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Montana State Plan for the 23 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

Full Plan #25 Effective 01/01/2024 Supersedes #2 01/01/2021. B. Restricted use/disclosure of information

Montana will continue to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving cash assistance and employment and training services consistent with state and federal law. A release form is used by the Department and its contractors to ensure adherence to the maintenance of confidential information. Recipient information may be provided and used for the following purposes: 1. Reporting child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authority (MCA 41- 3-205). 2. Conducting child support enforcement activities. 3. Establishing eligibility and administering (including audits, investigations, prosecutions, etc.) federal programs or federally assisted programs which provide assistance (cash, in-kind, or services) directly to individuals based on need. 4. Releasing the client’s address to a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who presents a written request for information for individuals who are fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement for a felony; are violating a condition of parole or probation; or have information necessary for the officer to conduct official duties. 5. Notification of an appropriate person, authority, or other entity that an applicant or client is making threats to harm himself or herself or to harm others, in order to prevent or lessen the threatened harm. 6. Access to the Department’s electronic eligibility system adheres to strict security measures to assure employees not directly involved in the administration of public assistance programs do not access recipient information. Requests for information about current or past clients that do not meet the above criteria must be submitted in writing to the Public Assistance Bureau, Central Office. When there is a question about a breach of confidentiality, the Central Office will refer the request to the Office of Legal Affairs. C. Electronic Benefit Transfer Restrictions

The State of Montana has implemented policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program, funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a) (12), including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance. Effective February 1, 2014, the State of Montana has updated its policy to restrict use of and access to TANF cash benefits in an Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) at casinos, gaming establishments, liquor stores, and retail establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment.