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us-de/policy/dss/tanf — Axiom

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

A. General Provisions

i. Conduct a program, designed to serve all political subdivisions in the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner), that provides assistance to needy families with (or expecting) children and provides parents with job preparation, work and support services to enable them to leave the program and become self- sufficient.

The goal of Delaware's TANF program is to provide a welfare system based on a philosophy of mutual responsibility. In working toward that goal, the State will strive to place individuals in private or public sector unsubsidized employment that enables them to enter and maintain family sustaining employment. To that end, the TANF program provides individualized supports and programming to assist families to become employed, and expects families to accept responsibility to become self-supporting.

Five key principles form the foundation of TANF: 1. Work should pay more than welfare. 2. Welfare recipients must exercise personal responsibility in exchange for benefits. 3. Welfare should be transitional, not a way of life. 4. Both parents are responsible for supporting their children. 5. The formation and maintenance of two-parent families should be encouraged; and teenage pregnancy and unwed motherhood should be discouraged.

Welfare Reform in Delaware has a long history of active involvement and partnership between and among the State and local governments and the private sector. Delaware has engaged government agencies as well as the public and private sectors in dialogue about the welfare system and ways to enhance it. Since its introduction in January of 1995, in the form of a waiver request, all sectors have had the opportunity to influence Delaware's welfare reform program in a series of public meetings and forums.

A collaborative partnership among the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Department of Labor (DOL), and the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) worked to develop Delaware's TANF program. The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) is also a planning partner. The Social Services Advisory Council, consisting of educators, health professionals, religious leaders, representatives of community-based organizations, advocates, and government leaders, all appointed by the Governor, continues to

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provide advice on improving the delivery of Delaware's social programs including TANF.

Definition of Needy Families

For cash assistance program purposes, needy families are a child and or children living in the home of a parent, guardian, custodian, or specified relative whose combined income and financial resources are less than the standards established by the State.

The following sections describe these standards and how they are applied to applicants and recipients.

Income and Resource Rules for Determining Need

For purposes of determining need, Delaware will continue to utilize the established income and resource rules of the TANF program.

The following specific features of Delaware's TANF program continue to apply: • The equity value of real and personal property owned by a family budget group cannot exceed $10,000.00. • The values of automobiles owned by members of a TANF household are disregarded. An automobile is defined as any motorized vehicle used for transportation via public roadways or to produce income. • The cash value of a life insurance policy is excluded. • In addition to the current resource limit, families are allowed to establish special Education and Business Investment Accounts (EBIA) of up to $5,000.00, including interest. o Families will contribute directly to their EBIAs. Funds in such accounts will not be considered as a resource. Withdrawals from such accounts must be for approved purposes, as defined in TANF regulations. If funds are withdrawn for non-approved purposes, the money will be counted as a resource in the month received. Approved reasons for withdrawal of funds for self-sufficiency needs include, but are not limited to: dependent care expenses, security deposit for an apartment or house, or vehicle repair costs. • Financial assistance received from school grants, scholarships, vocational rehabilitation payments, JTPA payments, educational loans, and other loans that are expected to be repaid will not be counted as income for TANF program purposes. Also, other financial assistance received that is intended for books, tuition, or other self-sufficiency expenses will be excluded.

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• Earnings of dependent children, regardless of student status, will be disregarded in determining the family's eligibility and the amount of TANF benefits. • A one-time bonus payment of $50.00 will be paid from TANF funds to eligible teens who graduate from high school by age 19. This bonus, which will be paid directly to the high school graduate, will be disregarded as income.

Income Tests to Determine Eligibility

There are two income tests to determine financial eligibility. The first test is a gross income test, and the second is a net income test.

• Gross income test: Compares the family's income to 185% of the applicable standard of need. Both applicants and recipients must pass this income test. • Net income test: Compares a family's income, after applying certain disregards, to the applicable standard. • For applicants, defined as families who have not received assistance in at least one of the four months immediately preceding the application, the net income is compared to the payment standard. • For recipients, defined as families who have received assistance in at least one of the four months preceding the application or are current recipients, the net income is compared to the standard of need. • A family's income must be less than the gross and net income limits for the family to be financially eligible for TANF. Once eligibility is established, the grant amount is determined. • Gross income is the total of the earned and unearned income. • 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 child care expenses are subtracted from each wage earner's

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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.[take out space] 3) If the income is less than the standard of need, the net income is subtracted from the applicable standard of need; the number calculated is 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.

The TANF standards apply to all benefits and services provided to needy families except for those listed below, for which Delaware has established separate need standards. • Emergency Assistance, discussed in the section on Diversion Assistance Program and Appendix A; • Services for Working Families in Financial Crisis described in the additional targeted support section; • Child care, described in the Involvement of Local Governments, the Public, and Private Sector Organizations section, the

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Relationship and Living Arrangements

Children must be living in the home of a parent, guardian, custodian, adult acting in loco parentis, or a specified relative.

During 2013, the Delaware legislature passed the Civil Marriage Equality and Religious Freedom Act of 2013. The law was effective July 1, 2013. The TANF program affords partners in a same gender marriage the same program rights, benefits, responsibilities, obligations, and duties as afforded different gendered married partners. Married partners of the same gender are treated in the same manner as different gendered married partners for all components of the TANF program including, but not limited to: technical eligibility, child support cooperation, financial eligibility, case composition, grant determination, and work requirements.

The caretaker of a teen parent who is not living with?? a parent??? must demonstrate valid circumstances why the teen is not living with a parent and must agree to be a party to the Contract of Mutual Responsibility and fulfill the same responsibilities as a parent.

Family Cap Provision

No additional cash benefits will be issued due to the birth of a child, if the birth occurs more than ten (10) calendar months after the date of application for benefits under TANF. Children born to teen parents included in TANF grants are also subject to the family cap rules.

The family cap will not apply to: • An additional child who was conceived as a result of incest or sexual assault, • Children who do not reside with their parents, • Children born prior to the period identified above who return or enter the household, and • A child that was conceived in a month the assistance unit (i.e., the entire family) was not receiving TANF, but this does not apply in cases that close due to being sanctioned.

The additional child is included in the standard of need for purposes of determining eligibility. The income and resources of the child, including child support, are included in determining the family's income and resources; however, the child is not included in determining the payment standard for the family. • The additional child is considered a recipient for all other purposes, including categorical Medicaid coverage, TANF child care, and Food Supplement benefits.

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provide requested information necessary to establish continued eligibility will be closed.

As part of the verification process for continuing eligibility, the person will provide verification that (s)he has carried out the elements of the individual Contract of Mutual Responsibility.

Benefit Delivery: Direct Payments and Vouchers

Currently, Delaware uses check issuance as the payment method for TANF. Delaware is exploring other options including direct deposit, debit cards, and electronic benefit transfer. Any or all of these methods will be utilized for the issuance of TANF benefits if they become fiscally and technically viable.

Delaware directly pays for center-based child care authorized for TANF participants, when the center agrees to accept the Delaware child care reimbursement rate. Some caretakers, however, receive vouchers to self-arrange and pay for their child care. Delaware will reimburse these caretakers, up to the rates published in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan, for the cost of child care provided by licensed and license-exempt child care providers

Statewideness

All definitions and determinations of need are applied on a statewide basis.

Program Type

Depending on circumstances, families are placed in either the time- limited TANF program or the non-time-limited TANF program.

Delaware's time-limited TANF program has an employment focus. Participants are expected to meet immediate work requirements in order to receive benefits.

Delaware uses State non-maintenance of effort funds to provide benefits to recipients in a solely state funded two-parent program.

TANF eligible families that include a parent or head-of-household who has presented approved documentation that they are unable to work because of a medical disability will be enrolled in the non-time limited program. These clients may receive benefits through either a solely state funded program or the TANF program. Delaware will use

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State non-maintenance of effort funds to provide benefits to recipients in the solely state funded medical disability program.

Families with the following status will receive benefits in the non- time-limited TANF program: • Families that the agency has determined includes adults who are unemployable, either because a parent is too physically or mentally disabled to work in an unsubsidized work setting or because the parent is needed in the home to care for a child or a spouse who is disabled. • Families headed by a non-needy, non-parent caretaker. • Families headed by a non-citizen parent who is not eligible to receive TANF benefits. • Families where the agency has determined that the adult caretaker is temporarily unemployable. • Families in which the adult files a claim or has a claim being adjudicated for SSI or disability insurance under OASDI. In this case, the family must sign an agreement to repay cash benefits received under the non-time-limited TANF program from their SSI/DI benefits

Contract of Mutual Responsibility requirements and sanctions for noncompliance apply to families in the non-time-limited TANF program. Delaware will provide benefits utilizing solely state funding (SSF) to families that include a head of household or a spouse of a head of household who have exceeded 60 cumulative months of federally funded TANF assistance and represent more than 20 percent of the TANF caseload.

Time Limits

Under TANF, cash benefits are time-limited for households headed by employable adults age 18 or older who are included in the grant. Prior to January 1, 2000, Delaware limited receipt of TANF, for families in the time-limited program, to forty-eight (48) cumulative months. During the time-limited period, employable adults received full benefits if they met the requirements of their Contract of Mutual Responsibility, including employment-related activities.

Effective January 1, 2000, the time limit for receipt of TANF cash benefits is thirty-six (36) cumulative months.

During the time-limited period, employable adult recipients receive full cash benefits only as long as they meet the requirements of their Contract of Mutual Responsibility, including participation in employment-related activities detailed in their Individual Service

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Strategy (ISS). The ultimate goal of this time-limited period is to support the employable adult's search for, and placement in, an unsubsidized job.

Individuals found eligible for TANF prior to January 1, 2000 will still have a forty-eight (48) month time limit even if they reapply for benefits on or after January 1, 2000.

