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Approval of DPP Benefits 3.7.3

Before proceeding with DPP processing, the applicant’s employment or offer of employment must be verified either in writing or via telephone (written documentation is preferred). If the applicant is determined by the SSR to be a good candidate for DPP, the SSR must receive preliminary approval from the unit supervisor before proceeding. If the supervisor grants preliminary approval, the applicant must provide the following support documentation to the SSR:

 verification of the amount owed for auto insurance (if the policy has lapsed), rent, utilities, or professional licenses and fees; or  at least three cost estimates of the item/service which may facilitate getting or keeping employment (e.g., auto repair, work clothes). (Note: if there are fewer than three providers of a particular good or service, such as a single uniform provider, three cost estimates are not required.)

If, at any time prior to the approval, the applicant decides that s/he does not wish to receive DPP assistance, s/he must submit a written statement rescinding the Customer Statement of Need.

If the applicant agrees to receive DPP in lieu of TANF, the SSR must obtain final approval from the unit supervisor and the section chief. The section chief should then process the DPP request within one business day of receipt and, if approved, forward it to the Central Control Unit.

If the DPP payment is authorized by the section chief, the TANF application must be denied and an entry must be made indicating that a DPP payment has been approved.

An applicant may not receive another DPP payment until 12 months have elapsed from the time of authorization of the prior payment. Additionally, the applicant cannot be granted TANF assistance for a period of time following the DPP which equals the DPP divided by the maximum grant amount for the household size.

Denial of DPP Benefits 3.7.4

If DPP is denied at any level, the applicant must be informed verbally and the TANF application must be reinstated and processed. The case narrative must reflect that a discussion of this decision outcome was held with the applicant.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 3.8

The SSR will screen all TANF applicants/recipients at initial application and each recertification. The SSR should also verbally review the assessment with the applicant/recipient and be particularly attentive to a customer's disclosure of any of the following acts (disclosure could occur at any time):

 physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual;  sexual abuse;  sexual activity involving a dependent child;  forced engagement in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities;  threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse;  emotional abuse; or  neglect or deprivation of medical care.