Page 46

STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023  SECTION B – PART III

EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision –  Page 40 OBJECTIVE CRITERIA Sec. 402(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (iii) – The Objective Criteria part sets forth objective criteria for the delivery of the benefits, the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how the state will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a state administrative or appeal process. Connecticut’s Objective Criteria The State of Connecticut has developed objective criteria for the delivery of benefits, the determination of eligibility, and for fair and equitable treatment. These criteria are described in official state policies and regulations. The policies and regulations have been legally adopted under applicable provisions of state law. Connecticut’s objective criteria for delivery of benefits and determination of eligibility for TFA include standards of promptness for the determination of eligibility, periodic reviews of eligibility, standards of verification, determination of good cause for not complying with employment services requirements, and treatment and limits on income and resources. The standard of promptness is 45 days from the date of application for inactive cases. If the family applies for an extension of benefits before the end of the 21-month time limit or extension, the standard of promptness is 30 days. Periodic reviews of eligibility are every twelve months and in the twentieth month of the time limit. Documents are the primary sources of verification. Affidavits are accepted when other sources of verification are not available. The preponderance of evidence is the department’s standard of verification. Good cause for non-compliance with and employment services activity is defined as circumstances beyond a person’s control that reasonably prevent a person from participating in an activity. 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. Unearned income must be less than the department’s standard of need for a family to be eligible for TFA.