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STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES STATE PLAN
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 2 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page INTRODUCTION
4 I. FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
5
A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
6
1. Assets 6 2. Income 6 3. Income Budgeting 7 4. Payment Standard 7 5. Group Composition 8 6. Minor Parents 8 7. Caretaker 9 8. Age and School Attendance 9 9. Immunizations 9 10. Residence 10 11. Identity 10 12. Social Security Numbers 10 13. Citizenship and Alien Status 10 14. Child Support 10 15. Spousal and Parental Support 10 16. Institutional Status 11 17. Pursuit of Benefits 11 18. Strikers 11 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits 11 20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications 11
21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency 11 Requirements
B. WORK REQUIREMENTS 12
1. Temporary Deferrals 12 2. Employment Related Activities 14 3. Employment Participation Pilots 15 4. Employment Related Sanctions 15 5. Eldercare Workforce 16 6. TANF EBT Requirements 16
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 3 Effective Date: January 1, 2020
C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND DETERMINATION OF 17 ELIGIBILITY
1. Applications 17 2. Assisting Clients 17 3. Nondiscrimination 17 4. Determining Eligibility 17 5. Initial Benefits 17 6. Administrative Hearings 18 7. Confidentiality 18
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 19
III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES 24
IV. CERTIFICATIONS 25
A. CHILD SUPPORT 25 B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE 25 C. ADMINISTRATION 25 D. EQUITABLE ACCESS 25 E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE 25 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 26
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 4 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 INTRODUCTION
The intended use of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant funds is to support programs, services, and activities aimed at achieving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) goals and federal purposes specified in Title IV, Part A of the Social Security Act. Assistance for needy families is directed by the four purposes outlined in Section 401 of the Social Security Act:
• Allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;
• Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and
• Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Within the specific limitations of the law, Michigan will use the flexibility under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant to determine what assistance and /or services will be provided, who is eligible to receive assistance and /or services, and how funds are distributed among the various populations, geographical regions, programs, activities, and services within the state.
Michigan will meet Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements through appropriate allocation of costs between TANF and state and local resources as allowed in the Social Security Act. Programs listed in this plan include those funded by MOE. Separate eligibility requirements, if any, are noted.
Michigan will claim reimbursement for costs associated with the administration of TANF- eligible programs and services in accordance with appropriate cost allocation methodologies, in an amount not to exceed 15% of total TANF expenditures for the applicable fiscal year.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 5 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM The Family Independence Program (FIP) has been Michigan’s name for its ongoing cash assistance program since October 1, 1996. FIP is administered by the MDHHS through its local offices in each county in the state. The goal of FIP is to help maintain and strengthen family life for children and the parents or other caretakers with whom they are living, and to help the family achieve the maximum possible self-sufficiency and personal independence.
FIP is not an entitlement.
Individuals must meet all eligibility criteria required for the receipt of federal or state funds, and as determined necessary by the MDHHS to accomplish the goals of the program.
Michigan operates FIP as a single program funded with both federal and state funds. To execute the most efficient, fair, and cost-effective administration of the program, the proportion of federal and state funding associated with a case is dependent upon the group composition and/or individual characteristics on a case by case basis as determined by the MDHHS.
Time limits are essential to establishing the temporary nature of aid as well as communicating the FIP philosophy to support a family’s movement to self-sufficiency. The message that FIP is temporary is an important part of how Michigan helps parents take advantage of the opportunities for work as well as self-sufficiency and independence. Families receiving FIP are to engage in activities that will help them gain financial independence and increase self-sufficiency. It is antithetical to the goals of the FIP to allow an individual to receive assistance longer than what is conditioned for receipt of federal funds. TANF assistance received as an adult or minor head-of-household is limited to a total of 60 months. Periods of receipt need not be consecutive to count towards the 60 months. An individual who has received 60 months of TANF-funded cash assistance is not eligible for FIP. As of October 1, 2011, Michigan does not have hardship criteria under Section 42 USC 608(a)(7)(C)(i). In 2011, Michigan enacted a state law limiting FIP to not longer than 48 cumulative months in an individual’s lifetime. This statute required the counting of the cumulative months to begin on October 1, 2007. FIP funded TANF accumulated prior to 10/1/2007 does not count towards the 48-month count and only counts towards the 60-month count.
Policy for FIP is derived from the Social Security Act, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193 of 1996), Michigan’s Social Welfare Act (Act 280 of 1939, as amended), and Michigan’s Administrative Rules.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 6 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 Persons applying for or receiving assistance under FIP must meet certain eligibility factors. A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Assets The family must have $15,000 or less in countable liquid assets and the total assessed value of real property must be $200,000 or less. Cash assets, such as currency, savings and checking accounts, investments, retirement plans, and trusts, are countable. Funds received for repair or replacement of a homestead are excluded for the period of time needed for repair or replacement, provided there is a written repair or replacement agreement. Funds received for the sale of a homestead are excluded for up to 12 months if the client has made a purchase agreement for another homestead.
Other cash exclusions include: funds for the repair or replacement of household or other goods; funds from a bona fide loan; tax refunds and credits; accounts used solely for the expenses of a business; and funds from the earnings of a child under age 18 who is a student. Funds from excluded sources must not be commingled with countable assets or placed in time deposits. 2. Income The family’s monthly countable income minus disregards and allowable expenses must be less than the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group.
The following disregards apply to earned income.
• A qualifying income test is completed for application months. The first $200 plus 20% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded. This result is added to any other countable income and compared to the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group. If the result is at least $1, the group passes the test. Otherwise, the group is not eligible.
• The first $200 plus 50% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded when calculating the issuance amount for ongoing benefits.
The earnings of a child under age 18 who is attending school are completely excluded.
The amount of court-ordered child support paid by a group member for children not in the home is deducted from the group’s income.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 7 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 3. Income Budgeting Income is budgeted prospectively based on a best estimate of the amount of countable, available income to be received in the benefit month. Income is available when it is actually received or can be reasonably anticipated. Reasonably anticipated means that the amount of income can be estimated and the date of receipt is known.
The best estimate is used for current and future benefit months. Actual income received is used when calculating a budget for a past benefit month. Income received less often than monthly is converted to a standard monthly amount.
Clients must report the following changes in income within 10 days of the change:
• Unearned income changes of $50 or more. • New and lost sources of unearned income. • The following earned income changes: • Changing employers • Gaining or losing a job • Changes in wage rates • Changes in work hours of more than five hours per week that are expected to continue for more than a month
4. Payment Standard
The maximum monthly benefit amount is called the payment standard. Income is subtracted from the payment standard to determine the grant amount. Eligible group size and grantee status (eligible or ineligible grantee) determine the statewide payment standard.
Group Size
Eligible Grantee
Ineligible Grantee
ONE 306 158 TWO 403 274 THREE 492 420 FOUR 597 557 FIVE 694 694 SIX 828 828 SEVEN 905 905
EIGHT or more - Add $80 for each additional person
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 8 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 5. Group Composition The following persons who live together must be included in the group for purposes of counting income and assets, unless the group qualifies for the Marriage Exemption: a dependent child for whom assistance is requested; the child’s parents; the child’s stepparent; the child’s siblings and stepsiblings who also meet the definition of dependent child; the parents of the siblings; and the child’s child. Any of the above family members may be excluded based on their status with other programs.
A caretaker other than a parent or stepparent may, in the absence of the child’s parent or stepparent, request assistance for the child only. This caretaker may have the option to be included in the group with the dependent child. If such a caretaker receives assistance, the caretaker’s spouse and dependent children in the home must also be included in the group.
All children cared for by the same caretaker must be included in a single group, even if the children are not related to each other as siblings or stepsiblings. A minor parent living with a parent or stepparent may not receive assistance in his or her own right, but must be treated as a dependent child of the parent or stepparent. A minor parent living with a caretaker other than a parent or stepparent who also receives assistance under FIP may not receive assistance in his or her own right, but may be eligible only as a dependent child of the caretaker.
Michigan denies assistance to a person who has been, or is expected to be, absent from the home for more than 30 days, unless the absence is because of hospitalization, substance abuse treatment, training, education, active duty in the uniformed services of the U.S. or a child living apart from a parent due to the parent residing in a domestic violence shelter.
Michigan also denies assistance to a group that includes an adult who must be included in the group and has accumulated 60 months of TANF funded cash assistance, beginning October 1, 1996 or exceeded any other time limits in FIP.
6. Minor Parents Minor parents must live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian or have good cause not to do so. If the minor parent has good cause not to live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian, the minor parent and child must live in another adult- supervised living arrangement to be eligible. Minor parents who have not completed high school must attend school full-time as a condition of eligibility.
Good cause for not living with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian includes:
• The minor parent is living with another adult relative with parental consent.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 9 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 • There is no living parent, stepparent, or legal guardian whose whereabouts is known.
• The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian will not allow the minor parent to live in his or her home.
• The physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or child would be jeopardized if they lived with the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
• The minor parent is participating in a licensed substance abuse treatment program which would no longer be available if he/she returned to the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian’s home.
• The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian lives in another state. 7. Caretaker A dependent child must live with a caretaker. The caretaker must be a parent, stepparent, other relative, or an unrelated legal guardian or person age 21 or over who has a petition for legal guardianship of the child pending. Assistance is state- funded for families in which the caretaker is disabled, or in which multiple, parent caretakers live with the eligible children or in which the caretaker is not related to any of the eligible children.
When a dependent child has multiple caretakers who do not live together, only the primary caretaker can receive assistance for that child. The primary caretaker is the caretaker who has primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care and supervision in the home where the child sleeps more than half of the days of the month, averaged over the most recent 12 month period. 8. Age and School Attendance A dependent child must be under age 18, or age 18 and attending high school or a high school equivalency program full-time.
Dependent children who are age 6 through 17 must attend school full-time. 9. Immunizations Children under age 6 must receive scheduled immunizations. At redetermination, twenty-five dollars per month is deducted from the family’s payment standard for failure to have one or more children under age 6 immunized according to schedule. Families may be exempt under certain circumstances.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 10 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 10. Residence A person must be a resident of the state of Michigan and intend to remain in the state permanently or indefinitely.
Michigan does not treat families moving into the state differently than other families. 11. Identity Identity of the grantee must be verified. An authorized representative applying on behalf of a group must also show proof of identity. 12. Social Security Numbers Each person must verify his or her Social Security number or apply for one. 13. Citizenship and Alien Status Michigan uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify alien status. The SAVE interface interacts directly with Bridges, Michigan’s integrated eligibility computer system.
In accordance with Section 1137(d) of the Social Security Act, Michigan continues to require declaration of citizenship or alien status for each person on the written application for assistance.
Alien status must be verified for each person who is not a citizen of the United States. United States citizenship must be verified for each person who declares citizenship.
To receive assistance, a person must be a citizen of the United States or a non-citizen that meets a qualified alien status in accordance with the limitations and restraints in Title IV of PL 104-193 of 1996, as amended. Eligible non-citizens will qualify for the same benefits as do citizens. 14. Child Support Clients must cooperate in establishing paternity and pursuing child support for dependent children. Failure to cooperate without good cause results in FIP ineligibility for a minimum of one month. Child support referrals, cooperation and non- cooperation information are shared through an automated two-way interface between Michigan’s Title IV-D system, Michigan Child Support Information System (MiCSES) and Bridges integrated eligibility system.
15. Spousal and Parental Support
Clients must cooperate in pursuing support from absent spouses, unless child support action is taken against the absent spouse, in which case the child support action is
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 11 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 sufficient. Minor grantees must cooperate in pursuing support from their absent parents. 16. Institutional Status A person in an institution other than a hospital, psychiatric hospital, or substance abuse treatment center for more than 30 days is not eligible. 17. Pursuit of Benefits Clients must apply for other program benefits for which the group or a member of the group may be eligible, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits, or unemployment compensation. Failure to do so may result in group ineligibility. 18. Strikers A striker is a person involved in an employee strike, concerted stoppage, slowdown or interruption of work activities or employment operations. This includes a stoppage when a collective bargaining agreement expires.
Strikers, their spouses and their children are ineligible. 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits Persons may not receive FIP assistance concurrently with the following benefits: TANF from other states; the Refugee Cash Assistance; Refugee Matching Grant; Supplemental Security Income; child foster care payments; or state-funded cash assistance programs. 20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications Michigan follows the provisions of federal law denying assistance for 10 years from the date of conviction to persons who have been convicted of the fraudulent duplicate receipt of assistance.
Fugitive felons and individuals violating probation/parole are ineligible for assistance as long as the individual is subject to arrest under the outstanding warrant or as long as the individual violates a condition of probation/parole.
Persons convicted of a single felony for the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances occurring after August 22, 1996, may receive assistance as long as they are not in violation of the terms of probation or parole. 21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency Requirements MDHHS provides orientation to all adults applying for FIP assistance.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 12 Effective Date: January 1, 2020
Clients are given an overview of work requirements and self-sufficiency/barrier removal requirements. At a minimum, MDHHS staff explains:
• The availability of direct support services, including transportation, child care and domestic violence assistance
• The penalties for non-compliance
• Good cause reasons for non-compliance
• FIP time limits
Clients must complete and sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules and both the 48-month and 60-month time limits.
