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▪ Temporary Absence. A child or caretaker who remains part of a household but is, or expected to be, out of the home for 180 consecutive days or less, will, if otherwise eligible, qualify to receive assistance. Individuals out of the home for more than 180 days may remain eligible for assistance if the individual meets good cause requirements as determined by the TANF program manager.

Benefit Determination. Cash payments for persons in their own home are based on standardized allowances for basic needs, such as food, clothing, utilities, household and personal needs and shelter. The amount of direct cash assistance paid to a family is based on the difference between the need standard and countable income. The financial criteria are applicable for both State and federal funding. Changes to income and resource guidelines or the need standards are announced in the Kansas Register with a 30-day period for public comment.

▪ Income and Resources. Certain income and resources are exempt for all assistance plan members, including:

o The home in which the family resides

o Household assets of less than $2,750 o Educational accounts for minors (529 plans) o Vehicles where exempt by policy (i.e., used for employment, seeking employment, education or training, or to produce income) o Household equipment and furnishings in use, personal effects, and tools in use

o Earnings of children

o $90 plus 60% of adult recipient’s earnings o Funds in an individual development account (IDA) earmarked for the purpose of post- secondary education, first-time home purchase, business capitalization (as the above are defined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996), and/or assistive technology o Certain annuities when payments are being paid out and counted as income