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optional members an adult who has received TANF for more than 60 months (for mandatory and optional members, see Part IV, Sections 1.3: Mandatory Group Members and 1.4: Optional Group Members.)

The Reduced Payment Level for a given family size is 80% of the Full Payment Level (see Exhibit VI-4: Standard of Assistance and Payment Levels in Part VI.)

Benefit Provision 2.3.1

TANF benefits include a cash grant provided electronically through electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. EBT allows beneficiaries to use a magnetic-striped plastic card, similar to an automated teller machine (ATM) or debit card, to withdraw their benefits electronically at an ATM. Recipients can also access benefits at stores equipped to accept EBT benefits as payment. When a TANF recipient uses an EBT card, the TANF benefits are deducted automatically from the beneficiary's account. The District's EBT card is called the Capital Access card, and it also allows eligible beneficiaries to access FS benefits electronically at grocery stores and markets equipped to accept EBT benefits as payment.

Cash benefits provided are calculated based on the number of eligible individuals in the group, group income with certain allowed deductions, and other benefits received. In order to be eligible for TANF, countable assets held by the group must be less than the applicable asset limit.

Non-exempt TANF recipients are required to participate in work activities which generally include job readiness training, job placement, subsidized employment, vocational education, and work experience programs. Participants in such programs as well as recipients combining work and welfare receipt are eligible for child care subsidies for children younger than age 13. These subsidies are provided by the Office of Early Childhood Development (OECD).

A head of household who is applying for TANF may be provided with cash assistance under the Diversion Payment Program (DPP) (see Section 3.7: Diversion Payment Program (DPP) in Part VIII) instead of receiving a TANF grant. DPP is used to resolve an immediate short-term financial need which, if resolved, will allow the applicant to continue in current employment or accept already offered new employment. During the intake, the SSR should assess whether an applicant is an appropriate candidate for DPP.

If the applicant indicates during the initial interview or subsequent discussions, but prior to TANF approval, that employment could be retained or obtained if a work-related crisis can be quickly resolved, then the SSR should inform the applicant of the program and encourage the use of DPP rather than TANF. A month for which DPP is received does not count toward the TANF 60-month time limit.

An individual may not apply for DPP. It is the responsibility of the SSR to consider if DPP is appropriate, discuss it with the applicant, and, if appropriate, recommend DPP over TANF.

The District's state-only program, POWER, is also available for TANF customers unable to meet TANF work requirements due to a physical or mental incapacity. POWER provides locally-funded cash assistance to these families.

Eligibility Criteria 2.3.2

TANF benefits are available to District families with a minor child or pregnant women when the group income is below the income-eligibility standard which varies by group size. Federal and District law deny assistance to the following individuals:

 certain groups of immigrants;