Prior to the end of the first three months of assistance, both the MDHHS and the client complete the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). The purpose of the FSSP is to specify the responsibilities and actions for meeting the goal of self-sufficiency for the family. B. WORK REQUIREMENTS Michigan’s employment and training program is administered by local Michigan one- stop service centers under agreement with the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), State of Michigan. Prior to FIP approval, clients who are not deferred from work participation are automatically referred to their local one-stop service center for orientation/application eligibility period (AEP) and assigned to employment-related and barrier removal activities. Since orientation/AEP and engagement in work participation activities are a pre-condition of assistance for work eligible individuals, Michigan does not include verbiage to specify that engagement is required once a parent has received 24 months of assistance.
If any member of the applicant group who is required to participate in orientation, AEP, employment-related/barrier removal activities, and/or family self-sufficiency activities fails to participate without good cause, the family’s FIP application is denied.
1. Temporary Deferrals
Some clients may be deferred from the work participation program for a time, but will be required to participate in the work participation program if their circumstances change so that they are no longer deferred.
Deferred clients may be one of the following:
• Under age 16
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 13 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 • Age 65 or older
• The parent of a child under the age of 2 months
• An individual with a short-term mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for up to 90 days
• An individual claiming a mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for more than 90 days for the period in which the disability is being established
• An individual with a physical or mental disability that meets SSI disability criteria, or meets SSI disability criteria except for duration
• A doctor verifies all of the following:
• a child with disabilities requires a parent caretaker due to the extent of the disability
• the parent is needed in the home to provide care • the parent of the child cannot engage in employment activities due the extent of care required
• A doctor verifies all of the following:
• a spouse with disabilities requires a spouse caretaker due to the extent of the disability
• the spouse caretaker is needed in the home to provide care
• the spouse caretaker cannot engage in employment activities due the extent of care required
• A medically verified problem pregnancy
• A victim of domestic violence
• Great Start to Quality Resource verifies that a single parent who personally provides care of a child under the age of six is not able to find adequate childcare. Adequate child care meets all the following: • Appropriate. The care is appropriate to the child’s age, disabilities and other conditions.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 14 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 • Reasonable distance. The total commuting time to and from work and child care facilities does not exceed three hours per day.
• Suitable provider. The provider meets applicable state and local standards. License exempt providers who are not licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) must meet Child Development and Care (CDC) enrollment requirements.
• Affordable. The child care is provided at the rate of payment or reimbursement offered by the CDC program.
Clients who need assistance in finding a licensed provider should be referred to Great Start to Quality, the online early learning resource site, at www.greatstarttoquality.org. All active licensed providers in good standing are searchable. If additional assistance is needed, clients can be referred to 877-614-7328 to reach the Great Start to Quality Resource Center serving their county. Resource centers can provide personal consultation for families in need of childcare. If a provider cannot be located, the client needs to provide verification. If a provider is located within 10 calendar days, end the deferral on the Employment Services Detail screen in Bridges. Bridges will generate a referral to PATH as well as generate the DHS-4785 once the specialist runs and certifies eligibility. If the client is unable to obtain child care that meets the conditions above within 10 calendar days, the client may be deferred from referral to PATH for 90 days or until the child turns age six, or until appropriate care is available, whichever is sooner. Bridges will change the deferral code to mandatory participant at the end of the deferral period. Once the specialist runs and certifies eligibility, Bridges will generate the referral to PATH and the DHS-4785 will be generated. Document the referrals and results in the case record. The Deferral/Participation Reason is identified as No Child Care Available.
2. Employment Related Activities
Appropriate employment-related activities are determined by assessing the client’s job readiness. The assessment analyzes the client’s educational level, skills, work history, vocational interests, barriers to employment, child care, and other supportive service needs. An Individual Service Strategy Plan (ISSP) is developed to move the
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 15 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 participant into any type of unsubsidized employment the participant is capable of handling as quickly as possible, and to increase the responsibility and amount of work the participant is to handle over time.
Michigan’s employment-related activities are described in detail under the Countable Work Activity Descriptions section of Michigan’s Work Verification Plan and include the following:
• Unsubsidized employment • Subsidized public and private sector employment • On-the-job training • Job search and job readiness assistance • Community service and work experience programs • Vocational educational training • Provision of Child Care Services for community services program participants • Education directly related to employment • Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a Certificate of General Equivalence
Michigan ensures that parents and caretakers receiving assistance engage in the above employment-related activities as described in detail under the Preface of Michigan’s Work Verification Plan.
3. Employment Participation Pilots In addition to the above work activities, Michigan may establish pilot programs aimed at increasing work participation and client self-sufficiency. 4. Employment Related Sanctions If a recipient fails to participate in employment-related activities or family self- sufficiency activities without good cause, penalties are applied based on the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences of non-compliance.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant one time, the FIP is closed for a minimum of three months.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant two times, the FIP is closed for a minimum of six months.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant three times, the result is lifetime FIP closure for the group.
These penalties help to ensure that clients participate in the program and families with non-cooperating members will not receive assistance while the person continues to refuse to participate.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 16 Effective Date: January 1, 2020
5. Eldercare Workforce
At this time, Michigan has no plans in place to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment providing direct care in a long-term care facility or other occupations related to elder care for which the state identifies an unmet need for service personnel.
6. TANF EBT Requirement
Michigan uses the Bridge card, an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) issuance system, which allows clients to receive their FIP benefit using debit card technology. FIP benefits are deposited electronically into the FIP account and clients can securely access their FIP benefit by using their Bridge card and personal identification number (PIN). Clients access their FIP benefits using their Bridge card and PIN at automated teller machines (up to four times a month without a charge) and at point of sale (POS) devices at retailers displaying the Quest logo or sign (with no fee).
Upon the client receiving their Bridge card, the client also receives a card mailer with basic information on how to use the Bridge card. This mailer also explains applicable fees and surcharges that may apply with some uses of the Bridge card. Bridge card information is also available on the MDHHS’s public website as well as in the Application for Assistance information booklet.
Michigan clients have adequate access to their FIP benefits by using the Bridge card. Michigan currently has over 9,000 retailers who give cash back on transactions and over 8,500 ATMs distributed across the state. FIS Global, Michigan’s EBT vendor, does continuous marketing to banks and other financial institutions to ensure clients all over the state have adequate access to their FIP benefits. If Michigan receives inquiries or complaints regarding a client not having convenient access to their FIP benefits, MDHHS attempts to locate the nearest source to them and notify the client. MDHHS also notifies FIS Global and they will contract with ATMs in that area to ensure a client has convenient access.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 17 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 Michigan Compiled Law 400.57e(1)(i), prohibits clients from using FIP to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, tobacco, for gambling, any illegal activities or any other nonessential items. MDHHS policy further prohibits clients from using FIP at massage parlors, spas, tattoo shops, bail-bond agencies, adult entertainment establishments or cruise ships. The client agrees to this understanding by signing the Application for Assistance and also signing a separate agreement at application and redetermination, as part of the FSSP. In accordance with federal law, Michigan prevents access to the client’s FIP benefits by blocking the use of the EBT card at ATMs and POS devices in liquor stores, casinos, gambling casinos, gaming establishment; or establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY 1. Applications Individuals or their authorized representative may apply for assistance online or at any local MDHHS office. An applicant has the right to file an application on the same day he or she comes to a local office to apply. 2. Assisting Clients Staff must assist clients who ask for help in completing the application or other forms, or in obtaining required verifications. Clients who need a bilingual interpreter or sign language interpreter may use their own interpreter or one provided by MDHHS. MDHHS will pay for the cost of providing an interpreter. 3. Nondiscrimination Discrimination based on age, race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, or religious beliefs is prohibited. 4. Determining Eligibility Local offices determine eligibility following policies promulgated by MDHHS. The local office must determine the family’s eligibility within 45 days from the date of application. Clients must be informed of the decision in writing. If assistance is denied, the notice must explain the reason for denial. 5. Initial Benefits Provided the family meets all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance must begin no earlier than the pay period in which the application becomes 30 days old. If the application becomes 30 days old and the group has not met all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance begins for the first pay period when the family meets
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 18 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 eligibility requirements. Pay periods are semi-monthly periods, from the first through the fifteenth of the month and the sixteenth through the last day of the month. 6. Administrative Hearings Applicants and recipients have the right to an administrative hearing to contest a denial of their application or adverse actions affecting their eligibility or the amount of benefits. The application form and written notices of case actions inform clients of their hearing rights.
A hearing request must be in writing and signed by the client or the client’s authorized representative. The request must be made within 90 days from the date of the written notice of case action and requested by the client. In order to maintain or restore assistance, the MDHHS must receive a request within 10 days of the notice of case action. The client is not entitled to assistance pending the hearing when the action is a denial at application.
Final action on hearing requests, including implementation of a decision and order of the Administrative Law Judge, must be completed within 90 days from the date of the hearing request. However, the client has the right to appeal a final decision to circuit court within 30 days after that decision is received. The 90 day implementation period is waived only if the circuit court grants an order to stay the implementation.
MDHHS and Michigan Administrative Hearings System maintain joint authority over the Administrative Law Judges. 7. Confidentiality Information about individuals and families receiving assistance is confidential and may be released only under limited circumstances for five general purposes:
• Release of information necessary for the administration of the program or of other federal or federally-assisted programs which provide assistance in cash, in kind, or in services to individuals based on need. This includes information necessary to the investigation or prosecution of criminal or civil proceedings related to program administration, and audits related to program administration and conducted by a government agency authorized to do so.
• Release of information to government officials if necessary to perform their official duties. Government officials are: officials of a federal department, state department, city, county, or district, including law enforcement officials; and members or committees of the Congress or state legislature.
• Release of limited information to charitable organizations, if the purpose is to provide goods or services to clients. The only information that may be released for this purpose is grantee name and address and first names and ages of the children.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 19 Effective Date: January 1, 2020
• Release of information to the general public, unless the client requests that information not be released. Only the grantee name and amount of monthly assistance may be released for this purpose. When the client has provided a signed consent to release specific information, that specific information may be given to members of the general public who request it. Information required by court order to be released must be given to the person/agency named in the order.
• Clients or their authorized representative may examine the client’s case record or request copies of case material, provided the material is not restricted by law or court order.
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Michigan provides other TANF-funded programs and services designed to meet the purposes of the Social Security Act.
The following are examples of services that are intended to allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. To qualify for one of these programs a client must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care, or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary.
• Child Development and Care Services - Child care services and payments necessary to promote self-sufficiency.
• Disaster Relief Program – A lump sum, non-recurring benefit paid to families who have been evacuated from their homes due to a natural or technological disaster and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a major disaster declaration for the area that includes their normal residence.
• Direct Support Services - Services to support employment or employment-related activities or enhance self-sufficiency. Such services include, but are not limited to: job search services, transportation services, purchase or repairs of cars, purchase of tools, uniforms or work clothes, and various local projects identified by local MDHHS offices as needed to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Emergency Relief - Provides emergency assistance to families to help them obtain safe and affordable shelter and other essentials when the family faces an emergency due to factors beyond their control. Assistance includes relocation services, home ownership services and home repairs, and utility restoration or shut- off prevention.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 20 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 Provides emergency foster family care or residential group care for children separated from their parents if such care cannot be provided under Title IV-E. The assistance is limited to the duration of the emergency condition, not to exceed 364 days, and must be authorized within a single 30-day period no less than 12 months after the beginning of the family’s last Emergency Assistance authorization period. Under section 404(a)(2) of the Act, States may use segregated Federal TANF funds only for the specific activities that had been previously authorized based on the State's approved title IV-A or IV-F plan in effect as of either 9/30/95 or 8/21/96 (per the State option). The States Emergency Assistance funds allows for non-relatives to maintain the foster care of a child with the primary objection of reunification. In tandem under the State’s temporary absence policy there must be a clear expectation that the child will return home within the foreseeable future. Remaining true today, reunification is the primary goal associated with this act and was authorized solely under prior law per 404(a)(2). • Support for Children in Foster Care – Multiple programs which provide a variety of supports on behalf of children in family foster care and residential group care settings. Types of support include, food in extreme situations and home repairs. Assistance for children not placed with a relative is limited to the period a child may be temporarily absent from the home, as outlined in Section 5 - Group Composition. Assistance for children placed with a licensed or unlicensed relative foster family has no time limit because a child living with a relative meets TANF Purpose 1. • Emergency Shelter – Funds contracted with emergency shelter providers to provide shelter to homeless families and youth.
• Food & Nutrition - Hunger Relief Provided Through: • The distribution of emergency food assistance to families through food banks. • Cash assistance loaded on Bridge cards for SNAP families with children residing in Flint, Michigan for the purpose of providing additional nutritious foods to youth impacted by the water emergency.
• Information and Referral Services - Services that connect people with information and resources about health and human service programs and services available in the community.
The following services have different financial eligibility requirements:
• Adoption Assistance – Provides payments to families of adoptive children with special needs. These payments are intended to facilitate the adoption of children with special needs by removing financial barriers for the adoptive families and allowing these children to be cared for in the home of the adoptive parents. Family income must be less than 500% of the poverty level and the child must not be eligible for Title IV-E adoption assistance. TANF funding of these payments begins after the adoption is finalized. To continue eligibility, the family must complete an annual redetermination.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 21 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 The following information only needs to be verified at the initial eligibility:
1. Income 2. Social Security Numbers 3. Criminal Background Checks 4. Citizenship Validation.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A tax credit based on the federal EITC; providing a state refundable credit equal to a percentage of the refundable portion of the filer’s federal EITC. The MI EITC is refundable, with the refundable portion being the credit that is in excess of a filer’s total state tax liability. Eligibility for the MI EITC follows the federal EITC, and thus, has the same income, age, residency, and presence of qualifying children parameters.
• Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Inc., School Success Partnership Program – Serves school-aged children and youth from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade who are at-risk for academic failure. School Success workers provide ongoing assistance to students, parents and teachers by managing students’ problem areas with specific short and long-term goals. Students eligible for the School Success partnership Program must be experiencing barriers or conditions that threaten academic success, living in one of the 21 north east Michigan counties served and qualify for the free or reduced-priced school meals program, which is under 185 percent of the poverty level.
• Diaper Assistance- Helps ensure that families with children under 36 months old have access to diapers through local community action groups.
• Family Support Subsidy – Provides financial assistance to families that include a child with severe developmental disabilities. The intent is to help make it possible for children with severe developmental disabilities to remain with or return to their birth or adoptive families. Families are able to use this money for special expenses incurred while caring for their child. Uses for the subsidy might be the purchase of special equipment, unique transportation costs, in-home specialized care, respite care, family counseling, etc. Family income must be no greater than $60,000 annually of Michigan taxable income. Payments are for the needs of the disabled child only.
The following services are intended to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit needy families, defined as income less than 200% of the poverty level unless otherwise specified for the program. Other eligibility requirements may vary. Programs may be funded by the state, nonprofit or faith-based agencies, private foundations or local government.
• Capacity Building for Michigan’s Early Education and Care System– Seeks to build capacity for early childhood education programs throughout the State of Michigan.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 22 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 • Programs Targeted Toward “At-Risk” Youth –Provides after school programming, mentorship opportunities, summer employment and other supervised support programs and that increase motivation and self-esteem, and provide additional educational opportunities for at-risk youth including youth with low achievement on State- or local-administered assessments in mathematics, English language, arts, social studies or science; failure to meet proficiency standards in reading by the end of 3rd grade or career and college readiness for high school students at the end of 12th grade; a victim of child abuse or neglect; is a pregnant teenager or teenage parent; has a family history of school failure, incarceration or substance abuse; is a pupil in a priority or priority success or school; and in the absence of State or local assessment data, meets at least two or more identified risk factors.
• Real Alternatives – The focus of the program is to provide pregnancy and parent support services to women and parents of infants to promote childbirth, relationship counseling, teen pregnancy prevention programs and counseling to avoid risk- taking behaviors.
• Scholarships Used to Fund Post-Secondary Education – Assists Michigan youth in pursuing higher education through scholarships and other financial aid programs.
• School Readiness programs – Helps ensure that Michigan youth are prepared to enter school at appropriate literacy levels if the needy family is less than 300% of poverty.
• Various Foundation Grants – Grants made by Michigan-based foundations to local health, human service and education organizations seeking to either build capacity or implement programs that include a range of activities such as dropout prevention, after school programs, mentoring services, academic services, employment services and family support programs.
• Various United Way programs – Support programs that provide quality early childhood education, mentoring services, academic services, and other activities targeted at “at-risk” youth. Also supports family-oriented programs that are focused on the children, school preparedness services and programs aimed at reducing risky behavior among teenagers.
The following services are intended to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit families whose income is no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary. Programs may be funded by the state, nonprofit or faith-based agencies, private foundations or local government.
• Domestic Violence Comprehensive Services – Provides services to victims of domestic violence and their families.
• Employment Services for Non-Custodial Parents – Provides employment services to non-custodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed in order to enable to them to meet their responsibilities to support their children. The State uses
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 23 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 segregated federal TANF funds for this activity. Michigan chooses to include the non-custodial parent as a member of the child’s eligible family for this service.
• Subsidized Employment Program – This subsidized employment program provides opportunities for PATH participants working with the Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) to gain workplace skills needed to transition from being long-term unemployed to being employment ready. This program is short in nature and not considered ongoing assistance but is a work subsidy program where PATH participants learn employability skills such as communication, organization and customer service. This activity allows an employer the opportunity to observe how the participant functions in a work environment to potentially hire them permanently after the subsidy is complete. Individuals are eligible for this program if they are part of a needy family whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty limit.
• Family Preservation and Family Support Programs – These services are intended to promote the well-being of children and families by increasing the strength and stability of families and by increasing parents’ confidence and competence in their family/household management parenting abilities.
Family Support services are primarily community-based preventive activities designed to promote parents’ ability to successfully nurture their children, enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community, and create supportive networks to enhance child-rearing abilities of parents.
Family Preservation services are designed to: help families alleviate crises that might lead to out-of-home placement of children; maintain the safety of children; support families preparing to reunite or adopt; and assist families in obtaining services and other supports necessary to address their needs. These services may include: parent skill training; premarital and marriage counseling and mediation services; activities to promote parental access; initiatives to increase the capacity of fathers to provide emotional and financial support; and crisis or intervention services. These services are provided by community-based nonprofit agencies.
Specific services programs include, but are not limited to:
• Preventive Services for Families • Child Protection: Working Together as Community Partners • Families First of Michigan • Family Reunification Program • Child Safety and Permanency Planning • Parent Partner Program • Wraparound Services
• Post-Adoption Services – Provides supportive services to adoptive parents and children, such as individual or group support, child or family mentoring, information and referral, crisis intervention, community and recreational services, educational support, and service coordination.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 24 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES Michigan will continue to reduce the proportion of all pregnancies that are unintended. The state will focus on unintended pregnancies because there is a significant overlap in the populations responsible for both out-of-wedlock and unintended pregnancies. Therefore, an appropriate strategy for reducing out-of-wedlock births is to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies. Special emphasis will be given to teenagers. The goal is to reduce the pregnancy rate among adolescents age 15 through 19 to no more than 63 per thousand females.
Strategies for achieving these goals include: sex education in the schools; promoting abstinence by targeting selected communities with high teen pregnancy rates; providing related health care and educational services in adolescent health centers; and targeting services to special populations such as substance abusers and historically underserved individuals such as incarcerated women and homeless youth or targeting family planning services to males.
Michigan conducts sexual assault training and programing designed to reach state and local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, the education system, counseling services, parents, teens, and young males that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape as well as dating violence. The teenage pregnancy prevention programs are conducted primarily at the local school level, in juvenile justice facilities and through youth organizations by local sexual assault victim service provider organizations.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 25 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 IV. CERTIFICATIONS A. CHILD SUPPORT Michigan will operate a child support enforcement program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part D of the Social Security Act. B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE Michigan will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part E of the Social Security Act and will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under part E are eligible for medical assistance under the state plan under Title XIX. C. ADMINISTRATION MDHHS, working cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Treasury, the Michigan Talent Investment Agency and other state departments, is authorized to administer and operate TANF. Michigan assures that local governments and private sector organizations: 1. have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the state so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and
2. have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services. D. EQUITABLE ACCESS Michigan will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who lives in Michigan and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412 of the Social Security Act, with equitable access to assistance. E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the state program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.
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Page 26 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Michigan has not adopted the Family Violence Option. However, Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to do all of the following:
1. Screen and identify individuals who are receiving FIP assistance who have a history of domestic violence, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals. Clients may request restrictions on the release of information to the general public because of the history or threat of domestic violence. Clients who are heads of households may grant or revoke assistance account access privileges. Clients who are not heads of households and who do not want the head of household to have access to their information on the account may open new, separate assistance accounts.
2. Refer those individuals identified under subparagraph 1 to counseling and supportive services.
3. In accordance with a determination of good cause, waive certain requirements of FIP in cases where compliance with those requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize individuals who are or have been victimized by domestic violence or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.
4. Notify applicants and potential applicants of the different programs available to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Clients may be granted temporary good cause waivers from participation in employment-related activities because of domestic abuse. Good cause domestic violence waivers are granted based on need, as determined by an individualized assessment. Workers assist clients to develop individualized service plans intended to overcome domestic violence as a barrier to self-sufficiency and designed to lead to work. The client may participate in domestic violence services in order to remove or alleviate domestic violence as a barrier to employment. The maximum deferral period is three months, with three month extensions permitted where appropriate after review.
Clients may claim good cause for not cooperating in establishing paternity, pursuing support, or identifying third party resources (other insurance). Good cause exists if cooperation would result in physical or emotional harm to the client or the child. If good cause exists, a determination is made to either waive the requirement entirely or to proceed with action on the client’s behalf without the client’s direct participation.
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___________________________
____________________________
Hon. Gretchen Whitmer, Governor
Date
State of Michigan
STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES STATE PLAN
Effective Date: January 1, 2023 Revised July 1, 2025
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page INTRODUCTION
4 I. FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
5
A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
6
1. Assets 6 2. Income 6 3. Income Budgeting 7 4. Payment Standard 7 5. Group Composition 8 6. Minor Parents 9 7. Caretaker 9 8. Age and School Attendance 10 9. Immunizations 10 10. Residence 10 11. Identity 10 12. Social Security Numbers 10 13. Citizenship and Non-Citizenship Status 10 14. Child Support 11 15. Spousal and Parental Support 11 16. Institutional Status 11 17. Pursuit of Benefits 11 18. Strikers 11 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits 11 20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications 12
21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency 12 Requirements
B. WORK REQUIREMENTS 12
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1. Temporary Deferrals 13 2. Employment Related Activities 15 3. Employment Participation Pilots 16 4. Employment Related Sanctions 16 5. Eldercare Workforce 16 6. TANF EBT Requirements 16
C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND 17 DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY
1. Applications 17 2. Assisting Clients 17 3. Nondiscrimination 18 4. Determining Eligibility 18 5. Initial Benefits 18 6. Administrative Hearings 18 7. Confidentiality 19
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 19
III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES 27
IV. CERTIFICATIONS 28
A. CHILD SUPPORT 28 B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE 28 C. ADMINISTRATION 28 D. EQUITABLE ACCESS 29 E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE 29 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 29
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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INTRODUCTION
The intended use of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant funds is to support programs, services, and activities aimed at achieving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) goals and federal purposes specified in Title IV, Part A of the Social Security Act. Assistance for needy families is directed by the four purposes outlined in Section 401 of the Social Security Act:
• Allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.
• Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
• Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Within the specific limitations of the law, Michigan will use flexibility under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant to determine what assistance and/or services will be provided, who is eligible to receive assistance and/or services, and how funds are distributed among the various populations, geographical regions, programs, activities, and services within the state.
Michigan will meet Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements through appropriate allocation of costs between TANF, state, and local resources as allowed in the Social Security Act. Programs listed in this plan include those funded by MOE. Separate eligibility requirements, if any, are noted.
Michigan will claim reimbursement for costs associated with the administration of TANF- eligible programs and services in accordance with appropriate cost allocation methodologies, in an amount not to exceed 15% of total TANF expenditures for the applicable fiscal year.
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I. FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM The Family Independence Program (FIP) has been Michigan’s name for its ongoing cash assistance program since October 1, 1996. FIP is administered by MDHHS through its local offices in each county in the state. The goal of FIP is to help maintain and strengthen family life for children and the parents or other caretakers with whom they are living, and to help the family achieve the maximum possible self-sufficiency and personal independence.
FIP is not an entitlement.
Individuals must meet all eligibility criteria required for the receipt of federal or state funds, and as determined necessary by MDHHS to accomplish the goals of the program.
Michigan operates FIP as a single program funded with both federal and state funds. To execute the most efficient, fair, and cost-effective administration of the program, the proportion of federal and state funding associated with a case is dependent upon the group composition and/or individual characteristics on a case-by-case basis as determined by the MDHHS.
Time limits are essential to establishing the temporary nature of aid as well as communicating the FIP philosophy to support a family’s movement to self-sufficiency. The message that FIP is temporary is an important part of how Michigan helps parents take advantage of the opportunities for work as well as self-sufficiency and independence. Families receiving FIP are to engage in activities that will help them gain financial independence and increase self-sufficiency. It is antithetical to the goals of FIP to allow an individual to receive assistance longer than what is conditioned for receipt of federal funds. TANF assistance received as an adult or minor head-of-household is limited to a total of 60 months. Periods of receipt need not be consecutive to count towards the 60 months. An individual who has received 60 months of TANF-funded cash assistance is not eligible for FIP. As of October 1, 2011, Michigan does not have hardship criteria under Section 42 USC 608(a)(7)(C)(i). In 2011, Michigan enacted a state law limiting FIP to not longer than 48 cumulative months in an individual’s lifetime. This statute required the counting of the cumulative months to begin on October 1, 2007. FIP funded TANF accumulated prior to 10/1/2007 does not count towards the 48-month count and only counts towards the 60-month count. In 2024, Michigan amended the law to increase the limit to 60-months with an effective date of April 1, 2025.
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Policy for FIP is derived from the Social Security Act, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193 of 1996), Michigan’s Social Welfare Act (Act 280 of 1939, as amended), and Michigan’s Administrative Rules.
Persons applying for or receiving assistance under FIP must meet certain eligibility factors. A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Assets The family must have $15,000 or less in countable liquid assets and the total assessed value of real property must be $200,000 or less. Cash assets, such as currency, savings and checking accounts, investments, retirement plans, and trusts, are countable. Funds received for repair or replacement of a homestead are excluded for the period of time needed for repair or replacement, provided there is a written repair or replacement agreement. Funds received for the sale of a homestead are excluded for up to 12 months if the client has made a purchase agreement for another homestead.
