Page 5

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.