TRAINING STIPEND.

(a) The state shall pay to each trainee who demonstrates satisfactory participation in a training program approved under this chapter a monthly training stipend in the manner prescribed by Subsection (c).

(b) The training stipend is composed of $600 paid to the trainee from the Texas employment and training account. In addition to the stipend, the trainee shall continue to receive the amount of benefits that the trainee is eligible to receive under the program of financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, and the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code.

(c) The state may transfer the monthly training stipend to a trainee by electronic benefits transfer (EBT) to an account if that method is determined by the Texas Department of Human Services to be cost-effective.

(d) The training stipend does not constitute income to the trainee for purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of benefits received under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code. A trainee who participates in a training program in a satisfactory manner is entitled to full JOBS benefits and benefits under the financial assistance program and food stamp program during the training program. A trainee who terminates participation in the training program before the conclusion of the training loses eligibility for the training stipend and the JOBS benefits but remains eligible to receive benefits under the financial assistance program and food stamp program.

(e) Excessive unexcused absences from participation subjects a trainee to a reduction in the training stipend in an amount set by the commission.

(f) The training stipend shall be paid on the first workday of each month following the month in which the trainee participates in the training program.