DSS will track the time remaining before a family's time limits expire and notify families on a quarterly basis of the time they have remaining before the time limits expire. At least two (2) months prior to the end of the 36 or 48 cumulative months in which a family has received assistance, DSS will remind the family that assistance will end and notify the family of the right to apply for an extension.

Extensions are provided only to those families who can demonstrate that: • The agency substantially failed to provide the services specified in the individual's Contract of Mutual Responsibility; the related extension will correspond to the time period for which services were not provided; or • Despite their best efforts to find and keep employment, no suitable unsubsidized employment was available in the local economy to the employable adult caretaker; the maximum extension under such circumstances will be 12 months.

Extensions may also be granted where other unique circumstances exist. Extensions will not be granted if the adult caretaker received and rejected offers of employment, quit a job without good cause, was fired for cause, or if the adult caretaker did not make a good faith effort to comply with the terms of the Contract of Mutual Responsibility and the ISS.

After the time limit has been reached, benefits will be provided to families that have been granted an extension only for a maximum period of 12 months. Thus, for time-limited families, the maximum period for receipt of benefits to families enrolled in the time-limited TANF program will be 60 cumulative months for families with a cumulative 48 month time limit and 48 months for families with a 36 month time limit. Delaware will comply with federal regulations regarding families receiving assistance in excess of 60 months of TANF paid through the federal TANF block grant.

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Contract of Mutual Responsibility and Individual Service Strategy

The caretaker of children in the TANF program enters into a Contract of Mutual Responsibility with the Division of Social Services (DSS). Applicants and recipients have a face-to-face intake interview. During this interview, the DSS worker explains the Contract of Mutual Responsibility (CMR) and those elements specific to the client.

The CMR lists the responsibilities of the family and the supports the State will provide. The family's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: employment-related activities, school attendance and immunization requirements for children, family planning, parenting education classes, and substance abuse treatment requirements. The State provides supports to families including but not limited to: employment-related activities, training activities, child care, Medicaid, and other services identified during the development of the CMR by DSS workers and the Individual Services Strategy (ISS) developed by Employment Connections (EC) and Keep a Job (KAJ) contractors providing self-sufficiency services to work mandatory clients.

The CMR is designed to be individualized to the specific needs and situation of each family. Therefore, the exact requirements within the contract may vary from family to family. This document can be revised as the needs and the situation of the family evolve.

Services related to these CMR requirements will be available to the participant. If the services specified in the CMR are not reasonably available to the individual, the participant will not be sanctioned for failure to comply and the CMR will be modified to reflect that the service is currently unavailable.

It is mandatory that all caretakers enter into a CMR. Contracts are completed for families in the time-limited TANF program and the non- time-limited TANF program, as well as for teen parents. Both caretakers in an assistance unit and non-needy caretaker payees are required to develop and comply with CMRs. Other family members within the assistance unit may be required to comply with provisions of the contract, and are subject to sanction for non- compliance.

If the caretaker is a non-needy caretaker, the individual would not be required to participate in employment-related activities, but will be required to participate in other contract activities.

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If a caretaker objects to certain aspects of the CMR, the caretaker needs to present these objections up front, at the time of the initial CMR. If good cause can be demonstrated, the CMR can be amended to rectify the objections.

When staff has reason to believe that the family needs other services to become employed or to increase work hours and wages, these services will be identified and specified in the CMR. Needed services will also be identified on the caretaker’s ISS developed by the EC and KAJ contractors.

The fiscal sanction for not cooperating, without good cause, in development of the CMR will be an initial $50.00 reduction in benefits. This reduction will increase each month by $50.00, either until there is compliance or the case is closed. The sanction will end with demonstrated compliance. Sanctions for failure to participate in CMR and Individual Service Strategy (ISS) activities are described in subsequent sections.

Parental Responsibility

Adults and minor parent(s) are required to comply with parenting expectations outlined in the Contract of Mutual Responsibility.

Failure to Comply with the Contract of Mutual Responsibility and the Imposition of Sanctions

The Contract of Mutual Responsibility (CMR) encompasses three broad categories of requirements: 1) enhanced family functioning; 2) self-sufficiency; and 3) teen responsibility requirements. In addition, caretakers required to participate in work activities create an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) with their employment and training program that details their expected weekly work activities.

1. Enhanced family functioning requirements of the CMR include, but are not limited to: acquiring family planning information, attending parenting education sessions, ensuring that children are immunized, and cooperation with specialized programming designed to assist parents with documented disabilities that impede or prevent employment. Sanction for non-compliance with these requirements is an initial $50, which will increase by $50 every month until there is compliance with the requirement. The initial $50 reduction is imposed whether the family fails to comply with one, or more than one requirement. Clients must comply with all requirements before the sanction can end.

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2. Self-sufficiency requirements of the CMR are employment and training, work-related activities, and ensuring school attendance requirements for dependent children under age 16. a. The sanction for non-compliance with work-related activity requirements is, subject to adequate and timely notice, closure of the case due to imposition of an immediate full- family sanction. b. Recipients, whose cases closed for failure to participate, must participate in work related activities for four consecutive weeks at the required hours per week for their case to be re- opened. Payments are not retroactive. c. Households that have received a full family sanction must lose at least one month of cash assistance prior to the sanction being lifted. d. The penalty for individuals who quit their jobs without good cause is an immediate full family sanction. The sanction will last at least one month. Recipients must participate in work related activities for four consecutive weeks at the required number of hours per week for their grant to be re-opened. Payments are not retroactive. e. For dependent children under the age of 16: if the child does not maintain satisfactory school attendance, an initial $50 sanction is imposed. The sanction will increase by $50 every month until there is compliance. The sanction is not imposed if the parent of the child is working with school officials or other agencies to remediate the situation. 3. Teen responsibility requirements for dependent teens 16 and older include maintaining satisfactory school attendance or participation in alternative activities, such as training or employment. The sanction for non-compliance with these requirements is the removal of the teen from the TANF grant. The teen is removed from the TANF grant for at least one month. To cure the sanction, the teen must participate in employment and training activities under the supervision of an Employment Connections program for four consecutive weeks, return to school, or work full-time.

Failing to comply with both the enhanced family functioning and self- sufficiency requirements will result in combined penalties. For example, both a $50 reduction and a full family sanction could be assessed for failures to comply in two areas. Demonstrated compliance will not excuse penalties for the period of noncompliance. Sanctions will be imposed for the full period of noncompliance.

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Non-Citizen Households

Families that include legal documented aliens participate in Delaware’s TANF program. While these qualified aliens do not receive federal funded assistance, Delaware supports these families in attaining self-sufficiency thus enabling the family to no longer require assistance. Delaware provides State funded medical assistance for these families as well as employment and training assistance. These interventions, in addition to supporting self- sufficiency, have additionally been found to reduce the likelihood of out of wedlock and teen pregnancies.

Low Income Households

Eligible families who owe Delaware state income taxes may claim the state Earned Income Credit. Eligible tax payers may be forgiven up to an amount that equals 20 percent of the federal EITC. The state credit, unlike the federal credit, is non-refundable meaning the credit can only be applied to the extent of the state taxes due.

Solely State Funded Programming

Delaware places select groups of TANF eligible families in solely state funded programs. Funding the services these families receive in this way allows the State to provide services that are individualized to the needs of these families and does not subject the family to limitations imposed by federal TANF funding. For example, families in which the parent is unable to work due to a disabling condition are placed in a solely state funded program. This allows the state to waive the TANF time limit requirements and place the parent in employment and training activities which are determined based solely on the needs and abilities of the parent as opposed to federally mandated activities which may be inappropriate for the parent. Delaware will continue to explore the opportunities afforded through solely state funded programs and may move all or sub-populations of families with a work eligible adult into solely state funding programs.

Assessment of Barriers Related to Mental Health, Substance Use, and Domestic Violence

A standardized screening tool is used by Delaware to identify possible issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Participants who complete the screening answer questions designed to reveal potential issues related to domestic

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violence, behavioral health issues, anxiety, substance use disorders, PTSD, and thoughts of self-harm.

Screening occurs during the TANF intake and at redetermination. Additional screening occurs once a client begins participating with the employment and training programs. This process of multiple screenings allows clients the opportunity to reveal difficulties when they are most ready to do so.

DSS workers report that the screening frequently reveals significant domestic issues that participants are encouraged to resolve. By utilizing the screening tools, workers are able to refer participants for assistance. Further efforts to assist individuals to resolve abuse situations are described in the section, Statutory Rape Prevention.

Protecting Current Workers from Displacement

DSS conforms to Section (a)(5) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act which requires that a job offered cannot be available as a result of a strike or labor dispute, that the job cannot require the employee to join or prohibit the employee from joining a labor organization, and that program participants are not used to displace regular workers.

In addition, DSS ensures that no participants, including but not limited to those placed in a work experience placement, displace regular paid employees of any of the organizations providing the work experience placement. Such assurance complies with State law contained in 31 Delaware Code, Chapter 9, Section 905(b). This assurance also complies with Section 407(f) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which requires that DSS will not use federal funds under TANF to place individuals in a work activity when: • Any individual is on a layoff from the same or an equivalent job; or • The employer has terminated any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction of its workforce in order to fill the vacancy created with an adult receiving TANF benefits.

In addition, DSS has established a grievance procedure, in conformance with Section 407(f)(3) of PRWORA, for resolving complaints for any alleged violation of non-displacement requirements. Employees or their representatives who believe that their jobs are being displaced or infringed upon shall present their complaint to the employment contractor with authority over the placement. If the contractor is unable to resolve the problem within 15 days, the employee or representative may file a formal grievance

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in writing to the DSS Director's Office, who will hear a formal grievance. The employee will have an opportunity to: present his or her grievance on the record; present evidence; bring witnesses and cross-examine witnesses; be represented by counsel; and receive a written decision.

