SECTION 6 - TANF PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH PROJECTS

Research projects expand our knowledge to effectively discover ways to improve employment, earnings, and economic stability among TANF customers. This leads to helping families with economic barriers and overcoming challenges within the household, which leads to self-sufficient. Research can provide a strong impact on how we conduct our practices and policies within TANF. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS (EDC) RESEARCH PROJECT Every Dollar Counts (EDC) is a research project being conducted by the University of Chicago Poverty Lab and the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights (10/2020). The research project is designed to study the impact of improved economic stability for residents of Illinois. The purpose of this project is to understand how providing a minimum level of economic security impacts the choices and outcomes of low-income households. The eligible population are individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 at the time of enrollment. Also, in the year prior to enrollment to the study the participants income could not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Individuals who participate in the project will receive a cash gift of $50 to $1000 every month for 3 years. Participants will receive the cash gift through direct deposit and can spend the money however they choose. Through Public Act 101-0415, money received from this project is considered exempt unearned income for the purposes of determining SNAP, TANF and AABD cash and MAGI medical eligibility and non-exempt for AABD medical eligibility. EDC is not considered a Work and Training Program for TANF. Back to Top