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STATE OF HAWAII BENEFIT, EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION DHS 1242 (REV 06/2022) Page 1 of 1 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Name of Applicant / Recipient Case Number Processing Center Date This MOU explains the requirements of the TANF Program. Please read this MOU and keep for your records. If you have any questions regarding this MOU, please call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643. 1. Applicants of financial benefits through the TANF Program must attend an orientation session with the First-To-Work (FTW) Program and meet one week of participation requirements, within a three (3) week period, before the first financial benefits will be issued. 2. An able-bodied adult who does not have a child under six (6) months old or is not caring for an ill or disabled family member, will be referred to the FTW Program. The FTW Program helps families to prepare for and to become employed. Program requirements must be met, or the family will not be eligible for financial benefits. 3. If physical or mental disability or domestic violence prevents an adult family member from working, a referral will be made to the First-To-Work Vocational Rehabilitation (FTW-VR) office. The family will need to participate in the FTW-VR program and services. FTW-VR provides case management services, monitors treatment services, provides services to address domestic violence, provides specialized employment services, or other services. 4. Families may receive up to sixty (60) months of benefits, in a lifetime, if there is at least one (1) adult in the family who is able-bodied and can work. 5. The financial benefits received by a family will be reduced by 20% in the third (3rd) full month after the application interview if there is at least one (1) adult in the family who is able-bodied. This 20% benefit reduction will continue until the family receives sixty (60) months of benefits. 6. If a family member is employed, the department will apply allowable deductions so less of your family’s earnings will be counted towards determining your family’s benefits. If your family’s calculated net income does not exceed the 100% of the standard of need for your family size, your family will continue to be eligible for financial benefits or no- fault automobile insurance. 7. If child(ren) receives financial benefits but the adult(s) are not eligible, the adult(s) may still be required to participate in the FTW Program and meet program requirements as a condition of eligibility for the family. 8. If an adult in the family or any other member decides to go to school, the family will still be subject to the 60-month time limit and the 20% benefit reduction, but any educational loans, grants or scholarships received will not count in determining eligibility and financial benefits. 9. If an independent minor parent is receiving financial benefits with their own child(ren), the family will continue to be eligible for financial assistance if the minor parent stays in school and completes high school education or equivalency. Minor parents will be subjected to the five (5) year time limit, but the financial assistance benefits will not be reduced by 20% so long as the minor parent is in high school or equivalent. 10. Children in the family who are between sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years old and not attending high school, must participate with the FTW Program. 11. While employed or participating with the FTW Program, a family may request help with childcare costs. Auth: Hawaii Administrative Rules, Section 17-647-54.1, and Chapters 17-656.1 and 17-794.1 Attachment B-2