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Delaware TANF State Plan 10-1-23 to 09-30-26 Page 7 of 59
• Wages and self-employment income are examples of earned income. • Social Security benefits, child support, and stepparent income are examples of unearned income. Stepparent income is included if the child's natural parent lives in the home.
Exhibit 1 contains the calculation steps for TANF applicants.
Exhibit 1: Determining Applicant Eligibility for TANF Benefits 1) The gross monthly income is compared to 185% of the applicable TANF standard of need. Assistance is denied if the income exceeds 185% of the applicable TANF standard of need. 2) The standard monthly work deduction ($90.00) and childcare expenses are subtracted from each wage earner's earnings. The applicant's net earned income is added to unearned income to determine the net family income. The net income is compared to the monthly payment standard. Assistance is denied if the income exceeds the payment standard. 3) If the income is less than the payment standard, the standard work deduction ($90.00), childcare, and the $30 plus 1/3 disregard (if applicable) are subtracted from each earner's earned income. This net earned income is added to the unearned income to calculate the family's net income. The net income is subtracted from the applicable standard of need to obtain the deficit. The deficit is multiplied by 50%; the number calculated is the remainder. The grant is either the remainder or the payment standard, whichever is less.
Exhibit 2 provides the calculations for TANF recipients.
Exhibit 2: Determining Recipient Eligibility for TANF Benefits 1) The gross income is compared to 185% of the applicable TANF standard of need. Assistance is denied if the income exceeds 185% of the applicable TANF standard of need. 2) The standard work deduction ($90.00), childcare, and the $30 plus 1/3 disregard (if applicable) are subtracted from each earner's monthly earned income. The net earned income is added to unearned income to calculate the family's net income. Assistance is denied if the income exceeds the standard of need.