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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023 A. FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision Page 7 This section, “Family Assistance Programs,” describes TANF programs that provide assistance to needy families. A. 1. Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) – Department of Social Services The Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) component of Jobs First is an employment focused, time limited assistance program based on the assumption that cash assistance should be temporary and employment can help lift families out of poverty. Recipients are encouraged to assume personal responsibility for their economic self-sufficiency. Unless they meet exemption criteria, adults are required to seek employment. Recipients unable to secure employment receive services, including education and training that will assist them in becoming employed. Applicants must attend the initial employment services assessment intake session for further employment assessment/plan development before TFA benefits are granted. State laws limit TFA for non-exempt households to a 21-month period, during which time a participant must work to obtain and retain employment. The program asset limit is $3,000 so families may set aside money for emergencies. Families are allowed to own a reliable car to seek employment, to travel to and from work, or to transport a disabled family member. To be excluded, the family’s equity in the vehicle must not exceed $9,500 or the vehicle must be used to transport a disabled family member. Earned income of recipients is totally excluded up to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Once earnings reach the FPL, the family becomes ineligible for assistance. Up to $50 per month of current child support is passed through to the family each month and excluded as income. Child care and transportation benefits are provided in order to enable individuals to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. If a family member refuses to participate in Employment Services activities, the family is penalized through grant reduction. Employment Services and benefits to support required activities are provided through Connecticut’s Department of Labor. If the family has made a good faith effort to comply with the employment activities but still has income below the payment standard at the end of twenty-one months of assistance, a six-month extension of benefits may be given. Extensions may also be given to families who have encountered circumstances beyond their control, such as domestic violence. To qualify for an extension, the family’s income cannot exceed the payment standard corresponding to the size of the family.