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• Diversion payments intended to provide employed TANF applicants with short-term assistance in order to obtain or maintain employment. • Work support payments intended to assist with work related expenses.
The family that receives non-assistance rather than TANF cash assistance:
• Is not subject to TANF lifetime limits • Is not subject to TANF work requirements • Is not subject to TANF personal responsibility requirements • Retains all child support
The provision of this type of aid, funded by federal TANF dollars and State MOE funds, is consistent with the efforts being made by Georgia to assist needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives, and to end the dependency of needy parents on government benefits. The various types of non-assistance being provided will also help to strengthen and maintain two-parent families through both the alleviation of short-term financial crises as well as the prevention of potential problems that may place undue strain on families and will help to prevent and reduce both out-of-wedlock and teenage pregnancies.
a. Work Supports
Support Services for TANF Recipients
When needed, support services are provided to assist TANF recipients to participate in work activities that will preserve months of potential TANF eligibility and lead to stable employment. Support services for TANF recipients are provided through a combination of federal TANF and State MOE funds. These services may include:
• Childcare; • Transportation; o Transportation reimbursement o Purchase of Marta cards o Transportation provided through a DHS contract, referral service • Work clothing, when required for employment; • Eyewear, medical and dental services when required for employment (ASUPL — See Appendix C excerpt); • Tools when required for employment; • Occupational licensing fees.
Persons eligible for these services must meet the State’s defined TANF income and resource guidelines. Support services are considered assistance and are provided when necessary but cannot exceed the maximum allowed by state law and funding. Benefits are provided at application and during periods of eligibility through cash to the TANF client and payments to providers.