Grievance hearings will be scheduled within 30 calendar days of receipt of the formal grievance, and a written decision will be issued within 30 days of the hearing. If either party is dissatisfied with the State's written decision, they may appeal the decision to the U.S. Department of Labor within 20 days of receipt of the written decision. The procedures for appeal, which must be sent to the Office of Administrative Law Judges, in the U.S. Department of Labor, will be provided in writing with the decision.

Addressing Child Poverty

Delaware's summit on Poverty and Economics, held on April 22, 2009, had approximately 500 participants including state and local policymakers, advocates, and members of the public. The summit was a vehicle for release and consideration of the findings and initial recommendations of the Delaware Child Poverty Task Force whose goal is to reduce child poverty in Delaware by 50 percent by 2019. The Task Force has also been charged with coordinating and expanding local efforts to address poverty and developing a legislative agenda to meet the State's poverty reduction goal (see Appendix C).

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ii. Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program to engage in work (as defined by the State) once the State determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once the parent or caretaker has received assistance under the program for 24 months (whether or not consecutive), whichever is earlier, consistent with section 407(e)(2).

Goals for Work

Delaware's TANF program is based on the belief that assistance provided is transitional and should not become a way of life. The State maintains that the way for persons to avoid dependency on welfare is to find and maintain employment. Thus the primary goal of TANF is to help recipients find meaningful work and to help them keep such work by providing them with necessary supports.

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To assist families in obtaining and maintaining employment, the State will engage the efforts of the Departments of Health and Social Services, Labor, and Economic Development and Delaware's private sector to provide job readiness and placement opportunities, health care, child care, and family services. In turn, TANF recipients who have the capacity to work will be required to accept work, to keep their children in school, to cooperate with child support, to bear the costs of additional children they conceive while on welfare, and to leave the welfare rolls after a defined time period.

State Agencies Involved

Delaware Departments of Health and Social Services, Labor, and Economic Development have a unique partnership. All three agencies are responsible for moving welfare clients to work. These three agencies have collaborated in developing and implementing Delaware's TANF program, and continue to collaborate in managing the initiative.

The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) in the Department of Transportation has joined the TANF collaborative team, and has assisted to develop a statewide transportation system plan for TANF, using vans and other vehicle sources.

Involvement of Community, Education, Business, Religious, Local Government, and Non-Profit Organizations to Provide Work

As noted in the Introduction section, each sector has been actively involved in the development of Delaware's TANF program and continues to be involved.

A TANF Employer Committee, consisting of representatives of both the public and private sector, assists in placing welfare recipients in unsubsidized jobs and provides advice on direction, policy, and implementation of welfare-to-work efforts. This committee was established through HB 251.

To further promote employer interest in hiring TANF recipients, the Departments of Labor and Economic Development meet with members of the business community at regularly scheduled events such as monthly Chamber of Commerce meetings and at special events.

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acceptable categories of work activities, as shown below. In addition, Delaware offers ongoing case management, work retention, and job enhancement services provided by our Employment Connections (EC) and Keep-A-Job (KAJ) contractors. Services include: • Unsubsidized employment, • Subsidized private sector employment, • Subsidized public sector employment, • On-the-job training, • Job search and job readiness assistance, • Work experience, • Community service programs, • Vocational educational training, • Child care for an individual participating in a community service program, • Job Skills training directly related to employment, • Education directly related to employment for recipients who have not completed secondary school or received a GED, and • Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a GED program for recipients who have not completed secondary school or received a GED.

Non-exempt TANF participants will participate in the job search program, consisting of job readiness classes and supervised job search activity. Unsuccessful job search participants can be placed in another job search sequence or another work-related activity such as work experience, community service, OJT, or a skills training program.

Clients must keep appointments with the Employment and Training programs, cooperate in the development of the employment activities included in their Contract of Mutual Responsibility and Individual Service Strategy (ISS), and participate in employment and training activities. Individuals who are not in compliance with any of the above client responsibilities will be subject to sanctions as described in "Sanctions: Failure to Comply with the Contract and Imposition of Sanctions" described in a subsequent section of the State Plan.

The State implemented an Employment and Training Management Information System (ETMIS) in July 2005. ETMIS was incorporated into the existing ASSIST Worker Web (AWW) system. The ETMIS tracks referrals to employment and training programs, hours of participation, work activities, and sanctions. The ETMIS enhances contractor and participant accountability. Additionally it is a valuable tool for the collection and dissemination of statewide program data

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used for determining program effectiveness and making program design changes. The system was updated to a web-based system in 2015.

Employment and Training Hours and Work Activities

Families are required to participate in a minimum number of hours of approved employment and training activities each week. The chart below specifies the number of hours required each week by family- type. Participation for two consecutive weeks at the required number of hours in either employment or other activities related to finding work is a condition of eligibility for TANF benefits for families with work mandatory individuals. Once this condition and other eligibility requirements are met, benefits are retroactive to the first day of the two-week up-front participation period.

Family Type Required Employment & Training Hours Per Week One Parent Home with Child(ren) under 6 years old 20 One Parent Home with Child(ren) over 6 years old 30 Two Parent Home 40

Job search and structured job readiness activities continue for another two weeks for individuals who do not find unsubsidized employment for at least the required hours. Individuals who do not find employment within the first four weeks of job search are assigned to work experience activities, and/or other employment and training activities.

Single parent households that are participating in work experience are required to participate up to 30 (or 20) hours per week. Work experience hours are determined by dividing TANF and Food Supplement benefits by the Delaware minimum wage. If the hours determined by dividing the grants by the minimum wage exceed 30 hours per week, participants are to complete no more than 30 participation hours. If the maximum allowable hours are less than 30 hours per week, participants are to complete the FLSA allowed number of work experience hours, but must make up the difference needed to meet their hours of participation requirement with other countable activities.

Two-parent families assigned to work experience must engage in up to 40 hours per week, determined by dividing TANF and Food

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Supplement benefits by the Delaware minimum wage. If the hours determined by dividing the grants by the minimum wage exceed 40 hours per week, participants are to complete no more than 40 participation hours. If the maximum allowable hours are less than 40 hours per week, participants are to complete the FLSA allowed number of work experience hours, but must make up the difference needed to meet the 40 hour participation requirement with other countable activities.

An individual in a one-parent household enrolled in the TANF time- limited program who, in accordance with the requirements in their Contract of Mutual Responsibility and ISS, participates in unsubsidized employment of at least 30 hours per week is not required to participate in other work-related activities. Two-parent families who, in accordance with the requirements in their Contract of Mutual Responsibility and ISS, participate in unsubsidized employment of at least 40 hours per week are not required to participate in other work-related activities. All families who are meeting their required hours through unsubsidized employment are required to continue providing their employment and training program with verification of their employment.

Delaware law expands the opportunity for TANF recipients to engage in educational activities beyond the federal limits of countable hours for State participation rate purposes. To take advantage of this state regulation, individuals participating full-time in educational activities, based on the standards established by the institution, must participate in additional work-related activities, to equal twenty (20) actual participation hours. For most recipients their remaining non- core hours are met through homework time. Homework time for federal participation rate purposes is not to exceed the rate of 1 hour of unsupervised homework time per credit hour or class hour if the educational program requires homework.

Recognizing that Delaware's hourly requirements for participation in work and work-related activities are broader than those prescribed by the current TANF legislation, Delaware may provide some benefits through a solely state funded (SSF) program.

Time limits for Delaware's Time-Limited TANF Program are described in the section entitled, Time Limits.

iv. Take such reasonable steps as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Protection of Privacy of Assisted Families

31 Delaware Code, Chapter 11, Section 1101 provides that public assistance information and records may be used only for purposes directly connected with the administration of public assistance programs. Thus, all information gathered regarding individuals for public assistance purposes is considered confidential and will be safeguarded by DSS. By safeguarding public assistance information, DSS protects its clients from being identified as a special group based on financial needs and protects their right to privacy.

General information regarding expenditures, numbers of clients served, and other statistical information is a matter of public record and may be made available to any interested party. Other than the exceptions noted below, DSS will not release any information regarding a particular individual without the individual's written consent.

1. DSS Regional Operations Managers have the authority to disclose the address of a recipient to a federal, state or local law enforcement officer at the officer's request if the officer furnishes the agency with the name of the recipient and notifies the agency that the recipient: • Is fleeing to avoid prosecution; or • Is a fleeing felon (or in the case of New Jersey is fleeing from conviction of a high misdemeanor); or • Is violating a condition of probation or parole; or • Has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct his or her official duties; and • The location or apprehension of the recipient is within such official duties.

2. If a law enforcement officer requests information that does not meet the guidelines indicated above, a subpoena from a court of law is required before the information can be released.

3. DSS is required to report to the Division of Family Services in situations where it believes a home is unsuitable because of neglect, dependency, abuse, or exploitation of a child. • A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is given permission to inspect and/or copy any records relating to the child and his or her family guardian without their consent. The CASA has the authority to interview all parties having significant information relating to the child.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

• If information is released under the procedures applying to CASA, pertinent details of the reasons for the release must be documented and written notification of this release must be sent to the last known address of the individual to whom the record refers.

4. DSS has the authority to disclose information concerning applicants and recipients provided it pertains to: • An investigation, prosecution, or criminal or civil proceeding conducted in connection with public assistance programs. • The administration of any other federal or federally assisted program that provides assistance, in cash or in kind, or services, directly to individuals on the basis of need. The agency must assure DSS that such information will remain confidential and will be used only to pursue services for the individual. Other means tested programs include the Supplemental Security Income Program, School Lunch and Breakfast Program, the Energy Assistance Program, and the Low Income Housing Program. • Other agencies (such as Children and Families First, Inc., Catholic Charities, Legal Aid, etc.) must provide written permission from the recipient before public assistance information may be released. • Other governmental agencies may obtain lists of recipients from DSS if the information will be used to perform services for DSS, and the agency can assure DSS that the lists will remain confidential.

v. Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and establish numerical goals for reducing the illegitimacy ratio of the State (as defined in section 403(a)(2)(C)(iii)).

