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Massachusetts TANF State Plan

check, have a high school diploma or its equivalent but have little to no work experience, professional networks or current references. The program places parents or caregivers in state agencies or nonprofits where they complete a nine month internship. While they are completing their internship, parents or caregivers receive one on one mentoring and a monthly education and training stipend that does not impact their TAFDC benefits.

Temporary Absence

Massachusetts continues to exercise its option under section 408, paragraph (10)(A), of the Social Security Act to continue payment of TANF financial assistance benefits for a minor child absent from the home for at least 30 but not more than 180 consecutive days.

Time Limits

Families receiving TAFDC are subject to time-limited benefits unless they are exempt from the time limit. Non-exempt parents and caregivers, including each parent in a two parent family, are limited to 24 months of assistance in any continuous 60-month period. The 60- month period begins the first full calendar month a family receives TAFDC benefits. Once 60 months have passed, the family is eligible for a new 60 month period and another 24 months within that 60 month period.

Domestic Violence Services

DTA employes a team of specialists to assist survivors for all DTA programs including TAFDC and for employees. The diverse team consists of 18 specialists and five coordinators, or supervisors, and a Director all with extensive experience in domestic violence services. Every DTA office has at least one specialist and/or coordinator assigned to cover that office.

Domestic Violence Specialists help with support, safety planning and referrals to local resources that can lead to long-term safety and stability including safe housing options. They also help survivors safely navigate DTA benefits. They work side by side with case managers to ensure any safety issues are addressed and help to secure waivers for certain TAFDC program rules such as Pathways to Work, the time limit, school attendance for parents under 20 and cooperation with child support.

In addition, members of the Domestic Violence team serve as trainers and educators for DTA staff. New hire training for case management staff includes a module on what domestic violence is and how it may show up in the course of their work. They are also trained in what options exist for survivors and how the Domestic Violence team can help both staff and clients to safely navigate program rules. The Domestic Violence Specialists and/or Coordinators provide ongoing training to staff upon request or when a need is identified. Once a year, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Director of the Domestic Violence Unit, provides training to local office managers to ensure everyone is up to date on what the Domestic Violence team does, what services and supports they offer and how to contact them.