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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 14 | P a g e
SECTION III: Special Provisions (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B))
Residence (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B)(i))
The document shall indicate whether the State intends to treat families moving into the State from another State differently than other families under the program, and if so, how the state intends to treat such families under the program.
Families moving to Maine from another state are not treated differently than other families.
Citizens and Non-citizens (42 U.S.C. 602(a((1)(B)(ii))
The document shall indicate whether the State intends to provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States, and if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.
As described above, TANF recipients in Maine must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens under PRWORA. Additionally, Maine uses separate State funds to provide assistance to “non-qualified aliens.” To be eligible, families must meet one of the following conditions:
• Was receiving such assistance on December 1, 2012 or had an application pending for such assistance on that date. • Is elderly or disabled; • Is a victim of domestic violence; • Experiencing other hardship, such as time necessary to obtain proper work documentation.
See 22 M.R.S. § 3762.
Administrative Reviews (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B)(iii))
The document shall set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how the State will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative or appeal process.
Maine provides timely and adequate notice prior to taking an adverse action, and provides opportunities for the recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a state administered appeals process. There are set time limits for requesting and holding hearings and issuing decisions. Hearings are presented before impartial hearing officers. If the client is unhappy with the decision, he or she may request reconsideration or appeal to the courts.