Other cash exclusions include funds for the repair or replacement of household or other goods, funds from a bona fide loan, tax refunds and credits, accounts used solely for the expenses of a business, Flint Water Settlement funds, and funds from the earnings of a child under age 18 who is a student. Funds from excluded sources must not be commingled with countable assets or placed in time deposits. 2. Income The family’s monthly countable income minus disregards and allowable expenses must be less than the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group.
The following disregards apply to earned income.
• A qualifying income test is completed for application months. The first $200 plus 20% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded. This result is added to any other countable income and compared to the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group. If the result is at least $1, the group passes the test. Otherwise, the group is not eligible.
• The first $200 plus 50% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded when calculating the issuance amount for ongoing benefits.
The earnings of a child under age 18 who is attending school are completely excluded.
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Earnings an individual receives under the Detroit Self-Sufficiency Grant Pilot are completely excluded. Guaranteed Income Programs (GIP) payments do not count as income for the Family Independence Program. GIP is a cash payment provided on a regular basis to members of a community with no strings attached and no work requirements. RX Kids Payments is an example of a GIP payment. Court-ordered direct child support paid for a dependent child that is in the home is completely excluded.
The amount of court-ordered child support paid by a group member for children not in the home is deducted from the group’s income.
Flint Water Settlement payments do not count as income for the Family Independence Program.
3. Income Budgeting Income is budgeted prospectively based on a best estimate of the amount of countable available income to be received in the benefit month. Income is available when it is actually received or can be reasonably anticipated. Reasonably anticipated means that the amount of income can be estimated, and the date of receipt is known.
The best estimate is used for current and future benefit months. The actual income received is used when calculating a budget for a past benefit month. Income received less often than monthly is converted to a standard monthly amount.
Clients must report the following changes in income within 10 days of the change:
• Unearned income changes of $50 or more. • New and lost sources of unearned income. • The following earned income changes: o Changing employers. o Gaining or losing a job. o Changes in wage rates. o Changes in work hours of more than five hours per week that are expected to continue for more than a month.
4. Payment Standard
The maximum monthly benefit amount is called the payment standard. Income is subtracted from the payment standard to determine the grant amount. Eligible group size and grantee status (eligible or ineligible grantee) determine the statewide payment standard.
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Group Size
Eligible Grantee
Ineligible Grantee
ONE 363 187 TWO 478 325 THREE 583 498 FOUR 707 660 FIVE 822 822 SIX 981 981 SEVEN 1,072 1,072
EIGHT or more - Add $95 for each additional person 5. Group Composition The following persons who live together must be included in the group for purposes of counting income and assets, unless the group qualifies for the Marriage Exemption: a dependent child for whom assistance is requested; the child’s parents; the child’s stepparent; the child’s siblings and stepsiblings who also meet the definition of dependent child; the parents of the siblings; and the child’s child. Any of the above family members may be excluded based on their status with other programs.
A caretaker other than a parent or stepparent may, in the absence of the child’s parent or stepparent, request assistance for the child only. This caretaker may have the option to be included in the group with the dependent child. If such a caretaker receives assistance, the caretaker’s spouse and dependent children in the home must also be included in the group.
All children cared for by the same caretaker must be included in a single group, even if the children are not related to each other as siblings or stepsiblings. A minor parent living with a parent or stepparent may not receive assistance in his or her own right but must be treated as a dependent child of the parent or stepparent. A minor parent living with a caretaker other than a parent or stepparent who also receives assistance under FIP may not receive assistance in his or her own right but may be eligible only as a dependent child of the caretaker.
Michigan denies assistance to a person who has been, or is expected to be, absent from the home for more than 30 days, unless the absence is because of hospitalization, substance use treatment, training, education, active duty in the uniformed services of the U.S. or a child living apart from a parent due to the parent residing in a domestic violence shelter.
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Michigan also denies assistance to a group that includes an adult who must be included in the group and has accumulated 60 months of TANF funded cash assistance, beginning October 1, 1996, or exceeded any other time limits in FIP.
6. Minor Parents Minor parents must live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian or have good cause not to do so. If the minor parent has good cause not to live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian, the minor parent and child must live in another adult- supervised living arrangement to be eligible. Minor parents who have not completed high school must attend school full-time as a condition of eligibility.
Good cause for not living with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian includes:
• The minor parent is living with another adult relative with parental consent.
• There is no living parent, stepparent, or legal guardian whose whereabouts are known.
• The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian will not allow the minor parent to live in his or her home.
• The physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or child would be jeopardized if they lived with the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
• The minor parent is participating in a licensed substance use treatment program which would no longer be available if he/she returned to the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian’s home.
• The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian lives in another state. 7. Caretaker A dependent child must live with a caretaker. The caretaker must be a parent, stepparent, other relative, or an unrelated legal guardian or person age 21 or over who has a petition for legal guardianship of the child pending. Assistance is state funded for families in which the caretaker is disabled, or in which multiple, parent caretakers live with the eligible children or in which the caretaker is not related to any of the eligible children.
When a dependent child has multiple caretakers who do not live together, only the primary caretaker can receive assistance for that child. The primary caretaker is the caretaker who has primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care and supervision in the home where the child sleeps more than half of the days of the month, averaged over the most recent 12-month period.
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8. Age and School Attendance A dependent child must be under age 18, or age 18 and attending high school or a high school equivalency program full-time.
Dependent children who are age 6 through 17 must attend school full-time. 9. Immunizations Children under age 6 must receive scheduled immunizations. At redetermination, $25 per month is deducted from the family’s payment standard for failure to have one or more children under age 6 immunized according to schedule. Families may be exempt under certain circumstances. 10. Residence A person must be a resident of the state of Michigan and intend to remain in the state permanently or indefinitely.
Michigan does not treat families moving into the state differently than other families. 11. Identity Identity of the grantee must be verified. An authorized representative applying on behalf of a group must also show proof of identity. 12. Social Security Numbers Each person must verify his or her Social Security number or apply for one. 13. Citizenship and Non-Citizenship Status Michigan uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify non-citizenship status. The SAVE interface interacts directly with Bridges, Michigan’s integrated eligibility computer system.
In accordance with Section 1137(d) of the Social Security Act, Michigan continues to require declaration of citizenship or non-citizenship status for each person on the written application for assistance.
Non-citizenship status must be verified for each person who is not a citizen of the United States. United States citizenship must be verified for each person who declares citizenship.
To receive assistance, a person must be a citizen of the United States or a non-citizen that meets a qualified non-citizenship status in accordance with the limitations and
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restraints in Title IV of PL 104-193 of 1996, as amended. Eligible non-citizens will qualify for the same benefits as citizens do. 14. Child Support Clients must cooperate in establishing paternity and pursuing child support for dependent children. Failure to cooperate without good cause results in FIP ineligibility for a minimum of one month. Child support referrals, cooperation and non-cooperation information are shared through an automated two-way interface between Michigan’s Title IV-D system, Michigan Child Support Information System (MiCSES) and Bridges integrated eligibility system.
15. Spousal and Parental Support
Clients must cooperate in pursuing support from absent spouses, unless child support action is taken against the absent spouse, in which case the child support action is sufficient. Minor grantees must cooperate in pursuing support from their absent parents. 16. Institutional Status A person in an institution other than a hospital, psychiatric hospital, or substance use treatment center for more than 30 days is not eligible. 17. Pursuit of Benefits Clients must apply for other program benefits for which the group or a member of the group may be eligible, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits, or unemployment compensation. Failure to do so may result in group ineligibility. 18. Strikers A striker is a person involved in an employee strike, concerted stoppage, slowdown or interruption of work activities or employment operations. This includes a stoppage when a collective bargaining agreement expires.
Strikers, their spouse, and their children are ineligible. 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits Persons may not receive FIP assistance concurrently with the following benefits: TANF from other states; the Refugee Cash Assistance; Refugee Matching Grant; Supplemental Security Income; child foster care payments; or state-funded cash assistance programs.
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20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications Michigan follows the provisions of federal law denying assistance for 10 years from the date of conviction to persons who have been convicted of the fraudulent duplicate receipt of assistance.
Fugitive felons and individuals violating probation/parole are ineligible for assistance.
Under Sec. 619 of the Michigan Annual Appropriations, persons convicted of a single felony for the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances occurring after August 22, 1996, may receive assistance as long as they are not in violation of the terms of probation or parole.
21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency Requirements MDHHS provides orientation to all adults applying for FIP assistance.
Clients are given an overview of work requirements and self-sufficiency/barrier removal requirements. At a minimum, MDHHS staff explains:
• The availability of direct support services, including transportation, childcare and domestic violence assistance.
• The penalties for non-compliance.
• Good cause reasons for non-compliance.
• FIP time limits.
Clients must complete and sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules and the time limits.
Prior to the end of the first three months of assistance, both the MDHHS and the client complete the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). The purpose of the FSSP is to specify the responsibilities and actions for meeting the goal of self-sufficiency for the family. B. WORK REQUIREMENTS Michigan’s employment and training program is administered by local Michigan one- stop service centers under agreement with the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), State of Michigan. Prior to FIP approval, clients who are not deferred from work participation are automatically referred to their local one-stop service center for orientation/application eligibility period (AEP) and assigned to employment-related and barrier removal activities. Since orientation/AEP and engagement in work
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participation activities are a pre-condition of assistance for work eligible individuals, Michigan does not include verbiage to specify that engagement is required once a parent has received 24 months of assistance.
If any member of the applicant group who is required to participate in orientation, AEP, employment-related/barrier removal activities, and/or family self-sufficiency activities fails to participate without good cause, the family’s FIP application is denied.
1. Temporary Deferrals
Some clients may be deferred from the work participation program for a time, but will be required to participate in the work participation program if their circumstances change so that they are no longer deferred.
Deferred clients may be one of the following:
• Under age 16.
• Age 65 or older.
• The parent of a child under the age of 2 months.
• An individual with a short-term mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for up to 90 days.
• An individual claiming a mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for more than 90 days for the period in which the disability is being established.
• An individual with a physical or mental disability that meets SSI disability criteria, or meets SSI disability criteria except for duration.
• A doctor verifies all of the following:
o A child with disabilities requires a parent caretaker due to the extent of the disability.
o The parent is needed in the home to provide care. o The parent of the child cannot engage in employment activities due to the extent of care required.
• A doctor verifies all of the following:
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o A spouse with disabilities requires a spouse caretaker due to the extent of the disability.
o The spouse caretaker is needed in the home to provide care.
o The spouse caretaker cannot engage in employment activities due to the extent of care required.
• A medically verified problem pregnancy.
• A victim of domestic violence.
• Great Start to Quality Resource verifies that a single parent who personally provides care of a child under the age of six is not able to find adequate childcare. Adequate childcare meets all the following:
o Appropriate. The care is appropriate to the child’s age, disabilities, and other conditions.
o Reasonable distance. The total commuting time to and from work and childcare facilities does not exceed three hours per day.
o Suitable provider. The provider meets applicable state and local standards. License exempt providers who are not licensed by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) must meet Child Development and Care (CDC) enrollment requirements.
o Affordable. The childcare is provided at the rate of payment or reimbursement offered by the CDC program.
Clients who need assistance in finding a licensed provider should be referred to Great Start to Quality, the online early learning resource site, at www.greatstarttoquality.org. All active licensed providers in good standing are searchable. If additional assistance is needed, clients can be referred to 877- 614-7328 to reach the Great Start to Quality Resource Center serving their county. Resource centers can provide personal consultation for families in need of childcare.
If a provider cannot be located, the client needs to provide verification.
If a provider is located within 10 calendar days, end the deferral on the Employment Services Detail screen in Bridges. Bridges will generate a referral to PATH as well as generate the DHS-4785 once the specialist runs and certifies eligibility.
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If the client is unable to obtain childcare that meets the conditions above within 10 calendar days, the client may be deferred from referral to PATH for 90 days or until the child turns age six, or until appropriate care is available, whichever is sooner. Bridges will change the deferral code to mandatory participant at the end of the deferral period. Once the specialist runs and certifies eligibility, Bridges will generate the referral to PATH and the DHS-4785 will be generated. Document the referrals and results in the case record. The Deferral/Participation Reason is identified as No Child Care Available.
All expectations, as well as limits regarding the Cash Program can be found in the MDHHS Information Booklet. This includes the 60-month federal limits.
2. Employment Related Activities
Appropriate employment-related activities are determined by assessing the client’s job readiness. The assessment analyzes the client’s educational level, skills, work history, vocational interests, barriers to employment, childcare, and other supportive service needs. An FSSP is developed to move the participant into any type of unsubsidized employment the participant is capable of handling as quickly as possible, and to increase the responsibility and amount of work the participant is to handle over time.
Michigan’s employment-related activities are described in detail under the Countable Work Activity Descriptions section of Michigan’s Work Verification Plan and include the following:
• Unsubsidized employment. • Subsidized public and private sector employment. • On-the-job training. • Job search and job readiness assistance. • Community service and work experience programs. • Vocational educational training. • Provision of Child Care Services for community services program participants. • Education directly related to employment. • Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a Certificate of General Equivalence.
Michigan ensures that parents and caretakers receiving assistance engage in the above employment-related activities as described in detail under the Preface of Michigan’s Work Verification Plan: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside- mdhhs/reports-stats/plans-regs.
