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I V - A S T A T E O F M A I N E T A N F S T A T E P L A N 7 | P a g e

Prospective Budgeting

Eligibility and the benefit are determined for a specific benefit month based on the best estimate of all nonfinancial, asset, and financial criteria that exist and are expected to exist for that month. Benefits are determined prospectively.

Benefit Determination & Delivery

Payment standards are based on a Standard of Need. To determine eligibility for cash assistance, the total of a family’s countable earned income (after disregards) and unearned income is compared with the appropriate Standard of Need and maximum payment standard for the unit. See Attachment A.

The benefit amount for the month of application is prorated based on the number of days remaining in the month after the application file date.

TANF benefits are delivered by means of an electronic benefit transfer system. Recipients may also choose to have their cash benefits directly deposited into their financial institution accounts or paid to a third-party vendor, such as a landlord.

See https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/10/144/144c331.docx Maine Public Assistance Manual, Chapter III, Eligibility Requirements (Financial). Pgs. 1-10, and Chapter IV, Budgeting Process, pgs. 1-14, for additional information.

Work Requirements (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(ii))

Require a parent or caretaker relative receiving assistance under the program to engage in work (as defined by the State) once the state determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once the parent or caretaker has received assistance under the program for 24 months (whether or not consecutive), whichever is earlier.

All parents and specified relatives who request and receive assistance are required to sign a Family Contract Amendment and participate, unless temporarily exempt, in approved work- related activities. The number of hours a parent or specified relative must participate weekly varies depending on the family circumstances. The Department shall provide support services, such as child care, in accordance with federal and state law to permit a TANF-eligible family member to participate in the ASPIRE-TANF program. Child care supports provided will be appropriate, suitable, affordable and a reasonable distance as defined below.

Appropriate child care- Appropriate child care is affordable child care furnished by a child care provider who has passed background checks as required by State law and regulations.