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To encourage two-parent families to participate in WT, Florida removed the restrictions and complex eligibility criteria that often served as barriers to participation in the former Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program. Two-parent families must meet the same eligibility requirements as single-parent families, receive the same benefits and services, satisfy the federal work activity requirements, and have state time limitations applied.

The additional income earned by both parents’ participation in the program, and the potential for increased earning power when both parents leave the program for unsubsidized employment, will alleviate acute financial strain and help to keep the family intact.

2.4 NONCITIZEN ELIGIBILITY (SECTION 414.095(3), F.S.)

Florida provides assistance to qualified noncitizens as allowed by federal law and in accordance with state law. Qualified noncitizens who receive TCA are subject to the same work requirements and time limits as other recipients.

2.5 ELIGIBILITY OF FAMILIES MOVING TO FLORIDA FROM ANOTHER STATE (SECTION 414.105(4), F.S.)

Florida does not determine eligibility for families moving into the state from another state differently than in-state families participating under the program. Individuals who move from another state are subject to the same time limitation as Florida residents. Florida counts the months of TANF assistance received in another state toward its 48-month lifetime limit.

2.6 CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

1. Disregards (section 414.095(11), F.S.): As an incentive to employment, Florida disregards the first $200 plus one-half of the remainder of earned income. To be eligible for this disregard, the individual must be a current participant in the program or must be eligible to participate in the program without the disregard. Florida disregards the earned income of a child if the child is a member of the eligible family, attends high school or the equivalent, and is 19 years of age or younger. Florida disregards earned income from temporary census employees with the U.S. Census Bureau when conducting the decennial census. This policy became effective April 2000. 2. Drug Screening for Applicants of TCA (section 414.0652, F.S.): Note: Drug testing was discontinued due to a Federal District Court ruling that Florida’s drug testing was unconstitutional. The U.S. Appellate Court upheld this ruling. Florida is not appealing the U.S Appellate Court’s ruling.