3. Employment Participation Pilots
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In addition to the above work activities, Michigan may establish pilot programs aimed at increasing work participation and client self-sufficiency. 4. Employment Related Sanctions If a recipient fails to participate in employment-related activities or family self- sufficiency activities without good cause, penalties are applied based on the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences of non-compliance.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant one time, the FIP is closed for a minimum of three months.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant two times, the FIP is closed for a minimum of six months.
• If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant three times, the result is lifetime FIP closure for the group.
These penalties help to ensure that clients participate in the program and families with non-cooperating members will not receive assistance while the person continues to refuse to participate.
5. Eldercare Workforce
At this time, Michigan has no plans in place to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment providing direct care in a long-term care facility or other occupations related to elder care for which the state identifies an unmet need for service personnel.
6. TANF EBT Requirement
Michigan uses the Bridge card, an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) issuance system, which allows clients to receive their FIP benefit using debit card technology. FIP benefits are deposited electronically into the FIP account and clients can securely access their FIP benefit by using their Bridge card and personal identification number (PIN). Clients access their FIP benefits using their Bridge card and PIN at automated teller machines (ATM) (up to four times a month without a charge) and at point of sale (POS) devices at retailers displaying the Quest logo or sign (with no fee).
Upon the client receiving their Bridge card, the client also receives a card mailer with basic information on how to use the Bridge card. This mailer also explains applicable fees and surcharges that may apply with some uses of the Bridge card. Bridge card information is also available on MDHHS’s public website as well as in the Application for Assistance information booklet.
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Michigan clients have adequate access to their FIP benefits by using the Bridge card. Michigan currently has over 9,000 retailers who give cash back on transactions and over 8,500 ATMs distributed across the state. FIS Global, Michigan’s EBT vendor, does continuous marketing to banks and other financial institutions to ensure clients all over the state have adequate access to their FIP benefits. If Michigan receives inquiries or complaints regarding a client not having convenient access to their FIP benefits, MDHHS attempts to locate the nearest source to them and notify the client. MDHHS also notifies FIS Global, and they will contract with ATMs in that area to ensure a client has convenient access. Michigan Compiled Law 400.57e(1)(i), prohibits clients from using FIP to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, any illegal activities or any other nonessential items. MDHHS policy further prohibits clients from using FIP at massage parlors, spas, tattoo shops, bail-bond agencies, adult entertainment establishments or cruise ships. The client agrees to this understanding by signing the Application for Assistance and also signing a separate agreement at application and redetermination, as part of the FSSP. In accordance with federal law, Michigan prevents access to the client’s FIP benefits by blocking the use of the EBT card at ATMs and POS devices in liquor stores, casinos, gambling casinos, gaming establishments; or establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY 1. Applications Individuals or their authorized representative may apply for assistance online or at any local MDHHS office. An applicant has the right to file an application on the same day he or she comes to a local office to apply. 2. Assisting Clients Staff must assist clients who ask for help in completing the application or other forms, or in obtaining required verifications. Clients who need a bilingual interpreter or sign language interpreter may use their own interpreter or one provided by MDHHS. MDHHS will pay for the cost of providing an interpreter. 3. Nondiscrimination Discrimination based on age, race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, or religious beliefs is prohibited. 4. Determining Eligibility Local offices determine eligibility following policies promulgated by MDHHS. The local office must determine the family’s eligibility within 45 days from the date of application.
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Clients must be informed of the decision in writing. If assistance is denied, the notice must explain the reason for denial. 5. Initial Benefits Provided the family meets all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance must begin no earlier than the pay period in which the application becomes 30 days old. If the application becomes 30 days old and the group has not met all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance begins for the first pay period when the family meets eligibility requirements. Pay periods are semi-monthly periods, from the first through the 15th of the month and the 16th through the last day of the month. 6. Administrative Hearings Applicants and recipients have the right to an administrative hearing to contest a denial of their application or adverse actions affecting their eligibility or the amount of benefits. The application form and written notices of case actions inform clients of their hearing rights.
A hearing request must be in writing and signed by the client or the client’s authorized representative. The request must be made within 90 days from the date of the written notice of case action and requested by the client. In order to maintain or restore assistance, the MDHHS must receive a request within 10 days of the notice of case action. The client is not entitled to assistance pending the hearing when the action is a denial at application.
Final action on hearing requests, including implementation of a decision and order of the Administrative Law Judge, must be completed within 90 days from the date of the hearing request. However, the client has the right to appeal a final decision to circuit court within 30 days after that decision is received. The 90-day implementation period is waived only if the circuit court grants an order to stay the implementation.
MDHHS and Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR) maintain joint authority over the Administrative Law Judges. 7. Confidentiality Information about individuals and families receiving assistance is confidential and may be released only under limited circumstances for five general purposes:
• Release of information necessary for the administration of the program or of other federal or federally assisted programs which provide assistance in cash, in kind, or in services to individuals based on need. This includes information necessary to the investigation or prosecution of criminal or civil proceedings related to program administration, and audits related to program administration and conducted by a government agency authorized to do so.
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• Release of information to government officials if necessary to perform their official duties. Government officials are: officials of a federal department, state department, city, county, or district, including law enforcement officials; and members or committees of the Congress or state legislature.
• Release of limited information to charitable organizations, if the purpose is to provide goods or services to clients. The only information that may be released for this purpose is grantee name and address and first names and ages of the children.
• Release of information to the general public, unless the client requests that information not be released. Only the grantee name and amount of monthly assistance may be released for this purpose. When the client has provided a signed consent to release specific information, that specific information may be given to members of the general public who request it. Information required by court order to be released must be given to the person/agency named in the order.
• Clients or their authorized representative may examine the client’s case record or request copies of case material, provided the material is not restricted by law or court order.
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Michigan provides other TANF-funded programs and services designed to meet the purposes of the Social Security Act.
The following are examples of services that are intended to allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. To qualify for one of these programs, a client must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care, or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary.
• Child Development and Care Services – Child care services and payments necessary to promote self-sufficiency.
• Disaster Relief Program – A lump sum, non-recurring benefit paid to families who have been evacuated from their homes due to a natural or technological disaster and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a major disaster declaration for the area that includes their normal residence.
• Direct Support Services – Services to support employment or employment- related activities or enhance self-sufficiency. Such services include, but are not
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limited to: job search services, transportation services, purchase or repairs of cars, purchase of tools, uniforms or work clothes, and various local projects identified by local MDHHS offices as needed to overcome barriers to self- sufficiency.
• Emergency Relief – Provides emergency assistance to families to help them obtain safe and affordable shelter and other essentials when the family faces an emergency due to factors beyond their control. Assistance includes relocation services, home ownership services and home repairs, and utility restoration or shut-off prevention. Emergency Relief services can also be provided for emergency foster family care or residential group care for children separated from their parents, if such care cannot be provided under Title IV-E or any other federal funding designated for that purpose.
All Emergency Relief services are limited to the duration of the emergency, which is defined as the first 364 days from the date the child has been legally removed from the home. These services must be authorized within a single 30- day period no less than 12 months after the beginning of the family’s last Emergency Relief authorization period. Under section 404(a)(2) of the Act, States may use segregated Federal TANF funds only for the specific activities that had been previously authorized based on the State's approved title IV-A or IV-F plan in effect as of either 9/30/95 or 8/21/96 (per the State option). • Support for Children in Foster Care – Multiple programs which provide a variety of supports on behalf of children in family foster care and residential group care settings. Types of support include food in extreme situations and home repairs. Assistance for children not placed with a relative is limited to the period a child may be temporarily absent from the home, as outlined in Section 5 - Group Composition. Assistance for children placed with a licensed or unlicensed relative foster family has no time limit because a child living with a relative meets TANF Purpose 1. • Transitional Living Program – Provides services to adolescents ages 16-24 who are homeless. Services may include case management, solution-based counseling, shelter for some youth, and significant program support focusing on employment skills and educational attainment. Additional life skills include healthy relationships, avoiding pregnancy while young, overall health and wellness, money management, food preparation, and leasing and tenant/landlord relationships.
• Outreach and Basic Care Services – Provides community-based services to minor age adolescents ages 12-17 and their families who are not involved with the child welfare system and where there is family conflict or a lack of family
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resources leading to the youth leaving home without permission, the youth being asked to leave, the full family experiencing homelessness, or being at risk of any of these situations. The youth and family may be provided with outreach, crisis intervention, case management, brief solution focused counseling, shelter for youth that are homeless and unaccompanied, and skill building for youth in areas related to education, employment, and life skills. The goal of the program is to reduce conflict within the family and support the ongoing preservation of the family unit while providing families and youth with linkages to other ongoing supportive services within the community.
• Family Emergency Shelter Funding – Provides funding to local emergency shelters and housing nonprofits that assist homeless families with temporary housing for a maximum of four months. Funding recipients must be able to verify TANF eligibility.
• Family Emergency Housing Funds – Provides support in the form of a non- recurrent, short-term benefit to not exceed four months for families with children at risk for abuse and neglect, those currently engaged with children's protective services and those families working to reunite whose children are in out of home care. The following services are provided to eligible families: o First and last month rental payment. o Rental arrears to prevent eviction. o Utility arrears and deposit. o Security deposit. o Property taxes. o Mortgage payments. o Court fees or fines related to rental housing. o Any other housing-related fees or fines that limit the client’s ability to access and/or maintain stable housing. o Other housing-related expenses may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
• Food & Nutrition - Hunger Relief Provided Through: o The distribution of emergency food assistance to families through food banks. o Cash assistance loaded on Bridge cards for SNAP families with children residing in Flint, Michigan for the purpose of providing additional nutritious foods to youth impacted by the water emergency.
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• Information and Referral Services – Services that connect people with information and resources about health and human service programs and services available in the community.
The following services have different financial eligibility requirements:
• Adoption Assistance – Provides payments to families for adoptive children with special needs. These payments are intended to facilitate the adoption of children with special needs by removing financial barriers for the adoptive families and allowing these children to be cared for in the home of the adoptive parents. This is a benefit provided on behalf of an eligible child with special needs and is not intended to meet the ongoing basic needs of the family. Family income must be less than 500% of the poverty level and the child must not be eligible for Title IV-E adoption assistance. TANF funding of these payments begins after the adoption is finalized. To continue eligibility, the family must complete an annual redetermination.
The following information only needs to be verified at the initial eligibility:
1. Income. 2. Social Security numbers. 3. Criminal background checks. 4. Citizenship validation.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A tax credit based on the federal EITC; providing a state refundable credit equal to a percentage of the refundable portion of the filer’s federal EITC. The MI EITC is refundable, with the refundable portion being the credit that is in excess of a filer’s total state tax liability. Eligibility for the MI EITC follows the federal EITC, and thus, has the same income, age, residency, and presence of qualifying children parameters.
• Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Inc., School Success Partnership Program – Serves school-aged children and youth from Pre- Kindergarten through 12th grade who are at risk for academic failure. School Success workers provide ongoing supportive services to students, parents, and teachers by managing students’ problem areas with specific short and long- term goals. These services could include individual and group counseling, academic activities, developing parenting skills, and working on consistent communication with teachers. Students eligible for the School Success Partnership Program must be experiencing barriers or conditions that threaten academic success, attending one of the 16 participating schools within the nine covered northeast Michigan counties served and qualify for the free or reduced- priced school meals program, which is under 185% of the poverty level.
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• Diaper Distribution – Helps ensure that families with children have access to diapers through local community action groups by distributing diapers and supplies after an application is completed and processed. To be eligible, applicants must currently (within the past 12 months) be a recipient of one of more of the following programs: FIP, Food Assistance Program, State of Emergency Relief, Weatherization, Community Services Block Grant Assistance, Low-Income Household Assistance Program, or Supplemental Security Income, Woman Infants Children (WIC), or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level. Eligible families may only receive up to four consecutive months of benefits within a 12-month period.
• Car Seats for Newborns – Provides car seats to families experiencing financial hardship with newborn children in the form of a non-recurrent, short- term benefit to not exceed four months. The car seats are distributed through the maternal infant health program providers. To qualify for a car seat the child must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care, or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level.
• Luggage for children in Foster Care – Distributes luggage to children due to an emergency foster care relocation. To qualify the child must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level.
• Family Support Subsidy – Provides financial assistance to families that include a child with severe developmental disabilities. The intent is to help make it possible for children with severe developmental disabilities to remain with or return to their birth or adoptive families. Families are able to use this money for special expenses incurred while caring for their child. Uses for the subsidy might be the purchase of special equipment, unique transportation costs, in-home specialized care, respite care, family counseling, etc. Family income must be no greater than $60,000 annually of Michigan taxable income. Payments are for the needs of the disabled child only.
• RX Kids Payments – Non-recurrent, short-term (NRST) payments made to eligible pregnant individuals before and after the baby is delivered. These payments fall under the first purpose of TANF, to help ensure that newborn children can be cared for in their own home. To be eligible for this program the group must be receiving Medicaid. Funding is appropriated through the state legislature for this prenatal and infant allowance pilot program. These payments are distributed by the Give Directly organization. Medicaid information is collected and reviewed to determine eligibility.