Delaware is targeting youth by providing special services. Through the Department of Education, Delaware provides a family literacy program which includes parenting skills, training, and other services to teen parents and their children to prevent repeat pregnancies. Funds are allocated to Delaware’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention initiative to support activities for at-risk teens primarily in school- based health centers (SBHCs). In addition, wellness centers located in 27 high schools provide medical, health, and counseling services to high school students.

The Division of Public Heath directs abstinence education programming through Section 510, Title V Abstinence Education

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

federal funding which is intended to promote the postponement of sexual involvement by teens by changing norms and teaching teens needed skills. The goals of abstinence education funding are to: • Increase the number of adolescents who are making choices to remain sexually abstinent. • Increase the number of adolescents who are informed of the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from premarital sexual activity. • Increase the number of adolescents who are making healthy lifestyle choices to postpone sexual activity by avoiding situations and risky behaviors that would make them more vulnerable to sexual advances and urges.

Delaware has undertaken, through the Alliance on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (AAPP), a grassroots community and media outreach campaign to convince teenagers to postpone sexual activity and to avoid becoming or making someone else pregnant. AAPP works directly with parents in this initiative to improve communication between parents and children around sexuality and pregnancy prevention. In addition, AAPP provides preventive education and distributes information on preventing teen pregnancy, utilizing a number of kinds of interventions. For example, two full-time community educators visit schools, community centers, churches, and camps to provide workshops and training to parents and children around sexuality and teen pregnancy prevention. AAPP also maintains a resource center for the community and lends or gives away brochures, videos, curriculum, posters, books, and other communications about teen pregnancy prevention and sexuality.

The Wise Guys initiative is an adolescent male responsibility program that uses an established Wise Guys curriculum over a ten- week period. The program, operating in some high school based health centers, promotes character development and prevention of adolescent pregnancy by teaching young males self-responsibility in several areas.

Delaware's teen pregnancy prevention campaign also uses billboards to convey the message and statewide conferences to provide assistance implementing prevention activities.

Delaware's TANF program provides a positive incentive to teenagers to graduate high school by age 19 by awarding a one-time $50 bonus. Additionally, TANF requires teenage mothers currently on welfare to live with their parent(s) or a responsible adult, stay in school, immunize their child(ren), and participate in parenting education.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Jobs for Delaware Graduates

The Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) program provides services to needy children attending middle schools in Delaware with the goal of reducing school dropout rates, keeping children in their homes and the community, and reducing out of wedlock and teen pregnancies. Delaware uses Federal TANF funds and/or State MOE (Maintenance of Effort) funds to fund the program. The JDG program provides a nationally recognized curriculum. The curriculum supports short and long-term goal setting, academic achievement, acquisition of life skills, and work skill development.

Other Initiatives

Delaware believes that the number of out-of-wedlock births to teens must be reduced significantly to eliminate poverty and dependency. A study by Doble Research Associates commissioned by the Governor's Family Council in June 1998, concluded that Delaware's efforts to reduce teen pregnancy, including establishing more after- school programs, strongly enforcing child-support enforcement and the Sexual Predator Act, and making teen mothers ineligible for cash assistance, are solidly supported by public opinion. We are undertaking a number of statewide initiatives to reduce adolescent pregnancy. Many of these initiatives are coordinated through the activities of the Alliance for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (AAPP). Ventures include the provision of adolescent health services through school-based health centers and improving teen utilization of our family planning centers.

The AAPP is a statewide public and private partnership charged with the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to prevent adolescent pregnancy in Delaware. The organizational structure of the Alliance includes a 12 member advisory board appointed by the Governor and a statewide membership of over 200 schools, agencies, organizations, churches, and individuals concerned with teen pregnancy. Staff and program support for the Alliance is provided through a contract from the Division of Public Health (DPH) to Christiana Care.

Since its inception, the AAPP has awarded mini-grants to non-profit youth organizations to provide community based teen pregnancy programs; implemented a statewide media campaign to increase community awareness; and worked with existing coalitions to

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

establish teen pregnancy prevention programs. AAPP plans and activities include: • Statewide leadership to develop a visible, viable structure for mobilizing resources needed to impact the problem. • Data development to develop a methodology to monitor rates in real time. • Public relations efforts to increase community awareness and involvement. • Identifying barriers to teen utilization of family planning services and developing solutions.

The Division of Public Health has the lead responsibility in Delaware to implement initiatives to reduce teen pregnancy. Using the strategies and recommendations presented by AAPP, DPH activities include school-based health centers, family planning clinics, parenting education, and the peer leadership program. The "teen friendly" services provided at Department of Public Health units located at Delaware State Service Centers have resulted in a significant increase in use. In addition, all clients seen in Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic sites receive counseling on family planning, as well as pregnancy prevention supplies.

Based on a report by Adolescent Health Survey Research (AHSR), which used a survey and focus groups with youth and their parents conducted early in 1999 to identify top strategies in pregnancy prevention, Delaware implemented a number of initiatives to prevent subsequent births, including: • Smart Start, an enhanced prenatal program that attempts to decrease low birth weight babies, infant mortality, and maternal mortality, through social service, nutritional, and nursing support to at-risk pregnant women. • Placing pregnancy prevention and family planning telephone numbers on our combined Food Supplement/Cash Assistance/MA/Child Care applications including Planned Parenthood, AAPP, and Delaware Helpline

In addition, family planning and reproductive health services are provided to adults in eight public health locations in Delaware and similar services are provided to adults by Planned Parenthood of Delaware in five locations in the state. Minority populations are targeted through family planning and reproductive health services available at three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Delaware.

These Delaware initiatives to reduce out-of-wedlock births are complemented and strengthened by the policies of TANF which:

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

• Require adults and minor parent(s) to obtain family planning information from the provider of their choice. • Provide for a fiscal sanction of an initial $50 reduction in benefits for failure, without good cause, to obtain family planning information. This reduction will increase each month by $50, either until there is compliance or the case is closed. The sanction will end when the adult and/or minor parent(s) obtains the family planning information at the provider of his or her choice. • Eliminate benefit increases for children conceived while a caretaker is receiving TANF, and apply this family cap to children who are the firstborn of minors included in a TANF grant where the children are born after March 1, 1997. • Treat two-parent families the same as single-parent families.

The Delaware Adolescent Sexual Health State Plan from the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Advisory Board provides a course of action to reduce the high teen pregnancy rate in Delaware. The goals for the State of Delaware are based on Healthy People 2020 goals for adolescent reproductive health. 1. Adolescents, adults, families must understand and apply essential sexual and reproductive health information and develop communication skills in order to make positive choices concerning relationships and sexual health. 2. Rates of unintended teen pregnancy are reduced. 3. Rates of subsequent teen pregnancy are reduced. 4. Rates of sexually transmitted infection are reduced. 5. Racial, ethnic and geographic-based sexual health disparities are reduced.

vi. Conduct a program, designed to reach State and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.

Statutory Rape Prevention

The Sexual Predator Act of 1996 imposes more severe criminal sanctions on adult males who are significantly older than their victims and holds them financially accountable when children are born as a result of violations of this law. Each year an administrative notice regarding the Act is published informing DSS staff how to identify instances of statutory rape and how to make appropriate referrals to the Division of Family Services.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

The legislation requires a cooperative agreement as part of a multi- faceted effort to combat teenage pregnancy and reform welfare. Specifically, the law requires the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Services to Children, Youth, and Their Families, the Department of Public Instruction, and statewide law enforcement agencies to establish a cooperative agreement specifying the various roles of the agencies involved. As a result of this legislation, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Public Instruction conducts programs designed to reach state and local law enforcement officials, the educational system, and relevant counseling services on the problem of statutory rape.

A new initiative is a partnership with the Delaware Fatherhood and Family Coalition (DFFC). DFFC develops programming that addresses statutory rape through community presentations and the distribution of literature. The program will provide-education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.

vii. Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a)(12), including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance.

TANF Benefits Issued Via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Delaware does not issue TANF benefits through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) and therefore has not established policies or procedures to address EBT access and use as they relate to TANF benefits. If in the future, Delaware begins to distribute benefits through EBT, it will establish policies and procedures that ensure compliance with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Prior to implementation of EBT distribution, these policies and procedures will be detailed in a state plan amendment and in a letter sent to the Secretary.

Delaware issues TANF benefits via check. Delaware has an agreement with PNC Bank, which has locations throughout the State, to cash the TANF checks of recipients. Recipients cashing their TANF check at a PNC branch incur no fees for cashing the checks. There are also no fees related to electronic fund transfer, since Delaware issues paper checks.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

viii. Ensure that recipients of assistance provided under the State program funded under this part have access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available.

Delaware does not issue TANF benefits through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) and therefore has not established policies or procedures to address EBT access and use as they relate to TANF benefits. If in the future, Delaware begins to distribute benefits through EBT, it will establish policies and procedures that ensure compliance with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Prior to implementation of EBT distribution, these policies and procedures will be detailed in a state plan amendment and in a letter sent to the Secretary.

B. Special Provisions

i. The document shall indicate whether the State intends to treat families moving into the State from another State differently than other families under the program, and if so, how the State intends to treat such families under the program.

Individuals from Another State

All families meeting the status eligibility requirements are eligible for TANF benefits using Delaware rules, regardless of how long they have been residents of the State.

Denial of Benefits for Fraudulent Misrepresentation to Obtain Assistance in Two States

Any individual who misrepresents residence to receive TANF, Medicaid, or Food Supplement benefits in two states shall be subject to a ten-year ban if convicted in a state or federal court.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

ii. The document shall indicate whether the State intends to provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States, and if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.

