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MISSISSIPPI

[DEFINITIONS: TANF TERMINOLOGY]

Revised 01-01-09

AMERICORPS - Also see Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) A network of local, state and national volunteer service programs in intensive service to meet our country’s needs in education, public safety, health, and environment. ANNUALIZE To convert money received from contract work or self-employment to a level monthly amount by averaging over the year. See Chapter 4, Earned Income to be Averaged. AP - See Absent Parent. APPLICANT An applicant is an individual who has made application for economic assistance to the county office of the Department of Human Services and whose application has not been disposed of by appropriate county action. The parent or other relative with whom the child will live must be the applicant on the child’s behalf. See Chapter 7, Definitions. APPLICATION An application for TANF is made by an individual signing the agency application form, MDHSEA- 900, page 1. A valid application must consist of the client’s name, address and signature. The application may be the first formal request made for assistance or may be a subsequent request, which is referred to as a re-application. See Chapter 7, Definitions. APPLICATION PROCESS The application process consists of all activities from the time an application is accepted until the payment or notice of denial is mailed to the applicant. At any point in the application process, the applicant may decide to withdraw his request. See Chapter 7, Definitions. APPROPRIATE CHILD CARE Suitable and affordable child care that is available within a reasonable distance from the individual’s home or work site. See Chapter 10, Supportive Services.