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Iowa’s TANF State Plan

5 4. Pursuant to 45 CFR 261.56, includes the criteria and definitions used by Iowa to determine whether a single custodial parent with a child under age six has demonstrated an inability to obtain needed child care and is subsequently exempt from penalty for failure to meet required work requirements.

ADMINISTRATION

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) has primary responsibility for administering the state’s TANF block grant. This includes the Family Investment Program (FIP) cash assistance and other programs funded in whole or in part with TANF or state maintenance of effort (MOE) funds. Iowa HHS is the single state TANF agency and is responsible for providing a broad array of services. Public assistance programs administered by Iowa HHS include: institutional and community- based programs; mental health and substance abuse resources and services, including psychiatric hospitals and residential facility care for persons with an intellectual disability, child care, and adult protective services; and programs delivered by local offices, which are responsible for most of the direct services provided, including those covered by Title IV-A. Iowa HHS is responsible for the timely completion and submittal of all quarterly and annual TANF reports.

The Iowa HHS contracts with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) to conduct appeal hearings, eligibility investigations and recovery of overpayments. However, the Iowa HHS does not delegate authority to the DIAL to exercise administrative discretion for supervision of the TANF State Plan or to issue program policies, rules or regulations. The DIAL contract personnel are not Iowa HHS employees. To the extent that they perform Iowa HHS work, they are agents and representatives of the Iowa HHS.

The Iowa HHS contracts with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development (IWD) to provide PROMISE JOBS services – work and training for TANF cash assistance recipients.

The Iowa HHS is headed by a Director selected by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. A Council on Health and Human Services acts in an advisory capacity to the Iowa HHS on making departmental policy. Council members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Chief Operating Officer, as well as Division Directors, are appointed by the Iowa HHS Director and are not subject to a set term in office.

SECTION 402 [42 U.S.C. 602] – STATE PLAN REQUIREMENTS