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Eligible families can receive the RX Kids Payments as a NRST under one of the following options: o Prenatal NRST is focused on maternal and infant health right around the birth of a child. This is a critical window for the health of moms and to be effective should be paid in the months pre and post birth. The NRST is meant to support moms before and right after the birth of a child.
o Infancy NRST would focus on the costs of new infants in families, a critical moment for families and meant to help with the incredible expenses of a new baby. A parent cannot receive the Infancy NRST payments for the newborn if the parent received the Prenatal NRST payments while pregnant with the newborn.
• FIP Fraud Replacement – Non-recurrent, short-term (NRST) cash payments issued to individuals that lost their FIP benefits as a result of theft. Eligible groups can receive up to four months of their approved FIP grant. To be eligible for this program, the group must currently be receiving FIP.
• Security Deposit Assistance – Provides funding to Michigan State Housing Development Authority to assist families with the first month’s rent and security deposit for housing in the form of a non-recurrent, short-term benefit to not exceed four months. To qualify the child must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level.
The following services are intended to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit needy families, defined as income less than 200% of the poverty level unless otherwise specified for the program. Other eligibility requirements may vary.
• Programs Targeted Toward “At-Risk” Youth – Provides after school programming, mentorship opportunities, summer employment and other supervised support programs and that increase motivation and self-esteem, and provide additional educational opportunities for at-risk youth including youth with low achievement on state- or local-administered assessments in mathematics, English language, arts, social studies or science; failure to meet proficiency standards in reading by the end of 3rd grade or career and college readiness for high school students at the end of 12th grade; a victim of child abuse or neglect; is a pregnant teenager or teenage parent; has a family history of school failure, incarceration or substance use; is a pupil in a priority
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or priority success or school; and in the absence of state or local assessment data, meets at least two or more identified risk factors.
• Real Alternatives – The focus of the program is to provide pregnancy and parent support services to women and parents of infants to promote childbirth, relationship counseling, teen pregnancy prevention programs and counseling to avoid risk-taking behaviors.
• Scholarships Used to Fund Post-Secondary Education – Assists Michigan youth in pursuing higher education through scholarships and other financial aid programs. This agreement for TANF use of Scholarships is made between MDHHS and Treasury including Michigan Tuition Grant, Tuition Incentive Program, and Michigan Competitive Scholarships. It is understood and agreed by the MDHHS and Treasury that the TANF funds expended by Treasury as a part of this agreement cannot be used to access or meet requirements for any other federal funding source. o Michigan Tuition Grant – To establish eligibility, MI Student Aid uses the student’s cost of attendance (COA) minus the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If the EFC is less than COA, then financial need is demonstrated.
o Tuition Incentive Program – Eligible students are identified annually by MDHHS as having met the Medicaid eligibility requirement.
o Competitive Scholarship Program – To establish eligibility, MI Student Aid uses the student’s COA minus the EFC as determined by the FAFSA. If the EFC is less than COA, then financial need is demonstrated.
• Great Start Readiness Program – The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a preschool program for 4-year-olds. Those families eligible for Head Start are referred to this program. Children from families up to 300% of Federal Poverty Level are considered eligible for GSRP.
The following services are intended to encourage the formation and maintenance of two- parent families. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit families whose income is no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary.
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• Domestic Violence Comprehensive Services – Services promote long-term safety and emotional healing to adult victim/survivors and their dependent children. These activities include such activities as providing emergency shelter or referring to other housing options, group and/or individual counseling, group support, advocacy and therapy.
• Employment Services for Non-Custodial Parents – Provides employment services to non-custodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed in order to enable to them to meet their responsibilities to support their children. The State uses segregated federal TANF funds for this activity. Michigan chooses to include the non-custodial parent as a member of the child’s eligible family for this service.
• Family Preservation and Family Support Programs – These services are intended to promote the well-being of children and families by increasing the strength and stability of families.
Family Support services are primarily community-based, in-home preventive activities designed to promote parents’ ability to successfully nurture their children, enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community, and create supportive networks to enhance child-rearing abilities of parents.
Family Preservation services are designed to: help families alleviate crises that might lead to out-of-home placement of children; maintain the safety of children; support families preparing to reunite or adopt; and assist families in obtaining services and other supports necessary to address their needs. These services may include: parent skill training; premarital and marriage counseling and mediation services; activities to promote parental access; initiatives to increase the capacity of fathers to provide emotional and financial support; and crisis or intervention services. These services are provided by community- based nonprofit agencies.
Specific services programs include, but are not limited to:
o Preventive Services for Families. o Families First of Michigan. o Mi Family Together. o Families Together Building Solutions. o Family Assistance Program. o In-Home Services Program. o Family Reunification Program. o Parent Partner Program. o Supportive Visitation. o Economic and Concrete Support.
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o Wraparound Services.
The following services are intended to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit families whose income is no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary: • Subsidized Employment Program – This subsidized employment program provides opportunities for PATH participants working with the Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) to gain workplace skills needed to transition from being long-term unemployed to being employment ready. This program is short in nature and not considered ongoing assistance but is a work subsidy program where PATH participants learn employability skills such as communication, organization, and customer service. This activity allows an employer the opportunity to observe how the participant functions in a work environment to potentially hire them permanently after the subsidy is complete. Individuals are eligible for this program if they are part of a needy family whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty limit.
III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES Michigan will continue to reduce the proportion of all pregnancies that are unintended. The state will focus on unintended pregnancies because there is a significant overlap in the populations responsible for both out-of-wedlock and unintended pregnancies. Therefore, an appropriate strategy for reducing out-of-wedlock births is to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies. Special emphasis will be given to teenagers. The goal is to reduce the pregnancy rate among adolescents age 15 through 19 to no more than 63 per thousand females.
Strategies for achieving these goals include sex education in schools; promoting abstinence by targeting selected communities with high teen pregnancy rates; providing related health care and educational services in adolescent health centers; and targeting services to special populations such as substance users and historically underserved individuals such as incarcerated women and homeless youth or targeting family planning services to males.
Michigan conducts sexual assault training and programing designed to reach state and local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, the education system, counseling services, parents, teens, and young males that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape as well as dating violence. The teenage pregnancy prevention programs are conducted primarily at the local school level, in juvenile justice facilities and through youth organizations by local sexual assault victim service provider organizations.
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IV. CERTIFICATIONS A. CHILD SUPPORT Michigan will operate a child support enforcement program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part D of the Social Security Act. B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE Michigan will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part E of the Social Security Act and will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under part E are eligible for medical assistance under the state plan under Title XIX. C. ADMINISTRATION MDHHS, working cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Treasury, LEO and other state departments, is authorized to administer and operate TANF. Michigan assures that local governments and private sector organizations: 1. Have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the state so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and
2. Have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services. D. EQUITABLE ACCESS Michigan will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who lives in Michigan and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412 of the Social Security Act, with equitable access to assistance. E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the state program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.
F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 30 Revision Date: July 1, 2025
Michigan has not adopted the Family Violence Option. However, Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to do all of the following:
1. Screen and identify individuals who are receiving FIP assistance who have a history of domestic violence, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals. Clients may request restrictions on the release of information to the general public because of the history or threat of domestic violence. Clients who are heads of households may grant or revoke assistance account access privileges. Clients who are not heads of households and who do not want the head of household to have access to their information on the account may open new, separate assistance accounts.
2. Refer those individuals identified under subparagraph 1 to counseling and supportive services.
3. In accordance with a determination of good cause, waive certain requirements of FIP in cases where compliance with those requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize individuals who are or have been victimized by domestic violence or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.
Clients may be granted temporary good cause waivers from participation in employment- related activities because of domestic abuse. Good cause domestic violence waivers are granted based on need, as determined by an individualized assessment. Workers assist clients to develop individualized service plans intended to overcome domestic violence as a barrier to self-sufficiency and designed to lead to work. The client may participate in domestic violence services in order to remove or alleviate domestic violence as a barrier to employment. The maximum deferral period is three months, with three-month extensions permitted where appropriate after review.
Clients may claim good cause for not cooperating in establishing paternity, pursuing support, or identifying third party resources (other insurance). Good cause exists if cooperation would result in physical or emotional harm to the client or the child. If good cause exists, a determination is made to either waive the requirement entirely or to proceed with action on the client’s behalf without the client’s direct participation.
Michigan is establishing and enforcing standards and procedures to ensure that applicants and potential applicants for TANF are notified of assistance made available by the state to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Michigan will also ensure that case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the TANF program are trained in: the nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; state standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for, individuals who are victims
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page 31 Revision Date: July 1, 2025 of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and methods of ascertaining and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who have provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ___________________________ ____________________________ Hon. Gretchen Whitmer, Governor Date State of Michigan 09/25/2025
STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES STATE PLAN
Effective Date: January 1, 2017
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 2 Effective Date: January 1, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page INTRODUCTION
4 I. FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
5
A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
6
1. Assets 6 2. Income 6 3. Income Budgeting 7 4. Payment Standard 7 5. Group Composition 8 6. Minor Parents 8 7. Caretaker 9 8. Age and School Attendance 9 9. Immunizations 9 10. Residence 9 11. Identity 10 12. Social Security Numbers 10 13. Citizenship and Alien Status 10 14. Child Support 10 15. Spousal and Parental Support 10 16. Institutional Status 10 17. Pursuit of Benefits 11 18. Strikers 11 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits 11 20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications 11
21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency 11 Requirements
B. WORK REQUIREMENTS 12
1. Temporary Deferrals 12 2. Employment Related Activities 13 3. Employment Participation Pilots 14 4. Employment Related Sanctions 14
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 3 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 5. Eldercare Workforce 14 6. TANF EBT Requirements 14
C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND DETERMINATION OF 15 ELIGIBILITY
1. Applications 15 2. Assisting Clients 15 3. Nondiscrimination 16 4. Determining Eligibility 16 5. Initial Benefits 16 6. Administrative Hearings 16 7. Confidentiality 17
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 17
III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES 22
IV. CERTIFICATIONS 23
A. CHILD SUPPORT 23 B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE 23 C. ADMINISTRATION 23 D. EQUITABLE ACCESS 23 E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE 23 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 4 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 INTRODUCTION
The intended use of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant funds is to support programs, services, and activities aimed at achieving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) goals and federal purposes specified in Title IV, Part A of the Social Security Act. Assistance for needy families is directed by the four purposes outlined in Section 401 of the Social Security Act:
Allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;
Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and
Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Within the specific limitations of the law, Michigan will use the flexibility under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant to determine what assistance and /or services will be provided, who is eligible to receive assistance and /or services, and how funds are distributed among the various populations, geographical regions, programs, activities, and services within the state.
Michigan will meet Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements through appropriate allocation of costs between TANF and state and local resources as allowed in the Social Security Act. Programs listed in this plan include those funded by MOE. Separate eligibility requirements, if any, are noted.
Michigan will claim reimbursement for costs associated with the administration of TANF- eligible programs and services in accordance with appropriate cost allocation methodologies, in an amount not to exceed 15% of total TANF expenditures for the applicable fiscal year.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 5 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM The Family Independence Program (FIP) has been Michigan’s name for its ongoing cash assistance program since October 1, 1996. FIP is administered by the MDHHS through its local offices in each county in the state. The goal of FIP is to help maintain and strengthen family life for children and the parents or other caretakers with whom they are living, and to help the family achieve the maximum possible self-sufficiency and personal independence.
FIP is not an entitlement.
Individuals must meet all eligibility criteria required for the receipt of federal or state funds, and as determined necessary by the MDHHS to accomplish the goals of the program.
Michigan operates FIP as a single program funded with both federal and state funds. To execute the most efficient, fair, and cost-effective administration of the program, the proportion of federal and state funding associated with a case is dependent upon the group composition and/or individual characteristics on a case by case basis as determined by the MDHHS.
TANF assistance received as an adult or minor head-of-household is limited to a total of 60 months. Periods of receipt need not be consecutive to count towards the 60 months. An individual who has received 60 months of TANF-funded cash assistance is not eligible for FIP. As of October 1, 2011, Michigan does not have hardship criteria under Section 42 USC 608(a)(7)(C)(i). Time limits are essential to establishing the temporary nature of aid as well as communicating the FIP philosophy to support a family’s movement to self-sufficiency. The message that FIP is temporary is an important part of how Michigan helps parents take advantage of the opportunities for work as well as self-sufficiency and independence. Families receiving FIP are to engage in activities that will help them gain financial independence and increase self-sufficiency. It is antithetical to the goals of the FIP to allow an individual to receive assistance longer than what is conditioned for receipt of federal funds.
In 2011, Michigan enacted a state law limiting FIP to not longer than 48 cumulative months in an individual’s lifetime. This statute required the counting of the cumulative months to begin on October 1, 2007. Policy for FIP is derived from the Social Security Act, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193 of 1996), Michigan’s Social Welfare Act (Act 280 of 1939, as amended), and Michigan’s Administrative Rules.
Persons applying for or receiving assistance under FIP must meet certain eligibility factors.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 6 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 A. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Assets The family must have less than $3,000 in countable liquid assets and the total assessed value of real property must be less than $200,000. Cash assets, such as currency, savings and checking accounts, investments, retirement plans, and trusts, are countable. Funds received for repair or replacement of a homestead are excluded for the period of time needed for repair or replacement, provided there is a written repair or replacement agreement. Funds received for the sale of a homestead are excluded for up to 12 months if the client has made a purchase agreement for another homestead.