Non-Citizen Households

Treatment of Eligible Non-Citizens

Qualified non-citizens who enter the United States before August 22, 1996 are eligible to receive the same benefits and services and are subject to the same conditions and requirements as all other applicants and recipients.

Qualified aliens entering the United States on or after August 22, 1996, who are exempt from benefit restrictions as specified in federal law, are eligible to receive the same benefits and services and are subject to the same conditions and requirements as all other applicants and recipients.

Qualified non-citizens who enter the United States on or after August 22, 1996 are, after five years, eligible to receive the same benefits and services and are subject to the same conditions and requirements as all other applicants and recipients.

iii. The document shall set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and 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.

Nondiscrimination Statement

State of Delaware agencies administering the TANF Block Grant assure equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in their employment

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practices and service delivery. No person shall on the basis of sex, age, color, national origin, race, or disability status be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any program or activity receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance and administered by the agencies.

Further, it is the obligation of the agencies to make reasonable accommodations for an applicant or participant so that no limitation - physical, mental or language - prevents his or her complete participation.

Appeals Process

DSS will provide timely and adequate notice for actions taken which affect eligibility or benefit level. Adequate notice means a written notice that includes a statement of what action the agency intends to take, the reasons for the intended agency action, the specific regulations supporting such action, explanation of the individual's right to request a fair hearing, and the circumstances under which assistance may be continued if a hearing is requested.

Timely notice means a notice that is mailed no later than ten (10) days before the date of action (i.e., ten days before the intended change would be effective). When DSS learns of facts indicating that assistance should be discontinued, suspended, terminated, or reduced because of the probable fraud of the recipient and, where possible, such facts have been verified through secondary sources, notice of a grant adjustment is timely if mailed at least five (5) days before the action would become effective.

An opportunity for a hearing will be granted to any applicant who requests a hearing because his or her claim for assistance is denied or is not acted upon with reasonable promptness and to any applicant or recipient who is aggrieved by any Agency action.

To be considered by the Agency, a request for a hearing must be a clear expression in writing by the appellant or his or her representative to the effect that (s)he wants the opportunity to present his or her case to higher authority. The freedom to make such a request will not be limited or interfered with in any way and the Division will assist the appellant in submitting and processing his or her request. A hearing need not be granted when either state or federal law requires automatic grant adjustments for classes of recipients, unless the reason for an individual appeal is incorrect grant computation.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Participants in TANF must cooperate with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) as a condition of eligibility. In addition, all families are required to provide sufficient information to permit Delaware to obtain child support on behalf of the family. Exceptions can be made when the caretaker demonstrates that pursuit of child support would create a danger to the caretaker or the child(ren). It is the responsibility of the client to provide documentation to verify such a good cause claim.

Failure of a caretaker, without good cause, to cooperate with and provide information to DCSS to permit the State to pursue the collection of child support on behalf of dependent children will result in a full family sanction, until compliance. Applicants who fail to provide information so that Delaware may pursue child support collections will be denied or closed. To cure the child support sanction, the caretaker will provide sufficient information to permit Delaware to pursue child support collections on behalf of the needy children in the family.

When a child lives with both the natural father and the mother but paternity has not been legally established, the parents will be referred to DCSS for a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.

When a child lives with the natural father but paternity has not been legally established, the father will complete a declaration of natural relationship document and will provide acceptable verification of relationship.

When a child lives with a relative of the natural father but paternity has not been legally established, the relative must complete a declaration of natural relationship document and provide acceptable verification of relationship.

In Delaware, DCSS determines non-cooperation with child support requirements. In addition, effective January 1, 1999, DCSS began making the determination of good faith efforts to comply.

Distribution of Child Support Collections to TANF Recipients

Delaware is a fill-the-gap state. Delaware uses fill-the-gap to make sure that families do not experience a net-loss of income due to the State retaining child support paid by absent parents.

3. Foster Care And Adoption Assistance Program

Certification that the state will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the State plan approved under part E, and that the State will take such actions as are necessary to ensure

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that children receiving assistance under such part are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under title XIX.

Delaware certifies it will operate a Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program in accordance with part E and the State Plan, and take all necessary actions to ensure that children receiving assistance are eligible for medical assistance.

4. Administration of the Program

Certification of the administration of the program. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State specifying which State agency or agencies will administer and supervise the program referred to in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year, which shall include assurances that local governments and private sector organizations- A. have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and B. have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services.

Structure of Agency

The Division of Social Services (DSS), a division of the State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), administers TANF. While DHSS is the lead agency, program administration is accomplished through a partnership of DSS, the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC).

The Department of Health and Social Services is the cabinet level agency designated by the State as responsible for Delaware's public assistance programs as allowed under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. Within the Department, the Division of Social Services (DSS) administers these programs. (DSS organizational chart included as Appendix B.)

State Agencies Involved

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Labor, and the Delaware Economic Development Office have a unique partnership. All three agencies are responsible for moving welfare clients to work. These three agencies have collaborated in developing Delaware's TANF program, in public information, in implementation, and continue to collaborate in managing the initiative.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Involvement of Community, Education, Business, Religious, Local Government and Non-Profit Organizations to Provide Work

Every sector has been actively involved in the development of Delaware's TANF program and continues to be involved.

To further promote employer interest in hiring TANF recipients, the Departments of Labor and Economic Development meet with members of the business community at regularly scheduled events like monthly Chamber of Commerce meetings and at special events.

The Social Services Advisory Council was established by executive order. The Governor appoints council members to advise the directors of both the Division of Social Services (DSS) and the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) on matters related to public assistance and child support services. Council members represent local governments, the community, advocates, non-profit providers, educators, and interested citizens.

DSS and DCSS management regularly meet with the Social Services Advisory Council to discuss TANF and other social services and child support programs.

Role of Public and Private Contractors in Delivery of Services

Delaware has contracted with private for-profit and non-profit providers and the local community college network to provide job readiness, job placement, and retention services to welfare clients since 1986. These contractual arrangements continue under TANF. Contractors include community and faith- based social services agencies and organizations offering specialized services.

A number of community providers across the state provide academic remediation to TANF recipients.

Staff Training

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

TANF training has been incorporated into the cash grant training which is required for all new financial services staff. Case management training has now been incorporated into interviewing and coaching training, which is required for all new staff. Veteran staff attend trainings, open labs, and staff meetings, which re-enforce case management, interviewing, and TANF application processing.

Compliance With Participation Rates

Delaware intends to meet the participation rate requirements set forth in the TANF legislation. Recognizing that Delaware's hourly requirements for participation in work and work-related activities are broader than those prescribed by the current TANF legislation, we are prepared to provide some benefits utilizing solely state funding (SSF) if it becomes necessary to continue to meet TANF work participation requirements.

Maintenance of Effort

Delaware is aware of and intends to fully comply with the requirements of the law (P.L. 104-193) to maintain a prescribed level of historic state expenditures. Delaware will ensure that expenditures of state funds for benefits and services ("Qualified State Expenditures" as defined in the law) for TANF participants (either in the Part A federally funded program or non-Part A state funded program) who are TANF eligible will equal or exceed the required annual spending level.

As a 1975 fill-the-gap state, Delaware has opted to continue to use fill-the-gap for the issuance of child support disregards and child support supplemental payments to TANF clients. Delaware considers these payments to be "cash assistance" to eligible families and therefore to be within the definition of "Qualified State Expenditures".

Financial eligibility criteria for MOE-funded and solely state funded assistance or services are the same as for other TANF assistance or services, except that MOE claimed for child care under the provisions of 45 CFR Ch. II § 263.3 will follow the financial eligibility criteria established in the CCDF State Plan and associated State regulations. Other program services may be provided to needy families or needy parents as defined elsewhere in the Plan.

State Maintenance of Effort funded programs are below:

1. Diversion Assistance Program

Delaware operates a Diversion Assistance program intended to help a family through a financial problem which jeopardizes employment and

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

which, if not resolved, could result in the family needing regular ongoing assistance. The Diversion Assistance payment will not exceed $1,500 or the financial need resulting from the crisis, whichever is less. Diversion Assistance, which is available to both applicant and recipient families, is not a supplement to regular assistance but is in place of it.

Eligibility requirements for Diversion Assistance are as follows: • The parent must be living with his or her natural or adopted children. • The family has not received a Diversion Assistance payment in the past 12 months. • The Diversion Assistance amount will alleviate the crisis. • The parent is currently employed but having a problem which jeopardizes the employment or has been promised a job but needs help in order to accept the job. • The family's income would qualify the family for TANF as a recipient household. (When calculating eligibility for Diversion Assistance the family is given the $30 plus 1/3 disregard, if applicable, and the family's net income is compared to the Standard of Need.). • The family's resources would qualify for TANF.

The Diversion Assistance payment may be used for items and/or services, such as but not limited to: • Transportation (such as vehicle repairs, tires, insurance, driver's license fee, gas). • Clothing such as uniforms or other specialized clothing and footwear or other employment-related apparel. • Tools and equipment. • Medical expenses not covered by Medicaid (e.g., eye glasses). • Union dues, special fees, licenses or certificates. • Up-front costs of employment such as agency fees and testing fees. • Unpaid childcare expenses which, if they remain unpaid, preclude the provision of future child care. • Relocation expenses for verified employment in another county or state. These expenses may include moving equipment rental, gas, and lodging for the days of the move and the first month's rent, rental and utility deposit.

Diversion Assistance payments will be made to a third party vendor, not the parent. When the parent receives Diversion Assistance (s)he agrees to forego TANF cash assistance as follows: • 1 month for $0 through $500.99 of Diversion Assistance. • 2 months for $501 through $1,000.99 of Diversion Assistance. • 3 months for $1,001 through $1,500 of Diversion Assistance.

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

The once a year limitation on Diversion Assistance and the period of ineligibility can be eliminated when good cause exists. Good cause exists when circumstances beyond the client's control make re-application for Diversion Assistance or TANF necessary. Examples of good cause are the employer lays off the parent or a serious illness forces the parent to stop working.

