CFR > Title 45 - Public Welfare > SUBTITLE B—Regulations Relating to Public Welfare > CHAPTER II—OFFICE OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE (ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (parts 200 to 288) > PART 261—ENSURING THAT RECIPIENTS WORK > SUBPART A—What Are the Provisions Addressing Individual Responsibility? (§261.10 to §261.16) > 261.14—What is the penalty if an individual refuses to engage in work?

261.14—What is the penalty if an individual refuses to engage in work?

(a) If an individual refuses to engage in work required under section 407 of the Act, the State must reduce or terminate the amount of assistance payable to the family, subject to any good cause or other exceptions the State may establish. Such a reduction is governed by the provisions of § 261.16.
(b) (1) The State must, at a minimum, reduce the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family pro rata with respect to any period during the month in which the individual refuses to work.
(2) The State may impose a greater reduction, including terminating assistance.
(c) A State that fails to impose penalties on individuals in accordance with the provisions of section 407(e) of the Act may be subject to the State penalty specified at § 261.54.