Other cash exclusions include: funds for the repair or replacement of household or other goods; funds from a bona fide loan; tax refunds and credits; accounts used solely for the expenses of a business; and funds from the earnings of a child under age 18 who is a student. Funds from excluded sources must not be commingled with countable assets or placed in time deposits. 2. Income The family’s monthly countable income minus disregards and allowable expenses must be less than the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group.
The following disregards apply to earned income.
A qualifying income test is completed for application months. The first $200 plus 20% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded. This result is added to any other countable income and compared to the maximum monthly benefit amount for the group. If the result is at least $1, the group passes the test. Otherwise, the group is not eligible.
The first $200 plus 50% of the remainder of each employed person’s monthly earned income is disregarded when calculating the issuance amount for ongoing benefits.
The earnings of a child under age 18 who is attending school are completely excluded.
The amount of court-ordered child support paid by a group member for children not in the home is deducted from the group’s income.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 7 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 3. Income Budgeting Income is budgeted prospectively based on a best estimate of the amount of countable, available income to be received in the benefit month. Income is available when it is actually received or can be reasonably anticipated. Reasonably anticipated means that the amount of income can be estimated and the date of receipt is known.
The best estimate is used for current and future benefit months. Actual income received is used when calculating a budget for a past benefit month. Income received less often than monthly is converted to a standard monthly amount.
Clients must report the following changes in income within 10 days of the change:
Unearned income changes of $50 or more. New and lost sources of unearned income. The following earned income changes: Changing employers Gaining or losing a job Changes in wage rates Changes in work hours of more than five hours per week that are expected to continue for more than a month
4. Payment Standard
The maximum monthly benefit amount is called the payment standard. Income is subtracted from the payment standard to determine the grant amount. Eligible group size and grantee status (eligible or ineligible grantee) determine the statewide payment standard.
Group Size
Eligible Grantee
Ineligible Grantee
ONE 306 158 TWO 403 274 THREE 492 420 FOUR 597 557 FIVE 694 694 SIX 828 828 SEVEN 905 905
EIGHT or more - Add $80 for each additional person
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 8 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 5. Group Composition The following persons who live together must be included in the group for purposes of counting income and assets: a dependent child for whom assistance is requested; the child’s parents; the child’s stepparent; the child’s siblings and stepsiblings who also meet the definition of dependent child; the parents of the siblings; and the child’s child.
A caretaker other than a parent or stepparent may, in the absence of the child’s parent or stepparent, request assistance and be included in the group with the dependent child. If such a caretaker receives assistance, the caretaker’s spouse and dependent children in the home must also be included in the group.
All children cared for by the same caretaker must be included in a single group, even if the children are not related to each other as siblings or stepsiblings. A minor parent living with a parent or stepparent may not receive assistance in his or her own right, but must be treated as a dependent child of the parent or stepparent. A minor parent living with a caretaker other than a parent or stepparent who also receives assistance under FIP may not receive assistance in his or her own right, but may be eligible only as a dependent child of the caretaker.
Michigan denies assistance to a person who has been, or is expected to be, absent from the home for more than 30 days, unless the absence is because of hospitalization, substance abuse treatment, training, education, active duty in the uniformed services of the U.S. or a child living apart from a parent due to the parent residing in a domestic violence shelter.
Michigan also denies assistance to a group that includes an adult who must be included in the group and has accumulated 60 months of TANF funded cash assistance, beginning October 1, 1996 or exceeded any other time limits in FIP. 6. Minor Parents Minor parents must live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian or have good cause not to do so. If the minor parent has good cause not to live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian, the minor parent and child must live in another adult- supervised living arrangement to be eligible. Minor parents who have not completed high school must attend school full-time as a condition of eligibility.
Good cause for not living with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian includes:
The minor parent is living with another adult relative with parental consent.
There is no living parent, stepparent, or legal guardian whose whereabouts is known.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 9 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian will not allow the minor parent to live in his or her home.
The physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or child would be jeopardized if they lived with the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
The minor parent is participating in a licensed substance abuse treatment program which would no longer be available if he/she returned to the parent, stepparent, or legal guardian’s home.
The parent, stepparent, or legal guardian lives in another state. 7. Caretaker A dependent child must live with a caretaker. The caretaker must be a parent, stepparent, other relative, or an unrelated legal guardian or person age 21 or over who has a petition for legal guardianship of the child pending. Assistance is state- funded for families in which the caretaker is disabled, or in which multiple, parent caretakers live with the eligible children or in which the caretaker is not related to any of the eligible children.
When a dependent child has multiple caretakers who do not live together, only the primary caretaker can receive assistance for that child. The primary caretaker is the caretaker who has primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care and supervision in the home where the child sleeps more than half of the days of the month, averaged over the most recent 12 month period. 8. Age and School Attendance A dependent child must be under age 18, or age 18 and attending high school or a high school equivalency program full-time.
Dependent children who are age 6 through 17 must attend school full-time. 9. Immunizations Children under age 6 must receive scheduled immunizations. At redetermination, twenty-five dollars per month is deducted from the family’s payment standard for failure to have one or more children under age 6 immunized according to schedule. Families may be exempt under certain circumstances. 10. Residence A person must be a resident of the state of Michigan and intend to remain in the state permanently or indefinitely.
Michigan does not treat families moving into the state differently than other families.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 10 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 11. Identity Identity of the grantee must be verified. An authorized representative applying on behalf of a group must also show proof of identity. 12. Social Security Numbers Each person must verify his or her Social Security number or apply for one. 13. Citizenship and Alien Status Michigan uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify alien status. The SAVE interface interacts directly with Bridges, Michigan’s integrated eligibility computer system.
In accordance with Section 1137(d) of the Social Security Act, Michigan continues to require declaration of citizenship or alien status for each person on the written application for assistance.
Alien status must be verified for each person who is not a citizen of the United States. United States citizenship must be verified for each person who declares citizenship.
A person must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien in accordance with the limitations and restraints in Title IV of PL 104-193 of 1996, as amended. 14. Child Support Clients must cooperate in establishing paternity and pursuing child support for dependent children. Failure to cooperate without good cause results in FIP ineligibility for a minimum of one month. Child support referrals, cooperation and non-cooperation information are shared through an automated two-way interface between Michigan’s Title IV-D system, Michigan Child Support Information System (MiCSES) and Bridges integrated eligibility system.
15. Spousal and Parental Support
Clients must cooperate in pursuing support from absent spouses, unless child support action is taken against the absent spouse, in which case the child support action is sufficient. Minor grantees must cooperate in pursuing support from their absent parents. 16. Institutional Status A person in an institution other than a hospital, psychiatric hospital, or substance abuse treatment center for more than 30 days is not eligible.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 11 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 17. Pursuit of Benefits Clients must apply for other program benefits for which the group or a member of the group may be eligible, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits, or unemployment compensation. Failure to do so may result in group ineligibility. 18. Strikers A striker is a person involved in an employee strike, concerted stoppage, slowdown or interruption of work activities or employment operations. This includes a stoppage when a collective bargaining agreement expires.
Strikers, their spouses and their children are ineligible. 19. Concurrent Receipt of Benefits Persons may not receive FIP assistance concurrently with the following benefits: TANF from other states; the Refugee Cash Assistance; Refugee Matching Grant; Supplemental Security Income; child foster care payments; or state-funded cash assistance programs. 20. Criminal Justice Disqualifications Michigan follows the provisions of federal law denying assistance for 10 years from the date of conviction to persons who have been convicted of the fraudulent duplicate receipt of assistance.
Fugitive felons and individuals violating probation/parole are ineligible for assistance as long as the individual is subject to arrest under the outstanding warrant or as long as the individual violates a condition of probation/parole.
Persons convicted of a single felony for the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances occurring after August 22, 1996, may receive assistance as long as they are not in violation of the terms of probation or parole. However, benefits are paid in the form of third party or vendor payments. Persons convicted of more than one such felony are ineligible. 21. Work Participation and Self-Sufficiency Requirements MDHHS provides orientation to all adults applying for FIP assistance.
Clients are given an overview of work requirements and self-sufficiency requirements. At a minimum, MDHHS staff explains:
The availability of direct support services, including transportation, child care and domestic violence assistance
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Page 12 Effective Date: January 1, 2017
The penalties for non-compliance
Good cause reasons for non-compliance
FIP time limits
Clients must complete and sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules and both federal and state time limits.
Prior to the end of the first three months of assistance, both the MDHHS and the client complete the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). The purpose of the FSSP is to specify the responsibilities and actions for meeting the goal of self-sufficiency for the family. B. WORK REQUIREMENTS Michigan’s employment and training program is administered by local Michigan one-stop service centers under agreement with the Talent Investment Agency, State of Michigan. Prior to FIP approval, clients who are not deferred from work participation are automatically referred to their local one-stop service center for orientation/application eligibility period (AEP) and assigned to employment-related activities. Since orientation/AEP and engagement in work participation activities are a pre-condition of assistance for work eligible individuals, Michigan does not include verbiage to specify that engagement is required once a parent has received 24 months of assistance.
If any member of the applicant group who is required to participate in orientation, AEP, employment-related activities, and/or family self-sufficiency activities fails to participate without good cause, the family’s FIP application is denied.
1. Temporary Deferrals
Some clients may be deferred from the work participation program for a time, but will be required to participate in the work participation program if their circumstances change so that they are no longer deferred.
Deferred clients may be one of the following:
Under age 16
Age 65 or older
The parent of a child under the age of 2 months
An individual with a short-term mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for up to 90 days
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Page 13 Effective Date: January 1, 2017
An individual claiming a mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely limits the ability to participate for more than 90 days for the period in which the disability is being established
An individual with a physical or mental disability that meets SSI disability criteria, or meets SSI disability criteria except for duration
A doctor verifies all of the following:
a child with disabilities requires a parent caretaker due to the extent of the disability
the parent is needed in the home to provide care the parent of the child cannot engage in employment activities due the extent of care required
A doctor verifies all of the following:
a spouse with disabilities requires a spouse caretaker due to the extent of the disability
the spouse caretaker is needed in the home to provide care
the spouse caretaker cannot engage in employment activities due the extent of care required
A medically verified problem pregnancy
A victim of domestic violence
2. Employment Related Activities
Appropriate employment-related activities are determined by assessing the client’s job readiness. The assessment analyzes the client’s educational level, skills, work history, vocational interests, barriers to employment, child care, and other supportive service needs. An Individual Service Strategy Plan (ISSP) is developed to move the participant into any type of unsubsidized employment the participant is capable of handling as quickly as possible, and to increase the responsibility and amount of work the participant is to handle over time.
Michigan’s employment-related activities are described in detail under the Countable Work Activity Descriptions section of Michigan’s Work Verification Plan and include the following:
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 14 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 Unsubsidized employment Subsidized public and private sector employment On-the-job training Job search and job readiness assistance Community service and work experience programs Vocational educational training Provision of Child Care Services for community services program participants Education directly related to employment Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a Certificate of General Equivalence
3. Employment Participation Pilots In addition to the above work activities, Michigan may establish pilot programs aimed at increasing work participation and client self-sufficiency. 4. Employment Related Sanctions If a recipient fails to participate in employment-related activities or family self- sufficiency activities without good cause, penalties are applied based on the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences of non-compliance.
If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant one time, the FIP is closed for a minimum of three months.
If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant two times, the FIP is closed for a minimum of six months.
If the individual in the group with the highest number of occurrences has been non-compliant three times, the result is lifetime FIP closure for the group.
These penalties help to ensure that clients participate in the program and families with non-cooperating members will not receive assistance while the person continues to refuse to participate.
5. Eldercare Workforce
At this time, Michigan has no plans in place to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment providing direct care in a long-term care facility or other occupations related to elder care for which the state identifies an unmet need for service personnel.
6. TANF EBT Requirement
Michigan uses the Bridge card, an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) issuance system, which allows clients to receive their FIP benefit using debit card technology. FIP
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 15 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 benefits are deposited electronically into the FIP account and clients can securely access their FIP benefit by using their Bridge card and personal identification number (PIN). Clients access their FIP benefits using their Bridge card and PIN at automated teller machines (with minimal to no fees or charges) and at point of sale (POS) devices at retailers displaying the Quest logo or sign (with minimal or no fee or charges).
Upon the client receiving their Bridge card, the client also receives a card mailer with basic information on how to use the Bridge card. This mailer also explains applicable fees and surcharges that may apply with some uses of the Bridge card. Bridge card information is also available on the MDHHS’s public website as well as in the Application for Assistance information booklet.
