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

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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