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North Carolina

11 TANF ELIGIBLE FAMILIES

In order to achieve the goals of Work First, North Carolina opts to take advantage of the flexibility allowed in the federal law and regulations. Toward that end, the Department defines several categories of eligible families. Eligible families include the following:

 Families that meet the income and resource requirements outlined in Appendices C and D will be provided WFFA or Benefit Diversion if Benefit Diversion is offered by the county.  Services to prevent or delay pregnancies to unwed parents, teenage parents or other high-risk populations are provided without regard to family income.  Pregnant women (with Work First eligible children in the household) whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may receive support services.  Non-custodial parents of Work First children where the non-custodial parent’s family income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline may receive work-related services.  All other services, including, but not limited to: Job retention and advancement services, employment services, support services, and preventive family services (including child protective services and related child welfare activities), but not assistance, may be provided to families with incomes that do not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline.  Limited follow-up and referral services can be provided to any former Work First recipient without regard to family income.  In addition to serving the families described above, North Carolina provides services covered in North Carolina’s approved State Plan as authorized by Parts A and F of Title IV of the Social Security Act in September 1995. For a description of these services, see Appendix F.  Child Protective Services and related Child Welfare Services may be provided without regard to family income.

GENDER EQUALITY The Supreme Court ruling of October 2014, made same-sex marriage constitutional in all states. When determining the definition of “spouse,” this would include a legally married individual regardless of gender.

USE OF FUNDS

Federal funds will be used in accordance with federal law and regulations.

TANF funds will be used to meet the four purposes specified in the P.L. 104-193. Federal, State, and county TANF funds will be invested in activities to support achievement of specified outcome measures. These activities include, but are not limited to enhanced training for State and local staff, automation, employer incentives, family planning services, substance use treatment, child care, transportation, and other activities promoting self-sufficiency for families. In addition, federal TANF funds will be used for the services previously included in the AFDC- EA plan as specified in Appendix F.

Federal TANF funds may be spent as follows and in accordance with federal law and regulations:

 WFFA and Work First Services.  Child care.