition assistance benefits and the time limits specified by § 31.0065, Human Resources Code, for financial assistance benefits may be waived under the program;
(2) review the family’s demographic information and household financial budget;
(3) assess the family members’ current financial and career situations;
(4) collaborate with the individual to develop and implement strategies for removing barriers to the family attaining self-sufficiency, including waiving the application of income and asset limit eligibility requirements and time limits described by Subdivision (1)(B) to allow for continuation of financial assistance and supplemental nutrition assistance benefits; and
(5) if the individual’s family is determined eligible for and chooses to participate in the program, schedule a follow-up meeting to:
(A) further assess the family’s crisis;
(B) review available referral services; and
(C) create a service plan.
(b) A participating family must be assigned a program case manager who shall:
(1) if the family is determined eligible, provide the family with a verification of the waived application of asset, income, and time limits described by § 550.0204, allowing the family to continue receiving financial assistance and supplemental nutrition assistance benefits on a slow reduction scale;
(2) during the initial phase of the program, create medium- and long-term goals consistent with the strategies developed under Subsection (a)(4); and
(3) assess, at the follow-up meeting scheduled under Subsection (a)(5), the family’s crisis, review available referral services, and create a service plan.

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025