CHAPTER 119
FORMERLY
SENATE SUBSTITUTE NO. 1
FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 101
AS AMENDED BY SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE CREATING THE DELAWARE WELFARE REFORM EDUCATION AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE ACT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE :
Section 1. Amend Chapter 5, Title 31 of the Delaware Code by adding a new §523, to read as follows:
"§523. Education and training for recipients of aid under §505(1) of this chapter.
(a) Persons who qualify for assistance under §505(1) of this chapter shall be eligible to participate in secondary education, post-secondary education up to the baccalaureate level, adult basic education, or vocational training as an approved work activity provided each of the following requirements are met:
(1) The person does not hold a baccalaureate degree.
(2) The secondary, post-secondary education up to the baccalaureate level, or vocational education is pursued through an accredited or approved school program.
(3) The person is enrolled with enough credit hours to have full-time student status and is in good standing as it relates to attendance and achievement as defined by the program the person is attending.
(4) If the person attending school would otherwise be subject to a work requirement in order to receive assistance under §505(1) of this chapter, the combination of credit hours and work hours shall equal at least 20 hours per week while the program is in session. This work requirement may be met through work-study, internships, externships, or through work as a research assistant. If possible, during scheduled breaks, the work requirement will be the same as for other program participants, with work experience related to the field of study. However, if the student is enrolled full-time for the next semester and work activity placement cannot be arranged for the duration of the break in classes, it may be excused.
(b) Loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study received by the recipient to pay for tuition and materials are excluded in the determination of eligibility for assistance under §505(1) of this Title or the amount of assistance received by the recipient.
(c) The Department of Health and Social Services shall advise all persons of this section at application interviews and, at a minimum, at each recertification appointment.
(d) Persons attending education and training programs under this section shall receive support services, such as assistance with transportation and child care, while they attend the educational or vocational training program on the same basis as support services are provided other persons who are receiving assistance under §505(1) of this Title.
(e) If program completion will occur within one semester or quarter after the time limit expires, an extension may be granted for that semester or quarter.
(f) Persons sanctioned while attending educational or vocational programs shall be afforded the same due process as provided other persons under §518 and §520 of this Title."