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MISSISSI3602PPI

WITH CARETAKER RELATIVE Volume III | Chapter 3 Revised 08-01-06

When Parent is Under 18 When the parent is a minor under age 18 and he/she is in a TANF budget as a dependent child, the minor’s child will be added to the TANF assistance unit. The child may be subject to the family benefit cap. The minor parent and his/her child must reside with the minor’s parent(s) or another adult caretaker relative within the specified degree of relationship in order to receive TANF. She/he may not be the payee for the TANF case for her own child(ren) unless an exception is granted by the Economic Assistance Policy Unit. When Parent is TANF Child and Becomes 18 When the parent is a TANF child who becomes 18, both mother and baby must be removed from the caretaker relative's TANF case. The 18-year-old must make a separate application for her/himself and the child(ren), if assistance is needed. If the young mother is incompetent mentally or physically to be the payee, the young parent must still be the payee but her own mother or other caretaker relative may be named as a protective payee. CHOICE OF NEEDY CARETAKER RELATIVE Introduction When a child has a legal parent in the home, that parent must be the grantee relative and will be the needy caretaker, included in the TANF budget, unless receiving SSI or technically ineligible. In situations where an adult other than a legal parent is the grantee relative, that individual may or may not be a needy caretaker. The family must choose who will be the caretaker relative when more than one adult is in the household and meets the qualifications. For example, a child may live with his grandparents. Both adults cannot be caretakers, but they may choose which will be the PI and caretaker. The worker will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each possible choice and allow the adults to decide. A stepparent may not be included in the TANF benefit as a needy caretaker when there is a legal parent in the home, unless deprivation has been established by reason of incapacity of the parent or stepparent and there is a common child. Definition When the parent(s) of the child(ren) is not in the home, the TANF case may include one needy caretaker relative who meets all of the following requirements: 1. Is exercising parental control and providing care for the child or children; 2. Is living in the home with the child or children;

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