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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 4 | P a g e
When circumstances beyond the control of an applicant or mandatory ASPIRE-TANF participant prevents them from completing an orientation within 30 days, the Department may grant good cause in accordance with the TANF-ASPIRE Rules located at 10-144 Ch. 607.
Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements
Age
The child must be an individual who has not attained 18 years of age; or has not attained 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school (or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. Sec. 419(2). Residence
All recipients must be living in Maine voluntarily with the intent to make Maine their home.
Citizenship
All federally funded TANF recipients must be U.S. citizens, or a “qualified alien” as defined in the provisions of §431 of the PRWORA, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1641). All others are considered “non- qualified” and are potentially eligible for State-funded assistance, see the Maine Public Assistance Manual, Chapter II, Eligibility Requirements (Non-Financial), pgs. 1-5, for additional eligibility criteria.
Social Security Number Compliance
All individuals applying for or receiving TANF or PaS must furnish the agency with a Social Security Number or proof of application for a Number and furnish the Number when received.
Relationship
In order to be eligible for TANF, a child must be living with a specified relative, in a home maintained by that relative; and both elements must be expected to continue at least 30 days beyond the date of application. A specified relative is a relative by blood (to the 5th degree), marriage, or adoption or an adult who has a legal relationship with the child. Legal relationship includes legal guardians and Indian custodians as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. §1903 (6). Unmarried parents under the age of 18 and their children living with them will be assisted only if residing with their parent, legal guardian or other adult relative, or in an adult supervised arrangement as identified in Section 408(a)(5) of the Social Security Act.