The family is eligible for TANF related Medicaid in the month in which the Diversion Assistance payment is made. The family would remain eligible for Section 1931 Medicaid (TANF related Medicaid) until the family's income exceeds the standard of need. If the family's income exceeds the standard of need because of increased earnings or loss of the $30 plus 1/3 disregard and the parent is working, the family may be eligible for Transitional Medicaid.

Diversion Assistance does not count as income in the child care program. Families receiving Diversion Assistance may also be eligible to receive child care under Delaware's working poor child care program if their income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Receipt of Diversion Assistance would not bar receipt of Food Supplement benefits, and food benefit applications will be actively solicited from individuals requesting Diversion Assistance.

Diversion Assistance does not count against the time limit on receipt of assistance.

The family will not have to assign child support to the State. Child support received by the parent or the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) will belong to the family. DCSS will not use child support to offset or reimburse the Diversion Assistance.

Diversion Assistance is not intended to replace TANF's Emergency Assistance Program or Supportive Services payments, which will continue. The TANF Emergency Assistance Program provides identical benefits that were provided under Delaware's State Plan in effect on August 21, 1996 (see Appendix A). Rather, Diversion Assistance expands the opportunities to access services to support employment.

Child Welfare Services to Assist Needy Families in Maintaining Children in the Home of Their Parent(s) or a Relative Caregiver

These services are provided when conditions exist requiring the intervention of the Division of Family Services (DFS). Services or payment for services for the child or family is provided to deal with the conditions that caused the need for the services and the child or family is not eligible for such services under Title IV-E. The services provided are those identified by DFS as needed to meet the needs of the child. These include investigation, case management, community and home based intervention services, foster care maintenance payments for

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

short-term placement of less than 180 days outside of the home, as well as foster care payments for temporary absence placements of up to 365 days. Also included are case management services for preventive services, court- related activities, and foster care. Needy families whose combined earned and unearned income is at or below 900% of the federal poverty level during the year are eligible to receive these TANF or MOE funded services.

As described on page one of Appendix A, federal funds may be used under the former Emergency Assistance provision that was in effect on August 21, 1996. In addition, paragraph two describes how State MOE funds may be used to pay for these benefits and services while the child remains in the home of a relative or during a period of temporary absence from the home of up to 12 months, as long as the child is expected to return home during that period of time or a good cause extension has been granted. Service under this program include: • DSSC – Foster Grandparents serve as mentors and tutors for at-risk children and youth with special and exceptional needs. • DSCYF – Investigations provide support services to ensure the safety of children in various environments. • DSSC – CAPS Funds (includes: Utility fund, Sunoco fund, energy assistance, kinship care, needy family fund) • ECAP – Early Childhood Intervention. The Delaware Department of Education is the lead agency for the State funded Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP). ECAPs are designed on the Federal Head Start model. All programs follow Head Start Performance Standards as the foundation for developing their program’s systems and services. ECAP services are comprehensive and include: developmentally appropriate early childhood education, health and nutritional services, parent involvement, family partnerships/services, transportation, services for children with special needs, and transition services.

Cash Assistance for Single or Two Parent and Child Only Families

To provide broad-based support for working families, Delaware was one of the first states to recognize that the special eligibility requirements that applied to two-parent families contributed to both the non-formation and the break-up of two-parent households. The six-quarter work history requirement was particularly responsible for non-marriage of teen parents, who had not yet worked enough to meet this qualification. The denial of benefits to two-parent families if one of the parents was working at least 100 hours a month also contributed to the low work rate of two-parent families that were receiving AFDC.

When Delaware eliminated these special deprivation requirements as part of our welfare reform waiver, the numbers of two-parent families receiving TANF soared, and we believe that, without the TANF change, many of these

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

households would have applied for and been found eligible for benefits as single mother families. These never formed two-parent households would have had profound effects on the ability of the family to exit welfare and on the future success of the children. We have found that the average length of stay on TANF is much lower for two-parent families, reflecting the greater incidence of retained employment when two adults are able to engage in work and share child care duties.

Delaware has always allowed taxpayers to file separately and applied the progressive rate structure to each spouse's income separately, which avoided most tax increases resulting from marriage. However, a marriage penalty could still result from uneven standard deduction amounts. By increasing the standard deduction amount for married taxpayers to exactly twice the single standard deduction beginning January 1, 2000, enactment of HB 411 has effectively eliminated the income tax "marriage penalty" in the State of Delaware.

Supportive Services

Employment and training activities and work-related supportive services are designed to link TANF adults to employment and help them retain employment. Work-related supportive services may include: • Support provided by contractors to retain employment for up to one (1) year • Health care for Delaware citizens • Job search programs and other assistance from the Department of Labor to find a job • Ongoing job retention assistance • Child care • Eye examinations, corrective lenses, dental expenses, and physicals not covered by Medicaid • Transportation expenses • Work-related equipment, uniforms, shoes, and supplies • Work-related fees and training • Teen Voucher program • Expungement services • Bridge program – the Bridge program assists clients suspected of having problems related to substance abuse, mental health, or domestic violence through screening, assessment, and case management services. The primary role of the Bridge program is to assist clients in accessing appropriate treatment services. The Bridge provider develops a plan with each client that identifies the needed services and develops strategies to ensure compliance with treatment recommendations. The Bridge provider may transport clients to appointments and will coordinate with the employment and training vendors to ensure that the client receives credit for their participation in treatment. In their role as case managers and client advocates, the Bridge vendor will often assist clients who are facing

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

homelessness or other emergency events resolve these situations. All adult TANF recipients suspected of having problems related to substance abuse and/or mental health are referred to the Bridge program. Additionally, Bridge staff screen all adults for problems related to substance abuse disorders, behavioral health, and domestic violence as a routine process for adults entering the employment and training programs. A contracted vendor provides the services offered by the Bridge program. The Bridge vendor is contracted through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health who has collaborated with DSS to provide the Bridge services. The program was modified in 2008 to make the program more accessible to TANF recipients by locating the Bridge services at the Employment Connections sites. The goal of co-locating the Bridge and Employment Connections (EC) vendors is to ensure that case managers from the Bridge program and the EC vendors engage in on-going joint case planning and case collaboration. This integration of services ensures a long-term focus on self-sufficiency while being responsive to the need for immediate referral and access to treatment services.

Services are provided by voucher or directly. In addition, TANF will, on a case- by-case basis, pay fees to purchase certificates, licenses, or testing needed to obtain employment. DSS will determine when such services are necessary for a TANF recipient to participate.

Services for Working Families in Financial Crisis

Because of the ongoing, pressures on the cost of housing, fuel, and food, many families face temporary crises that place them at risk of displacement from their homes and/or at risk of dissolution of their family units. These working families receive a wide range of one-time and on-going supports in an effort to maintain the family unit and avoid episodes of TANF assistance. Working families at or below 600% FPL are eligible for supportive services and financial assistance determined to reduce the likelihood of dissolution of the family unit or the need for TANF assistance.

Emergency Assistance Program

The purpose of Emergency Assistance is to avoid the destitution of a child or of a needy distressed resident of the State by providing payments which eliminate or alleviate an emergency condition. An emergency is caused by an unforeseen circumstance or combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action. The program is run through the Delaware State Service Centers, to provide non-assistance non-recurrent short term benefits and/or Emergency Assistance. These services provide emergency necessities to promote family intact stability, strengthen Delaware's families, increase employment options, and positively impact the general public health. Emergency services provide assistance with appliances, furniture, clothing,

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

emergency or permanent shelter, food, home repairs, medical, moving, transportation, and /or utilities and fuel.

Families must be open in TANF or have qualifying Medicaid under the needy definition Delaware has established.

Administrative Costs

Delaware will comply with federal requirements.

Administrative costs for programs are financed by MOE: • Salary and non-salary costs for staff related to eligibility activities as computed with a cost-allocation plan which differentiates eligibility functions from other functions. • Cost of the TALX (employment data verification) program. • Funding for Department of Labor administrative costs for support they provide.

DSS System Cost

Costs for the development and implementation of the ASSIST Worker Web (AWW) management information system and other DSS systems are financed by MOE.

AWW is a large-scale client server, interactive eligibility determination, and benefit issuance system. AWW automates: client registration, application entry, eligibility determination, benefit calculation, benefit issuance, and work programs for more than 100 variations of cash, Medicaid, child care and food benefit programs administered by the Delaware Division of Social Services. AWW provides automated program support and supports the information needs at the state and local office level. AWW also incorporates program changes required by P.L. 104-193.

Subsidized Child Care & Child Care for Working Families not on TANF

Delaware uses MOE funds to subsidize or co-pay child care for working TANF recipients or those participating in TANF approved work preparation activities. Delaware also uses MOE funds to provide child care to working low-earning Delaware families. The purpose is to enable families to pay for child care while engaged in work preparation and/or employment and to enable low-earning families to pay child care expenses so they can accept and retain employment.

Safe Haven Sites Delaware will use a combination of TANF and MOE funds to support Safe Haven Sites which will provide services to needy families within the city of

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

Wilmington. The purpose of these sites are to reduce shootings, homicides, underage alcohol consumption, and substance abuse use by promoting youth development through positive decision making, proper time management, and an increase in physical and mental activities. Workshops and activities will address issues, including violence prevention, illegal substance use, alcohol awareness, civic and political engagement, time management, cyber-bullying, suicide prevention. The targeted population is youth between the ages of 11- 17. TANF purposes 1, 2 and 3.

Subsidized Employment Program Delaware will use a combination of TANF and MOE funds to support a Subsidized Employment program which places TANF clients or adults in needy families in public or private sector companies paying their wages for a period of no more than 12 months. This program provides opportunities that will lead to permanent employment in public or private sector companies. TANF purpose 2.

