4007.2 Fill the Gap Budgeting - TANF

Fill the Gap revises the Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program eligibility and benefit calculation process so that families can retain more of their income. By having a standard of need which is greater than the payment standard, a "gap" is created. The difference between the family's income and the need standard is called the deficit. The State pays a percentage of the deficit up to a maximum benefit level or payment standard. This budgeting method will be used when the family has income. The income source could be earned, unearned, or combined. Three standards will be used in financial eligibility calculations: 185% of the standard of need, the need standard and the payment standard. Use 185% of the standard of need in the gross income test. Use the payment standard in the applicant net income test. Use the standard of need in the recipient net income test. 185% of Standard of Need/ Standard of Need/Payment Standard The standard of need used is 75% of the Federal Poverty Level. This includes allowances for food, clothes, utilities, personal items, and household supplies. Current for 10/2002 - 9/30/2003 NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE BUDGET 185% OF THE STANDARD OF NEED* STANDARD OF NEED (75% FPL)** PAYMENT STANDARD*** $1,024 $ 554 $201 $1,380 $ 746 $270 $1,737 $ 939 $338 $2,092 $1,131 $407 $2,447 $1,323 $475 $2,802 $1,515 $544 $3,161 $1,709 $612 $3,516 $1,901 $681 * Add $355 per person above eight in the family. ** Add $192 per person above eight in the family. *** Add $69 per person above eight in the family.