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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023

EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision Page 4 Summary of Changes – changes initially submitted September 18, 2020, and ongoing at the time of initial submission of the 2021-2023 State Plan RESPONSE TO COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Connecticut has taken steps to ensure the health and safety of clients, applicants, and state employees. Governor Lamont has declared a public health and civil preparedness emergency throughout the State of Connecticut and has authorized or directed state agencies to take administrative actions to ensure public health and safety.

Pursuant to Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders 7B and 7N and the reasons stated therein, the Department of Social Services has temporarily suspended the time clock for the 21 month Jobs First program as well as referrals for employment services activities. This temporary change does not apply to the federal 60 month limit.

In accordance with the suspension of the 21 month Jobs First clock and the suspension of employment services activities, the Department has extended good cause exceptions from work requirements to all mandatory recipients for the duration of the state declared emergency.

The Department has temporarily modified verification processes to accommodate clients facing COVID-19 barriers. The agency permitted client self-attestation to verify residency, earned income, assets, and student status. The agency also permitted the use of a doctor statement (verbal or written) for clients requesting a medical incapacity exemption, in place of a full paper medical packet.

Pursuant to Executive Order 7I and the reasons stated therein, the Department has suspended redetermination procedures and extended client benefits for three months during the months of March, April, and May 2020. The Department has exercised existing statutory authority to enable the Safety Net Services program to provide assistance to active clients of Temporary Family Assistance in need of additional help due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These changes are applicable to the following sections:  A.1. Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) – Department of Social Services  C.5. Safety Net – Department of Social Services  D. 5 Employment Services- Department of Labor  D.6. Individual Performance Contracts (IPCs) – Department of Labor  Work Requirements – Section A, Part II  Work Activities – Section A, Part III  Objective Criteria – Section B, Part III