Specialized Training Programs Delaware will use a combination of TANF and MOE funds to offer specialized training programs for TANF Recipients. The primary goal of these programs are to provide clients with the basic skills, education and supportive services needed to acquire and retain jobs with a specific skill set. Delaware partners with agencies and offers short-term (2-26 weeks) training programs that provides certificates or an entry skill at the end of the course. TANF purposes 2.

Community Partner Support Unit Delaware will use a combination of TANF and MOE funds to support the Community Partner Support Unit which provides services to the low income, at-risk communities throughout Delaware. The goal is to provide supports that will help reduce violence, illegal substance use, and promote civic and political engagement, by providing trauma informed care and healthy choices. The unit provides services to parents and as well as their children within the community to help eliminate barriers to employment and provide greater access to DSS services. TANF purposes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

5. Access to Indian Tribes

Certification that the state will provide indians with equitable access to assistance. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412, with equitable

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

access to assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.

Delaware has no federally recognized tribes.

Delaware will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a Tribal Family Assistance plan approved under Section 412, with equitable access to assistance under Delaware’s TANF program attributable to funds provided by the federal government.

6. Program Fraud and Abuse

Certification of standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the State program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.

Delaware is participating in the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) required by section 1137 of the Social Security Act.

In addition, the State operates a fraud control program and will disqualify individuals found to have committed an intentional program violation based on findings of administrative disqualification hearings and findings of prosecution or court actions. Delaware has adopted the penalties for intentional program violations used by the Food Supplement Program: 12 months for the first offense and 24 months for a second instance. An individual committing a third offense is permanently disqualified.

7. Domestic Violence Screening

Optional certification of standards and procedures to ensure that the state will screen for and identify domestic violence.- A. In general. – At the option of the State, a certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to- i. screen and identify individuals receiving assistance under this part with a history of domestic violence while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals; ii. refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services; and iii. waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause, other program requirements such as time limits (for so long as

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

necessary) for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family cap provisions, in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance under this part to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize such individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence. B. Domestic violence defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “domestic violence” has the same meaning as the term “battered or subjected to extreme cruelty”, as defined in section 408(a)(7)(C)(iii).

Victims of Domestic Violence

As required under the optional Certification of Standards and Procedures to Ensure that a State will screen for and identify domestic violence, DSS will refer identified victims of domestic violence to appropriate services such as shelters and counseling and to Family Court. Under the Protection from Abuse Act (PFA), 10 Delaware Code, Chapter 9, Sections 1041-1048 (Attachment D), Family Court has the power and authority to expeditiously adjudicate all matters related to domestic violence including court ordered restraints, custody, property and financial resources.

Through this strong domestic violence law, Delaware is clearly committed to assisting victims of domestic violence to overcome circumstances which put them in physical, emotional, and/or financial jeopardy, and to assist them in seeking redress and a safe environment for themselves and their families. The law is a strong deterrent to domestic violence, according to a study by the National Center for State Courts, released on December 2, 1996. The study reported that 86 percent of those who sought protection under the law, which permits individuals in danger of serious physical abuse to obtain a protection order, were no longer being physically abused.

As a part of barrier screening process, DSS caseworkers and Bridge case management staff use standardized instruments to identify victims of domestic violence. Every worker is trained on administering the standardized instrument. As part of this training, staff learns how to recognize and assist women who are victims of domestic violence. The Division of Social Services (DSS) also has trained domestic violence resource workers at every DSS site. The resource worker supports the local office by assisting clients and staff in accessing domestic violence services, applying the domestic violence waiver to the TANF case, and promoting understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by clients. The resource worker receives training on domestic violence through an intensive two-day training called Domestic Violence 101. The resource workers also meet as a group at regularly scheduled meetings to learn

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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

about community resources and to discuss issues in accessing community supports. Community domestic violence agencies also attend these meetings to foster networking between DSS and the treatment community. Additional resources and workshops are also provided for the resource workers to ensure they have the most relevant and up to date information.

DSS believes that the methodology of resolving domestic violence situations as quickly as possible, as provided for under a strong statute, is the most appropriate and best course of action to assist current victims and to prevent future violence where possible.

Delaware certifies that the Family Development Profile establishes a procedure that screens for domestic violence and that, pursuant to a determination of good cause, program requirements may be waived if it is determined that compliance would make it more difficult for individuals to escape violence. However, decisions to waive compliance with TANF requirements will be made on an individual, case-by-case basis, and will not endorse an individual's failure to behave proactively to ameliorate destructive domestic violence situations.

State of Delaware TANF State Plan

Certifications in Support of Delaware’s State Plan for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The State of Delaware will operate a program to provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) so that: children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

The Executive Officer of the State is John Carney, Governor.

In administering and operating a program that provides Temporary Assistance for Needy Families with minor children under title IV-A of the Social Security Act,

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APPENDIX C

Executive Order Number One Hundred-One Establishing The Child Poverty Task Force WHEREAS, the United States of America has the highest child poverty rate of the seventeen wealthiest countries in the world; and WHEREAS, although the State of Delaware made progress towards reducing child poverty in the 1990’s, the poverty rate in Delaware has risen since 2002; and WHEREAS, children who live in poverty are subjected to a number of harsh realities that include, but are not limited to, a substantially greater likelihood to die from infectious diseases and to drop out of school prior to obtaining a high school diploma; and WHEREAS, the United Kingdom reduced the child poverty rate in Great Britain from 19% in 2000 to 11% in 2006 through its commitment to reduce child poverty by 50% within ten years; and WHEREAS, the States of Connecticut, California, and Minnesota, as well as the cities of New York and Milwaukee, have made similar commitments to reduce the child poverty rate by 50% within ten years; and WHEREAS, the State of Delaware recognizes the moral and economic interest in reducing child poverty, and appreciates the productivity that would result from a substantial decrease of child poverty in Delaware. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order as follows: 1. The Child Poverty Task Force (the “Task Force”) is hereby established. 2. The Task Force shall consist of twenty-five (25) members as follows: a. The Secretary of the Department of Education or his/her designee; b. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services or his/her designee; c. The Secretary of Labor or his/her designee; d. The Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families or his/her designee; e. The Executive Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority or his/her designee; f. The Chief Judge of the Delaware Family Court or his/her designee;

(oct-2022-cola)Delaware DSS: Administrative Notice, October 2022 cost-of-living adjustment#

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DELAWARE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES POLICY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UNIT

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE A-07-2022

TO:

DSS & DMMA Staff

DATE:

September 7, 2022

PROGRAMS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Benefits Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) General Assistance (GA) Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Purchase of Care (POC)/Child Care

SUBJECT:

October 2022 Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs)

BACKGROUND

Each October, indexed adjustments are made to the Federal Poverty Levels (FPLs) affecting DSS benefit programs.

This notice contains updated amounts for program income eligibility standards, deduction amounts, and benefit allotments for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023. These new amounts are effective from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

DISCUSSION

The following attachments contain the FFY 2023 COLA changes which are effective beginning October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.

Attachment A: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Changes were made to the food benefit maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, deductions, and resource limits.

The Basis of EBT Issuance allotment tables are available in the Outlook Public Folders under DHSS/DSS/Policy/Food Supplement Program/2023 COLA Documents.

Attachment B: Cash Assistance Programs

Changes were made to the TANF income eligibility standards.

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 2

Attachment C: Purchase of Care (POC) Program

Changes were made to the child care income eligibility standards and sliding fee scale.

Attachment D: Simplified Reporting Rules for Food Benefits

The income table was revised based on changes in the income eligibility standards.

Attachment E: Reporting Rules for Child Care

The income table was revised based on changes in the income eligibility standards.

ACTION REQUIRED

The FFY 2023 COLA changes will be updated in ASSIST Worker Web (AWW) for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and POC when mass change is run in September 2022. • For September benefits, AWW will use the FFY 2022 program income eligibility standards, deduction amounts, and benefit allotments to determine eligibility. • For October benefits, AWW will use the FFY 2023 program income eligibility standards, deduction amounts, and benefit allotments to determine eligibility.

POC Child Care Cases

Beginning October 1, 2022, AWW will use the new FFY 2023 income limits to determine eligibility and assign copayments for all new and redetermined child care cases. • If a family with an existing authorization would receive a decrease in their copayment amount based on the new income limits, the authorization for October and any subsequent months will be updated to reflect the decreased copayment. • If a family with an existing authorization would receive an increase in their copayment amount based on the new income limits, the copayment may only increase if the authorization has not met the maximum copayment assignment.

