4008 Determining Financial Eligibility and Grant Amounts in TANF

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. Comparing the family's income to 185% of the applicable standard of need is the gross income test. Both applicants and recipients must pass this income test. The other income test compares the family's income, after applying certain disregards to the applicable standard. This is a net income test. Applicants are defined as families who have not received assistance in at least one of the four months immediately preceding the application. For applicants, the net income is compared to the payment standard. Recipients are defined as families who have received assistance in at least one of the four months preceding the application or are current recipients. For 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 to be financially eligible for Delaware's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. 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 (DSSM 4004.1). Social Security benefits, child support, and step-parent income are examples of unearned income (DSSM 4005). Check DSSM 4006 for excluded income that is not counted to determine TANF eligibility and benefit amounts. NOTE: Please refer to the most recent Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) Administrative Notice for the up to date Income Eligibility Standards.