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State of New Hampshire

TANF State Plan

10 New Hampshire State Plan Effective October 2023 or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once the parent or caretaker has received assistance under the program for 24 months (whether or not consecutive), whichever is earlier, consistent with section 407(e)(2) AND; Section 402(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Act: Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 407.

Per New Hampshire RSA 167:85, all applicants and participants under the program must attend and participate in required appointments, employment contract development, and employment-related activities for eligibility into, and while participating in the program, unless temporarily exempt from participation as authorized by RSA 167:82, II. Individuals are enrolled in the program and scheduled for their first appointment with an employment counselor Specialist (ECS) by the Family Service Specialist (FSS) at intake and are required to engage in work and/or work activities immediately and ongoing.

The New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP) design minimizes the stigma of public assistance and focuses on work as a positive way to eliminate poverty and strengthen families. The program focuses on upward economic mobility, increasing parent and child well-being. Employment is promoted by:

• Providing comprehensive vocational assessment, career planning, credentialing and barrier resolution referrals as well as appropriate supports for all mandatory and volunteer TANF cash recipients. • Assisting participants to gain employment in high-wage, high-demand careers, given due consideration to individual circumstances, labor market conditions, the needs of the dependent children for continuing care and protection, and the ultimate goal of long-term economic independence. • Coordinating activities and providing support to promote self-sufficiency and strengthen family life. • Providing a comprehensive support service package that includes: medical assistance, SNAP, child care, transportation, child support, and other support services necessary to promote economic independence; • Promoting a successful transition from public assistance through the provision of job readiness activities, training, credential attainment and education activities including seeking employment, family support skills, and services following up on problem resolution and job advancement. • Developing partnerships with employers to create job opportunities and meet the needs of both employers and participants. • Providing a program where it is more advantageous to work than not to work by rewarding self- sufficiency.

An individual’s work requirement status is reviewed at the time of application, redetermination, or when an individual reports a change to determine if the individual is an exempt or mandatory participant in the NHEP.

Allowable exemptions are described in Section 808.05-Exemptions from Participation in NHEP of the Family Assistance Manual. Certain individuals may be temporarily or permanently exempt from NHEP work requirements. TANF recipients who claim a medical exemption based on a short-term health condition will need to have their exemption reviewed every 6 months, less if verification of health condition is less than 6 months. If the second exemption request is for an exemption for the same condition or if the authorized healthcare provider indicates that this condition will last at least 12 months, the individual must provide proof to the (FSS) within 30 days that the individual has applied for other benefits for which they