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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 16 | P a g e

SECTION IV: TANF Funded Programs Maine supports the following programs with federal TANF block grant funds, to provide benefits and services to families in Maine. All programs may be supported by maintenance of effort (MOE) funds. Eligibility for all programs, regardless of funding source, is based on TANF eligibility requirements unless otherwise noted. See Section II, pgs. 2-7 for TANF eligibility requirements.

Programs for TANF Cash Assistance Recipients The following programs provide ongoing assistance to families receiving TANF cash aid. The services are designed to support the family in meeting basic needs and gaining the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and increase self-reliance. Program benefits include financial assistance, employment and training, and employment supports.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) The TANF program provides cash benefit assistance for needy families designed to strengthen families and promote job preparation and work.

Parents as Scholars Program (PaS) PaS is a student financial aid program for up to 2,000 families based on need as authorized by statute. Students must have dependent children and be matriculating in post-secondary undergraduate two-year and four-year degree-granting education programs. Benefits include a cash benefit and support services equal to that of TANF recipients. Financial eligibility and benefit calculation is identical to TANF. This program is only funded by TANF for the first 12 months.

ASPIRE-TANF Program ASPIRE-TANF is the State’s TANF employment and training program. As a condition of eligibility for TANF, each applicant/recipient who is not exempt must participate in the ASPIRE-TANF Program. ASPIRE-TANF provides TANF recipients with employment-related activities and support services such as child care, transportation, and other expenses necessary for education, training or employment.

TANF Earnings Food Benefit (TEFB) This is a food benefit program for families with minor children who have had their food assistance benefit reduced below $50 and are in receipt of a TANF benefit determined using the Step Disregard. This benefit is issued as a food assistance benefit, not a cash benefit, and may be used only as permitted by Maine’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301, FS 1, pg 1 and FS 777-2). The combined food assistance benefit will not exceed $50 per month.

Other TANF Programs and Services for Needy Families The following programs provide financial assistance and/or services to low-income families.

Emergency Assistance (EA)