Opinion ID: 1670253
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Application for MFIP Benefits

Text: In July 2004, appellant Buddie Greene applied through Aitkin County to receive MFIP benefits for herself and her child. See Minn.Stat. § 256J.09, subd. 1 (providing that a person applying for TANF assistance must submit an application to the county agency in the county where that person lives). There is no dispute that Greene was eligible to receive MFIP benefits. As part of the application process, Greene signed a tribal membership form indicating that she is enrolled or eligible for enrollment in the Tribe through the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Because Greene is a tribal member and resides in the tribal service area, the County referred her to the Tribe for employment services. Subsequently, Greene asked the Tribe to refer her to the County for employment services. The Tribe declined on the ground that it was mandated to provide her with services and could not refer her elsewhere. Greene refused to participate in the tribal employment services program. Under MFIP, participation in an employment services program is required. See Minn.Stat. §§ 256J.49-.62. A participant who fails without good cause to comply with a MFIP program requirement shall be subject to a sanction. Minn.Stat. § 256J.46, subd. 1. Consequently, Greene was notified that her benefits would be reduced for failing to cooperate with employment services requirements unless she established good cause for failing to participate in the employment services program. According to the notice, good cause reasons include the inability to get appropriate child care and the lack of transportation. The notice advised Greene to call her case worker if she had a good cause reason for not attending the employment services overview meeting. Greene made no effort to show good cause.