Page 11

Montana State Plan for the 11 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

Full Plan #25 Effective 01/01/2024 Supersedes #2 01/01/2021. 3. The spouse of the caretaker relative whose needs are included in the assistance unit’s grant and who is not the natural or adoptive parent of the dependent child.

F. TANF Cash Income Disregards

1. Before receiving any disregards, TANF cash assistance applicant's/client’s income must be less than the GMI standard.

2. If the income is less than the GMI standard, earned income disregards are subtracted from the countable earnings of each wage earner. The TANF Cash earned income disregards are:

a. $200 work expense. b. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the balance; and c. A maximum of $200 per month per child for childcare expenses. d. The obligated disregard of legally binding child support payments expected to be paid for dependents not living with the family. G. TANF Post-Employment Program Disregards 1. To determine eligibility for the TANF Post-Employment Program, 100% of the monthly gross countable earned and unearned income of the new wage earner or wage earner with increased income is disregarded. H. Nonfinancial Eligibility

1. Minor child age limitations. 2. Minor child must live with a specified caretaker relative within the 5th degree of kinship. 3. Furnish a social security number or verification that one has been applied for. 4. Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. 5. Montana resident. 6. Cooperate with Child Support Enforcement. 7. Cooperate with SNAP, TANF and/or Medicaid Program Compliance reviews. 8. All work eligible TANF clients must negotiate and sign an Employability/Service Plan (E/SP).