(d)(1) A minor child otherwise eligible for TANF benefits under this section, who has been, or is expected by a parent, guardian, or other caretaker to be absent from the home for more than 90 consecutive days shall be ineligible to receive TANF benefits unless the Mayor determines, in accordance with rules promulgated by the Mayor, that there is good cause for the child to be absent from the home for more than 90 days and continue to receive TANF benefits.
(2) A parent, guardian, or other caretaker of a minor child shall be determined ineligible to receive TANF benefits if the parent, guardian, or caretaker fails to notify the Mayor of the absence of the child from the home after the 5-day period beginning with the date on which it becomes clear to the parent, guardian, or caretaker that the child will be absent from the home for more than 90 consecutive days.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preclude the Mayor from sanctioning any or all members of an assistance unit for failure to comply with TANF program rules, if such sanction is otherwise permitted under this this chapter; provided, that no sanction under this subchapter, or regulations implementing this subchapter, shall exceed 6% of the assistance unit's TANF benefits.
