Eligibility for Transitional Food Assistance (TFA)

All included members in an open Food Supplement household, that includes at least one member from a TANF financial assistance group at the time the TANF closes, are eligible for TFA.

Approved TANF closure reasons are:

1. Gross or net income over limits; or

2. Increase in work hours, transitional services.

Households eligible for TFA will receive a TFA Start Letter, which contains information about who is eligible for TFA, the amount of the benefit, how the benefit was determined, and the length of the TFA period. The letter will also explain the process for reporting household changes for those receiving TFA. Households will be notified that they are not required to report any changes in circumstances until the time that they must apply for recertification. Finally, the letter will notify families that their benefit allotment can be changed if the household experiences a decrease in income, an increase in expenses or an increase in household size that could lead to a higher Food Supplement allotment.

Households are not eligible for TFA if TANF cash assistance closed in part or solely due to any of the following:

1. a sanction, being a fugitive felon, or Intentional Program Violation;

2. a transfer of assets or property to qualify for assistance;

3. failure to cooperate with quality control or child support;

4. failure to provide verification required to determine eligibility;

5. not residing in Maine;

6. a case head has left the household.

Households in which all members are ineligible for the Food Supplement Program are also ineligible for TFA.

Individuals ineligible or excluded from the Food Supplement Program at the time that TFA is initially determined will remain ineligible for the duration of the TFA period.