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Montana State Plan for the 5 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

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

III. MONTANA’S TANF PROGRAM Per section 402 (a)(1)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act, Montana will conduct programs designed to serve all political subdivisions in the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner) to provide assistance and/or services to needy families with (or expecting) children and provide parents with job preparation, work, and supportive services to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient. A. Federal, State and Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds are spent on several assistance and non-assistance programs that meet the requirements of federal law and regulations. These items include: 1. The TANF Cash assistance program is a time-limited program (60-months) designed to provide low-income single, two-parent and caretaker relatives with minor children a monthly cash grant, employment/training activities, and educational opportunities. 2. Beginning January 1, 2008, Montana implemented a Post-Employment Program to provide transitional assistance to families transitioning off TANF Cash assistance due to new or increased earned income exceeding the Gross Monthly Income Standard and/or the Benefit Standard and continue to meet all other TANF eligibility including resources at or below $3,000. August 1, 2016, Montana enhanced the Post-Employment Program, extending the program from 3 to 12 months and includes access to supportive services, childcare assistance and a benefit that gradually decreases. The monthly benefit is funded by MOE. The benefit and incentive amounts are as follows: o Months 1-6, clients receive a $100 per month post-employment payment. o Months 7-12, clients receive a $50 per month post-employment payment. o A $300 Work Pays Incentive is given in months 1, 7 and 12. 3. Beginning July 1, 2005, TANF cash families are eligible to receive a Child Support Supplement Payment. The amount is based on current child support collected from a non-custodial parent, equal to the amount of current child support collected, up to but not exceeding the amount designated by the State’s TANF Policy per TANF household. 4. As of January 1, 2017, TANF employment and training services are provided through contracted partner(s) throughout the state. Montana’s statewide employment and training program is titled Pathways. Funds are used to provide education and training or other work activities to families who are eligible for TANF Cash assistance or are otherwise TANF eligible with income at or below 200% of FPL. Services and funding are based off the contractor’s budget and are