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Montana State Plan for the 4 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

Full Plan #25 Effective 01/01/2024 Supersedes #2 01/01/2021.

I. PREFACE The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is directed to file a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) state Plan as required by federal regulations. This plan sets forth criteria for the determination of eligibility and the delivery of benefits, and for the fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how the state will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative hearing process. In the administration of its TANF program, the State of Montana will not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, marital status, or political beliefs. II. GENERAL PROVISIONS OF TANF A. Intention of the Program Montana’s TANF program is designed to ensure families are meaningfully engaged to accomplish their goals related to family stability, employability, and financial security. Montana values engaging low-income families in services and strategies that result in meaningful, self-supporting employment as the best strategy for promoting long-term well- being for those in poverty.

. Montana’s statewide employment and training program is titled Pathways. Pathways, in addition to providing education, training or other work activities to families who are eligible for TANF Cash assistance, provides TANF eligible families with income at or below 200% of FPL access to a variety of employment and training opportunities. Pathways uses a universal engagement model, where families engage in activities to support their journey to self-sufficiency that make sense for their personal or family circumstances. The approach is person-centric, using person-centered planning and self-direction principles of leveraging an individual’s strengths and desires and addressing her or his unique barriers within employability/service plans. It is also community-centric, leveraging the strengths and assets of a community to collectively support families without duplicating efforts, services, or supports. Pathways’ client advocates provide strength-based coaching, support, and mentoring for families on achieving person-centered goals. This will include, but is not limited to; assessments, ongoing budgeting, financial coaching, brokering of services, referrals to community services and other services appropriate to reduce barriers.