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 3

Signed 9/7/2022

THOMAS HALL DIRECTOR DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES

ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Attachment B: Cash Assistance Programs Attachment C: Purchase of Care (POC) Program Attachment D: Simplified Reporting Rules for Food Benefits Attachment E: Reporting Rules for Child Care

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 4

Attachment A

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

MAXIMUM FOOD BENEFIT ALLOTMENTS Household Size Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 1 $250 $281 2 $459 $516 3 $658 $740 4 $835 $939 5 $992 $1,116 6 $1,190 $1,339 7 $1,316 $1,480 8 $1,504 $1,691 Each additional member $188 $211

MINIMUM FOOD BENEFIT ALLOTMENTS Household Size Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 1-2 $20 $23

STANDARD DEDUCTIONS Household Size Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 1-3 $177 $193 4 $184 $193 5 $215 $225 6+ $246 $258

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 5

Attachment A

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

MAXIMUM EXCESS SHELTER DEDUCTION Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 $597 $624

HOMELESS SHELTER DEDUCTION Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 $159.73 $166.81

SELF-EMPLOYMENT STANDARD DEDUCTION Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 44% 43%

STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCES Type of Utility Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 Heating/Cooling $425 $545 Limited (Non-Heating/Cooling) $294 $374 One Utility $75 $75 Telephone $36 $34

MAXIMUM RESOURCE LIMITS Household Type Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 Households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or is disabled $3,750 $4,250 All other households $2,500 $2,750

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 6

Attachment A

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

MAXIMUM LIMIT FOR LOTTERY AND GAMBLING WINNINGS Old Amount 10/2021 New Amount 10/2022 $3,750 $4,250

FOOD BENEFIT INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMITS Household Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income 200% FPL

Categorically Eligible Elderly / Disabled Separate Household 165% FPL Maximum Gross Monthly Income 130% FPL

Simplified Reporting Maximum Net Monthly Income 100% FPL Maximum Allotment 1 $2,266 $1,869 $1,473 $1,133 $281 2 $3,052 $2,518 $1,984 $1,526 $516 3 $3,840 $3,167 $2,495 $1,920 $740 4 $4,626 $3,816 $3,007 $2,313 $939 5 $5,412 $4,465 $3,518 $2,706 $1,116 6 $6,200 $5,114 $4,029 $3,100 $1,339 7 $6,986 $5,763 $4,541 $3,493 $1,480 8 $7,772 $6,412 $5,052 $3,886 $1,691 Each additional member $788 $649 $512 $394 $211

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 7

Attachment B

CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

TANF PROGRAM STANDARDS OF NEED AND PAYMENT STANDARDS Number of People in the Budget Group 185% of the Standard of Need Standard of Need 75% FPL Payment Standard for TANF & RCA 1 $1,573 $850 $201 2 $2,118 $1,145 $270 3 $2,664 $1,440 $338 4 $3,210 $1,735 $407 5 $3,756 $2,030 $475 6 $4,301 $2,325 $544 7 $4,847 $2,620 $612 8 $5,393 $2,915 $681 9 $5,939 $3,210 $750 10 $6,486 $3,506 $819 11 $7,032 $3,801 $888 12 $7,579 $4,097 $957 13 $8,125 $4,392 $1,026 14 $8,673 $4,688 $1,095 15 $9,219 $4,983 $1,164 16 $9,766 $5,279 $1,233 17 $10,312 $5,574 $1,302 18 $10,860 $5,870 $1,371

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 8

Attachment B

CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDS OF NEED AND PAYMENT STANDARDS Number of People in the Budget Group Standard of Need Payment Standard 1 $79 $79 2 $107 $107 3 $144 $144 4 $169 $169 5 $209 $209 6 $239 $239 7 $266 $266

TANF MAXIMUM DEPENDENT CARE DEDUCTIONS Age of Child Amount Under 2 years old $ 200 2 years old and older $ 175

RESOURCE LIMITS Program Amount General Assistance $1,000 TANF $10,000

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION BONUS $350

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 9

Attachment C

PURCHASE OF CARE (POC) PROGRAM FFY 2023 OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

CHILD CARE INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMITS & SLIDING FEE SCALE MONTHLY COPAYMENTS ARE BASED ON COUNTABLE FAMILY INCOME Family Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income at Application 185% FPL Maximum Gross Monthly Income at Redetermination 200% FPL Maximum Gross Monthly Income during Authorization 85% SMI Excessive Financial Burden for Copayments ≤ 40% FPL Waived Copayments ≤ 70% FPL 4% of Gross Income Applied to Copayments >70% - 105% FPL 9% of Gross Income Applied to Copayments >105% - 200% FPL 1 $2,096 $2,266 $3,894 $453 $793 $794 - $1,190 $1,191 - $2,266 2 $2,823 $3,052 $5,092 $610 $1,068 $1,069 - $1,602 $1,603 - $3,052 3 $3,552 $3,840 $6,290 $768 $1,344 $1,345 - $2,016 $2,017 - $3,840 4 $4,279 $4,626 $7,488 $925 $1,619 $1,620 - $2,429 $2,430 - $4,626 5 $5,006 $5,412 $8,686 $1,082 $1,894 $1,895 - $2,841 $2,842 - $5,412 6 $5,735 $6,200 $9,884 $1,240 $2,170 $2,171 - $3,255 $3,256 - $6,200 7 $6,462 $6,986 $10,108 $1,397 $2,445 $2,446 - $3,668 $3,669 - $6,986 8 $7,189 $7,772 $10,333 $1,554 $2,720 $2,721 - $4,080 $4,081 - $7,772 9 $7,918 $8,560 $10,557 $1,712 $2,996 $2,997 - $4,494 $4,495 - $8,560 10 $8,647 $9,348 $10,782 $1,870 $3,272 $3,273 - $4,908 $4,909 - $9,348 11 $9,376 $10,136 $11,007 $2,027 $3,548 $3,549 - $5,321 $5,322 - $10,136 12 $10,105 $10,924 $11,231 $2,185 $3,823 $3,824 - $5,735 $5,736 - $10,924 13 $10,834 $11,712 $11,456 $2,342 $4,099 $4,100 - $6,149 $6,150 - $11,712 14 $11,563 $12,500 $11,681 $2,500 $4,375 $4,376 - $6,563 $6,564 - $12,500 15 $12,291 $13,288 $11,905 $2,658 $4,651 $4,652 - $6,976 $6,977 - $13,288 16 $13,020 $14,076 $12,130 $2,815 $4,927 $4,928 - $7,390 $7,391 - $14,076 17 $13,749 $14,864 $12,354 $2,973 $5,202 $5,203 - $7,804 $7,805 - $14,864 18 $14,478 $15,652 $12,579 $3,130 $5,478 $5,479 - $8,217 $8,218 - $15,652

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 10

Attachment D

SIMPLIFIED REPORTING RULES FOR FOOD BENEFITS OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

You must report the changes listed below if you receive Food Benefits.

1. MONTHLY INCOME CHANGE: You must report when your household’s total monthly income is more than the amount listed in the table below for your household size. You must report your total monthly income to the Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance within 10 days after the end of the month that your income increased. You must show your paycheck stubs to the Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.

Number of People in Your Food Benefit Case Food Benefit Household Monthly Income 1 $1,473 2 $1,984 3 $2,495 4 $3,007 5 $3,518 6 $4,029 7 $4,541 8 $5,052 For each additional person, add: $512

Monthly Gross Earned Income + Monthly Unearned Income = Total Monthly Income To calculate your household’s total monthly income, add the gross amount of all earned income (the amount of income from employment before deductions are taken out) to the amount of all unearned income (such as Social Security benefits, child support, or other cash assistance) that is received by everyone in your household during the month.

2. LOTTERY OR GAMBLING WINNINGS: You must report when anyone in your household receives lottery or gambling winnings of $4,250 or more. You must report lottery or gambling winnings to the Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance within 10 days after receiving the winnings even if you spend or give away the winnings.

3. WORK HOURS FOR ADULTS LIVING IN A HOME WITHOUT ANY MINOR CHILDREN: If you are an adult living in a household without any minor children and you are getting Food Benefits because you are working 80 hours or more per month, you must report when you start working less than 80 hours per month. You must report your new work hours to the Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance within 10 days after the end of the month that your hours decreased.

To report a change: • Call the Change Report Center at 1-866-843-7212; or • Contact your local Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance office; or • Login to your Delaware ASSIST account at https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov

You are not required to report other changes in your Food Benefit household's circumstances. This reporting requirement is for Food Benefits only. If you report a change, the Division of Social Services or Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance will take action on it and will notify you if the change results in either an increase or decrease in your benefits.

You must immediately report any changes in your household’s circumstances for Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance.

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Administrative Notice A-07-2022 September 7, 2022 Page 11

Attachment E

REPORTING RULES FOR CHILD CARE OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

If you are receiving Child Care Assistance, you are required to report a change in income when your family’s total monthly income increases to greater than 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) shown below. You must report this increase in income to the Division of Social Services within 10 days of the change.

85% STATE MEDIAN INCOME (SMI) LIMITS Household Size Yearly State Median Income Monthly Income 85% SMI Weekly Income 85% SMI Bi-weekly Income 85% SMI Semi-Monthly Income 85% SMI 1 $54,967 $3,894 $899 $1,803 $1,947 2 $71,880 $5,092 $1,176 $2,357 $2,546 3 $88,793 $6,290 $1,453 $2,912 $3,145 4 $105,706 $7,488 $1,729 $3,467 $3,744 5 $122,619 $8,686 $2,006 $4,021 $4,343 6 $139,532 $9,884 $2,283 $4,576 $4,942 7 $142,703 $10,108 $2,334 $4,680 $5,054 8 $145,874 $10,333 $2,386 $4,784 $5,167 9 $149,045 $10,557 $2,438 $4,888 $5,279 10 $152,217 $10,782 $2,490 $4,992 $5,391 11 $155,388 $11,007 $2,542 $5,096 $5,504 12 $158,559 $11,231 $2,594 $5,200 $5,616 13 $161,730 $11,456 $2,646 $5,304 $5,728 14 $164,901 $11,681 $2,698 $5,408 $5,841 15 $168,073 $11,905 $2,749 $5,512 $5,953 16 $171,244 $12,130 $2,801 $5,616 $6,065 17 $174,415 $12,354 $2,853 $5,719 $6,177 18 $177,586 $12,579 $2,905 $5,824 $6,290

You must also report a non-temporary change that affects your need for child care within 10 days of the change. Examples of non-temporary changes include: • Loss of employment; or • Completion of an education or training program; or • Permanent change in state residency

To report a change: • Call the Change Report Center at 1-866-843-7212; or • Contact your local Division of Social Services office; or • Login to your Delaware ASSIST account at https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov

(de-tanf-state-plan-2017)Delaware: State Plan for Title IV-A Block Grant of the Social Security Act (TANF), 2017#

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(de-tanf-state-plan-2017)Delaware: State Plan for Title IV-A Block Grant of the Social Security Act (TANF), 2017#

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(oct-2022-cola)Delaware DSS: Administrative Notice, October 2022 cost-of-living adjustment#

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