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For the TANF applicant who states intent, physical presence in the State of Mississippi in addition to the above two requirements would establish residency in this state. However, when the worker thinks or an applicant states that he received assistance from a former state of residence, ask him to provide his notice of closure. If he does not have this in his possession, contact the appropriate welfare agency by phone and/or send form MDHS-EA-914, Out-of-State Inquiry, by mail or fax. If confirmation of closure is not received by the end of 30 days, proceed with the approval of the application and notify the agency in the other state that the applicant and his family are now living in Mississippi and give the effective date of approval for assistance in this state.

Volume III | Chapter 3

NOTE: Most county offices have a national welfare directory with the agency names, addresses, and phone numbers for offices in other states. This directory may be located with the Child Support or Social Services offices, or with Economic Assistance. COUNTY OF RESIDENCE State statutes governing receipt of assistance specify that the application for TANF shall be made in the county in which the applicant and his family are living and making their home with the child(ren). This provision establishes the responsibility of the county in which the family is living for accepting the application, determining eligibility, and authorizing or denying assistance, as well as maintaining contact with the recipients after assistance is granted. Recipients are free to move within the state. This is not a reportable change, however if reported or known to the agency, the case would be transferred to the new county for proper handling. If the client comes into the office to report a change in address, the client should complete the MDHS-FO-116, Change of Address form. TANF TIME LIMITS When the applicant has received TANF benefits in another state, the number of months the family received benefits that included a needy caretaker relative must be verified and added to the 60-month maximum benefit counter in MAVERICS. The request to adjust the time limit counter(s) must be submitted to the Help Desk on the MDHS-MIS-10.2, MIS Incident Control Form, with the verification from the other state(s). DENIAL OF ASSISTANCE Individuals Convicted of Misrepresentation of Residence The individual who is convicted in Federal or State Court of having made a fraudulent statement or representation, with respect to the individual’s place of residence in order to receive TANF (or SNAP) benefits in two or more states simultaneously shall be denied assistance for a period of 10 years. Verifications must be obtained, or provided, to manually track the convictions and penalty times served before reapproval for benefits. The case containing such an adult should be labeled as “Permanent” and provide an immediate alert to anyone handling the case that the individual must be disqualified until the 10 year period is served. Other members of the family may be eligible based on 3350 MISSISSIPPI [ NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: RESIDENCE]

Revised 08 - 01 - 06