Michigan clients have adequate access to their FIP benefits by using the Bridge card. Michigan currently has over 9,000 retailers who give cash back on transactions and over 8,500 ATMs distributed across the state. Xerox, Michigan’s EBT vendor, does continuous marketing to banks and other financial institutions to ensure clients all over the state have adequate access to their FIP benefits. If Michigan receives inquiries or complaints regarding a client not having convenient access to their FIP benefits, MDHHS attempts to locate the nearest source to them and notify the client. MDHHS also notifies Xerox, and they will contract with ATMs in that area to ensure a client has convenient access. Michigan Compiled Law 400.57e(1)(i), prohibits clients from using FIP to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, tobacco, for gambling, any illegal activities or any other nonessential items. MDHHS policy further prohibits clients from using FIP at massage parlors, spas, tattoo shops, bail-bond agencies, adult entertainment establishments or cruise ships. The client agrees to this understanding by signing the Application for Assistance and also signing a separate agreement at application and redetermination, as part of the FSSP. In accordance with federal law, Michigan prevents access to the client’s FIP benefits by blocking the use of the EBT card at ATMs and POS devices in liquor stores, casinos, gambling casinos, gaming establishment; or establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. C. DELIVERY OF BENEFITS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY 1. Applications Individuals or their authorized representative may apply for assistance online or at any local MDHHS office. An applicant has the right to file an application on the same day he or she comes to a local office to apply. 2. Assisting Clients Staff must assist clients who ask for help in completing the application or other forms, or in obtaining required verifications. Clients who need a bilingual interpreter or sign
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 16 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 language interpreter may use their own interpreter or one provided by MDHHS. MDHHS will pay for the cost of providing an interpreter. 3. Nondiscrimination Discrimination based on age, race, disability, gender, color, national origin or religious beliefs is prohibited. 4. Determining Eligibility Local offices determine eligibility following policies promulgated by MDHHS. The local office must determine the family’s eligibility within 45 days from the date of application. Clients must be informed of the decision in writing. If assistance is denied, the notice must explain the reason for denial. 5. Initial Benefits Provided the family meets all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance must begin no earlier than the pay period in which the application becomes 30 days old. If the application becomes 30 days old and the group has not met all FIP eligibility requirements, assistance begins for the first pay period when the family meets eligibility requirements. Pay periods are semi-monthly periods, from the first through the fifteenth of the month and the sixteenth through the last day of the month. 6. Administrative Hearings Applicants and recipients have the right to an administrative hearing to contest a denial of their application or adverse actions affecting their eligibility or the amount of benefits. The application form and written notices of case actions inform clients of their hearing rights.
A hearing request must be in writing and signed by the client or the client’s authorized representative. The request must be made within 90 days from the date of the written notice of case action and requested by the client. In order to maintain or restore assistance, the MDHHS must receive a request within 10 days of the notice of case action. The client is not entitled to assistance pending the hearing when the action is a denial at application.
Final action on hearing requests, including implementation of a decision and order of the Administrative Law Judge, must be completed within 90 days from the date of the hearing request. However, the client has the right to appeal a final decision to circuit court within 30 days after that decision is received. The 90 day implementation period is waived only if the circuit court grants an order to stay the implementation.
MDHHS and Michigan Administrative Hearings System maintain joint authority over the Administrative Law Judges.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 17 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 7. Confidentiality Information about individuals and families receiving assistance is confidential and may be released only under limited circumstances for five general purposes:
Release of information necessary for the administration of the program or of other federal or federally-assisted programs which provide assistance in cash, in kind, or in services to individuals based on need. This includes information necessary to the investigation or prosecution of criminal or civil proceedings related to program administration, and audits related to program administration and conducted by a government agency authorized to do so.
Release of information to government officials if necessary to perform their official duties. Government officials are: officials of a federal department, state department, city, county, or district, including law enforcement officials; and members or committees of the Congress or state legislature.
Release of limited information to charitable organizations, if the purpose is to provide goods or services to clients. The only information that may be released for this purpose is grantee name and address and first names and ages of the children.
Release of information to the general public, unless the client requests that information not be released. Only the grantee name and amount of monthly assistance may be released for this purpose.
Clients or their authorized representative may examine the client’s case record or request copies of case material, provided the material is not restricted by law or court order.
II. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Michigan provides other TANF-funded programs and services designed to meet the purposes of the Social Security Act.
The following are examples of services that are intended to allow children to be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. A client must be a recipient of at least one of the following: FIP, Medicaid, Food Assistance Program, or Child Development and Care, or their income must be no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary.
Child Development and Care Services - Child care services and payments necessary to promote self-sufficiency.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 18 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 Disaster Relief Program – A lump sum, non-recurring benefit paid to families who have been evacuated from their homes due to a natural or technological disaster and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a major disaster declaration for the area that includes their normal residence.
Direct Support Services - Services to support employment or employment-related activities or enhance self-sufficiency. Such services include, but are not limited to: job search services, transportation services, purchase or repairs of cars, purchase of tools, uniforms or work clothes, and various local projects identified by local MDHHS offices as needed to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
Emergency Relief - Provides emergency assistance to families to help them obtain safe and affordable shelter and other essentials when the family faces an emergency due to factors beyond their control. Assistance includes relocation services, home ownership services and home repairs, and utility restoration or shut- off prevention.
Emergency Relief also provides emergency foster family care or residential group care for children separated from their parents if such care cannot be provided under Title IV-E. Emergency services are limited to the duration of the emergency, not to exceed 364 days.
Emergency Shelter – Funds contracted with emergency shelter providers to provide shelter to homeless families and youth.
Food & Nutrition - Hunger Relief Provided Through: The distribution of emergency food assistance to families through food banks. Cash assistance loaded on Bridge cards for SNAP families with children residing in Flint, Michigan for the purpose of providing additional nutritious foods to youth impacted by the water emergency.
Information and Referral Services - Services that connect people with information and resources about health and human service programs and services available in the community.
The following services have different financial eligibility requirements:
Adoption Medical Subsidy – Assists adoptive families with non-medical expenses that result from a physical, mental, or emotional condition that existed or the cause of which existed prior to the adoption, and are not covered by other public or private resources (e.g., Medicaid, Children’s Special Health Care Services, an Intermediate School District, or health insurance). TANF funding of these payments begins after the adoption is finalized.
Adoption Assistance – Provides payments to families of adoptive children with special needs. These payments are intended to facilitate the adoption of children with special needs by removing financial barriers for the adoptive families and allowing these children to be cared for in the home of the adoptive parents. Family
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 19 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 income must be less than 500% of the poverty level and the child must not be eligible for Title IV-E adoption assistance. TANF funding of these payments begins after the adoption is finalized.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A tax credit based on the federal EITC; providing a state refundable credit equal to a percentage of the refundable portion of the filer’s federal EITC. The MI EITC is refundable, with the refundable portion being the credit that is in excess of a filer’s total state tax liability. Eligibility for the MI EITC follows the federal EITC, and thus, has the same income, age, residency, and presence of qualifying children parameters.
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Inc., School Success Partnership Program – Serves school-aged children and youth from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade who are at-risk for academic failure. School Success workers provide ongoing assistance to students, parents and teachers by managing students’ problem areas with specific short and long-term goals.
Family Support Subsidy – Provides financial assistance to families that include a child with severe developmental disabilities. The intent is to help make it possible for children with severe developmental disabilities to remain with or return to their birth or adoptive families. Families are able to use this money for special expenses incurred while caring for their child. Uses for the subsidy might be the purchase of special equipment, unique transportation costs, in-home specialized care, respite care, family counseling, etc. Family income must be no greater than $60,000 annually of Michigan taxable income. Payments are for the needs of the disabled child only.
The following services are intended to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit needy families, defined as income less than 200% of the poverty level unless otherwise specified for the program. Other eligibility requirements may vary. Programs may be funded by the state, nonprofit or faith-based agencies, private foundations or local government.
Capacity Building for Michigan’s Early Education and Care System– Seeks to build capacity for early childhood education programs throughout the State of Michigan.
Programs Targeted Toward “At-Risk” Youth –Provides after school programming, mentorship opportunities, summer employment and other supervised support programs and that increase motivation and self-esteem, and provide additional educational opportunities for at-risk youth including youth with low achievement on State- or local-administered assessments in mathematics, English language, arts, social studies or science; failure to meet proficiency standards in reading by the end of 3rd grade or career and college readiness for high school students at the end of 12th grade; a victim of child abuse or neglect; is a pregnant teenager or teenage parent; has a family history of school failure, incarceration or substance abuse; is a pupil in a priority or priority success or school; and in the absence of State or local assessment data, meets at least two or more identified risk factors.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 20 Effective Date: January 1, 2017
Real Alternatives – The focus of the program is to provide pregnancy and parent support services to women and parents of infants to promote childbirth.
Scholarships Used to Fund Post-Secondary Education – Assists Michigan youth in pursuing higher education through scholarships and other financial aid programs.
School Readiness programs – Helps ensure that Michigan youth are prepared to enter school at appropriate literacy levels if the needy family is less than 300% of poverty.
Various Foundation Grants – Grants made by Michigan-based foundations to local health, human service and education organizations seeking to either build capacity or implement programs that include a range of activities such as dropout prevention, after school programs, mentoring services, academic services, employment services and family support programs.
Various United Way programs – Support programs that provide quality early childhood education, mentoring services, academic services, and other activities targeted at “at-risk” youth. Also supports family-oriented programs that are focused on the children, school preparedness services and programs aimed at reducing risky behavior among teenagers.
The following services are intended to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. For programs claimed as TANF, there is no financial eligibility test. For programs claimed as TANF-MOE, all services must benefit families whose income is no more than 200% of the poverty level. Other eligibility requirements may vary. Programs may be funded by the state, nonprofit or faith-based agencies, private foundations or local government.
Domestic Violence Comprehensive Services – Provides services to victims of domestic violence and their families.
Employment Services for Non-Custodial Parents – Provides employment services to non-custodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed in order to enable to them to meet their responsibilities to support their children. The State uses segregated federal TANF funds for this activity. Michigan chooses to include the non-custodial parent as a member of the child’s eligible family for this service.
Family Preservation and Family Support Programs – These services are intended to promote the well-being of children and families by increasing the strength and stability of families and by increasing parents’ confidence and competence in their and family /household management parenting abilities.
Family Support services are primarily community-based preventive activities designed to promote parents’ ability to successfully nurture their children, enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community, and create supportive networks to enhance child-rearing abilities of parents.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 21 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 Family Preservation services are designed to: help families alleviate crises that might lead to out-of-home placement of children; maintain the safety of children; support families preparing to reunite or adopt; and assist families in obtaining services and other supports necessary to address their needs. These services may include: parent skill training; premarital and marriage counseling and mediation services; activities to promote parental access; initiatives to increase the capacity of fathers to provide emotional and financial support; and crisis or intervention services. These services are provided by community-based nonprofit agencies.
Specific services programs include, but are not limited to:
Preventive Services for Families Child Protection: Working Together as Community Partners Families First of Michigan Family Reunification Program Child Safety and Permanency Planning Parent Partner Program Wraparound Services Parent Partner Program
Post-Adoption Services – Provides supportive services to adoptive parents and children, such as individual or group support, child or family mentoring, information and referral, crisis intervention, community and recreational services, educational support, and service coordination.
Various United Way programs – Support programs that provide parenting and family preservation services.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 22 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 III. OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCIES Michigan will continue to reduce the proportion of all pregnancies that are unintended. The state will focus on unintended pregnancies because there is a significant overlap in the populations responsible for both out-of-wedlock and unintended pregnancies. Therefore, an appropriate strategy for reducing out-of-wedlock births is to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies. Special emphasis will be given to teenagers. The goal is to reduce the pregnancy rate among adolescents age 15 through 19 to no more than 63 per thousand females.
Strategies for achieving these goals include: sex education in the schools; promoting abstinence by targeting selected communities with high teen pregnancy rates; providing related health care and educational services in adolescent health centers; and targeting services to special populations such as substance abusers and historically underserved individuals such as incarcerated women and homeless youth or targeting family planning services to males.
Michigan will conduct a program, designed to reach state and local law enforcement officials, the education system, counseling services, parents, teens, and young males, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 23 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 IV. CERTIFICATIONS A. CHILD SUPPORT Michigan will operate a child support enforcement program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part D of the Social Security Act. B. FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE Michigan will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the state plan approved under Title IV, part E of the Social Security Act and will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under part E are eligible for medical assistance under the state plan under Title XIX. C. ADMINISTRATION MDHHS, working cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Treasury, the Michigan Talent Investment Agency and other state departments, is authorized to administer and operate TANF. Michigan assures that local governments and private sector organizations: 1. have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the state so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and
2. have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services. D. EQUITABLE ACCESS Michigan will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who lives in Michigan and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412 of the Social Security Act, with equitable access to assistance. E. PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the state program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.
TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Page 24 Effective Date: January 1, 2017 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Michigan has not adopted the Family Violence Option. However, Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to do all of the following:
1. Screen and identify individuals who are receiving FIP assistance who have a history of domestic violence, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals. Clients may request restrictions on the release of information to the general public because of the history or threat of domestic violence. Clients who are heads of households may grant or revoke assistance account access privileges. Clients who are not heads of households and who do not want the head of household to have access to their information on the account may open new, separate assistance accounts.
2. Refer those individuals identified under subparagraph 1 to counseling and supportive services.
3. In accordance with a determination of good cause, waive certain requirements of FIP in cases where compliance with those requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize individuals who are or have been victimized by domestic violence or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.
Clients may be granted temporary good cause waivers from participation in employment-related activities because of domestic abuse. Good cause domestic violence waivers are granted based on need, as determined by an individualized assessment. Workers assist clients to develop individualized service plans intended to overcome domestic violence as a barrier to self-sufficiency and designed to lead to work. The client may participate in domestic violence services in order to remove or alleviate domestic violence as a barrier to employment. The maximum deferral period is three months, with three month extensions permitted where appropriate after review.
Clients may claim good cause for not cooperating in establishing paternity, pursuing support, or identifying third party resources (other insurance). Good cause exists if cooperation would result in physical or emotional harm to the client or the child. If good cause exists, a determination is made to either waive the requirement entirely or to proceed with action on the client’s behalf without the client’s direct participation.
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Rick Snyder, Governor
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State of Michigan