Page 12

Massachusetts TANF State Plan

pursue higher education can be reasonably calculated to prevent and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies and to encourage people to form two parent families. University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Scholarships: UMASS provides needs-based financial assistance to Massachusetts students enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at one of the UMASS locations: Boston, Lowell, Worcester, Amherst or Dartmouth. The scholarship program covers the cost of tuition for courses as well as the standard costs associated with attending school. These costs include only costs of attending courses and pursuing higher educational attainment, and excludes costs such as room and board. Scholarships are claimed under TANF purposes 3 and 4 because studies have shown that higher educational attainment correlates with a reduced incidence of out of wedlock pregnancy and that educational attainment increases the likelihood that a person will become a supportive member of a two-parent household. Therefore, scholarships that allow young adults in Massachusetts to pursue higher education can be reasonably calculated to prevent and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies and to encourage people to form two parent families. Supplemental Nutrition Allowance (SNA): Administered by DTA, this program offers a supplemental nutrition assistance benefit to certain SNAP clients who are not receiving TAFDC. Eligible families who are working and receiving SNAP or whose TAFDC cases close due to earnings and who are currently receiving Non Public Assistance (NPA) SNAP benefits only and have an employment status that meets the work participation requirements as outlined in 106 CMR 705.250 will be provided a supplemental nutritional assistance benefit. MOE Funded Programs TAFDC: Administered by DTA, TAFDC is the cash assistance program for families with children and some pregnant women with little to no income. Regulations regarding financial eligibility can be found at 106 CMR 704.000, et seq. Employment Services Program (ESP): Administered by DTA, ESP is an employment oriented program that supports the goal of ending dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. Regulations regarding TAFDC financial eligibility can be found at 106 CMR 704.000, et seq. and 106 CMR 707.000, et seq. Transportation in the TAFDC Account: Administered by DTA, TAFDC and former TAFDC families who have an approved Pathways Plan and an active activity or employment receive transportation payments to offset the cost of travel to and from the activity or worksite. Regulations regarding TAFDC financial eligibility can be found at 106 CMR 704.000, et seq. ESP Pathways to Self-Sufficiency (PSS): Administered by DTA, PSS is used to assess work program required TAFDC families to help them set goals and develop a plan to meet those goals. Regulations regarding TAFDC financial eligibility can be found at 106 CMR 704.000, et seq. DTA Administrative Expenses: This program covers the administrative activities related to TANF or MOE funded programs performed at DTA or other Massachusetts state