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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2024-2026

Effective Date: 10/1/23 – 9/30/26 ☐ Initial Submission Date: 12/31/2023 ☒ Revision Date: 04/15/2024 Page: 18

Effective 10/1/06, non-TANF funds (Solely State Funded) are used to provide basic needs payments for rent, utilities, food, and other essential household items for eligible families receiving Safety Net Services.

TANF Purpose # 1: Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or the homes of relatives.

TANF Purpose #2: End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

Funding: Separate State Program that uses state maintenance of effort funds.

C. 4. Child Care Assistance for Employed Persons – Office of Early Childhood

Connecticut provides childcare assistance to low-income working families to enable parents to work, including families receiving TFA or transitioning off TFA.

Initial eligibility for childcare assistance is based on countable family income and the need for childcare. At application, a family may be eligible if their countable income is below fifty percent (50%) of the state median income (SMI) related to family size. Child support received or paid by the family is not considered countable income. Once determined eligible, a family may receive childcare assistance as long as their need for care continues and their countable income remains under eighty-five percent (85%) of the SMI related to family size. There is no time limit on a family’s eligibility for childcare assistance.

Childcare payment rates are based on several factors including: the local market rate, the childcare setting, the number of hours care is needed, the age of the child, and the special needs of the child. All working families are required to pay a portion of the approved childcare assistance payment. This Family Fee, paid by the family directly to the childcare provider, is calculated based on countable family income in accordance with the following scale.

COUNTABLE FAMILY INCOME

Less than 20% of SMI FAMILY FEE

2% 20% to 30% of SMI 4% 30% to 40% of SMI 6% 40% to 50% of SMI 8% 50% or more of SMI 10%

TANF Purpose #2: End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

Funding: Separate State Program that uses state maintenance of effort funds.