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State of New Hampshire

TANF State Plan

31 New Hampshire State Plan Effective October 2023 opportunities for the public to comment on each proposed rule, first at a public hearing run by DHHS, and second at a public meeting held by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules.

The Family Assistance Advisory Council was established in 1996 to review and provide input to the original rules for TANF. This group continues to meet on a regular basis, providing review and input into proposed policy changes and Division initiatives.

In December 2023, a press release was published notifying the public of a TANF State Plan renewal and directing the public to the NH DHHS website location for a review of the plan. An email address was included in the release for public comment. The plan was also reviewed by the Family Assistance Advisory Council mentioned above.

EQUITABLE ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE FOR INDIAN TRIBES

The State provides each member of an Indian tribe who is domiciled in the State and not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412, with equitable access to the TANF assistance program described in the Plan, funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the federal government.

PROGRAM FRAUD AND ABUSE

The state continues to establish and enforce standards and procedures to prevent fraud and abuse under the fraud and abuse program in effect since September 30, 1996. State law in sets forth the standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the State program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage. This law is implemented and enforced by the rules of the state personnel system.

AVAILABILITY OF STATE PLAN

A copy of the public notice is included as Attachment B. The updated plan will be uploaded and remain available on the Internet at the Department of Health and Human Services website.

STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT THE STATE WILL SCREEN FOR AND IDENTIFY SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services implemented the Family Violence Option (FVO) in February 2000. The FVO provides an individualized assessment, referrals, and service planning for victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are requesting an extension to the 60-month lifetime limit, and/or for excused participation from mandatory work program participation requirements. Clients must participate in an FVO assessment as specified in 45 CFR 260.50-58. Staff from the Bureau of Employment Supports (BES) trained in domestic violence issues