us-ok/policy/acf/tanf-plan

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us-ok/policy/acf/tanf-plan · Axiom

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1 STATE OF OKLAHOMA STATE PLAN FOR TITLE IV-A OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) Contents State Plan Renewal .......................................................................................................................................... 2 State Plan Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 3 General Provisions ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Conducting a Program that Provides Assistance to Needy Families ....................................................... 3 Determining that Parents or Caretakers are Ready to Engage in Work .................................................. 7 Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities 9 Restricting the Use and Disclosure of Information about Individuals and Families Receiving Assistance ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Preventing and Reducing the Incidence of Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancies ............................................... 9 Conducting a Program on Statutory Rape ............................................................................................. 10 Policies and Practices to Restrict EBT Use in Restricted Establishments ............................................... 10 Ensuring EBT Access with No Charges and Access to Information about EBT Use ............................... 11 Special Provisions ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Treatment of Families Moving to Oklahoma from Another State ........................................................ 12 Providing Assistance to Individuals Who Are Not U.S. Citizens ............................................................. 12 Fair and Equitable Treatment and Administrative Reviews .................................................................. 12 Community Service Requirement.......................................................................................................... 13 Elder Justice Act Provision ..................................................................................................................... 13 TANF Funded Programs ............................................................................................................................. 13 Services for TANF Cash Assistance Recipients ....................................................................................... 13 Other TANF-Funded Services ................................................................................................................ 15

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3 State Plan Requirements General Provisions Conducting a Program that Provides Assistance to Needy Families Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(i) How the state will “Conduct a program, designed to serve all political subdivisions in the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner), that provides assistance to needy families with (or expecting) children and provides parents with job preparation, work and support services to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient.” Proper and efficient administration Required reports OKDHS Financial Services: • assists in fulfilling the requirements of federal and state and federal laws by making necessary reports • cooperates with various federal agencies by providing current and special reports • furnishes OKDHS with necessary data for the operation of its programs Overview of TANF cash assistance program Oklahoma calls its financial assistance program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) which includes a TANF Work program. TANF works to help families move from welfare to work. The eligibility criteria for TANF are set in Oklahoma statute in Article XXV of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma and Sections 230.50 through 230.76 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The federal legal base for the program of TANF is vested in Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act. The current TANF regulations are available at www.okdhs.org. • TANF provides temporary financial assistance to needy, dependent children and their parents (or caretaker relatives) to meet their basic needs while being cared for in their homes. • TANF provides case management and support services to help families prepare for, find, and keep employment; while the Oklahoma Child Support Services (OCSS) helps families establish paternity and secure financial and medical support. In accordance with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), the State of Oklahoma has developed its TANF State Plan based upon the four major purposes of TANF, which are to: • Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own home or in the home of a relative; • End dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out of wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and • Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

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4 All individuals have the right to apply for any assistance without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender orientation, religion, or handicap. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, no qualified individual with a disability will, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, or be subjected to discrimination by the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, applicants and recipients are assured confidentiality, equitable and courteous treatment and may appeal decisions and have fair hearings should they disagree with any action taken affecting their benefit. Eligibility Requirements for the Oklahoma Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Cash Assistance Program: An eligible family must meet age, relationship, citizenship, alien status, residency, Social Security Number compliance and cooperation requirements, as well as remain within the income and resource limits of the program. The work- eligible family members must participate in TANF Work activities. See Attachment A, Appendix C-1 schedule IX for income guidelines. TANF Cash Assistance Program Application All individuals have the right to file an application for TANF. An application for TANF is considered an application for Medicaid. Benefits will be calculated from the date of application or from the date of statutory eligibility, whichever occurs later. The applicant or their representative must complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, an application and be interviewed in person, virtually or by telephone. Unless granted good cause, all work-eligible TANF applicants must agree to participate in TANF Work. The TANF application states the responsibilities of the parties to the agreement including, but not limited to, cooperation in child support enforcement and determination of paternity, and participation requirements of the TANF Work Program. The TANF Work plan includes individual employability plans as case is certified and at the TANF Work participation review. Eligibility will be determined after the initial interview is completed. An eligibility decision will be made within 30 days. Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements Age The child must be an individual who has not attained 18 years of age; or has not attained 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school (or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. Sec. 419(2). Unborn children are not included.

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5 Residence A person must be making his or her home in Oklahoma. Once established, a person does not lose Oklahoma residency status when he or she is removed from Oklahoma against his or her will and held in another state, for example, in federal prison or goes out-of-state to look for a job or to attend school. Citizenship. All TANF recipients must be U.S. citizens, or a "qualified alien" as defined in the provisions of §431 of the PRWORA, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1641). All others are considered "non-qualified." Social Security Number Compliance All individuals applying for or receiving TANF must furnish the agency with a Social Security Number or proof of application for a Number and furnish the Number when received. School Attendance School attendance is required for child(ren) from the age the child is eligible for kindergarten through 18 years of age unless the child is home educated according to the Oklahoma constitution and statutes. Immunization Immunization of minor children two months of age and older is required unless otherwise exempt. Drug Screen Per Section 230.52 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statues, adult parents, or needy caretakers who receive TANF are required to undergo a Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) or other similar screening methods. If necessary to establish a reasonable expectation of certainty, the Department is authorized to use further screening methods, which may include, but are not limited to a clinical interview and consideration of the Department’s history with the applicant. If the Department has reasonable cause to believe that the recipient is engaged in the illegal use of controlled substance or substances, the Department is authorized, though not required, to request administration of a chemical drug test. The cost of all such initial screenings shall not be borne by the recipient. If at any time during the controlled substance screening process, the recipient refuses to participate, without good cause, that refusal shall lead to a closure of the TANF benefits. SASSI warrants a chemical drug screen will be completed. Persons with a positive chemical drug screen will be referred to substance treatment and/ or mental health counseling as part of their TANF work activity. This screening is necessary to ensure that children are safe in their own homes by ensuring that their parents/caretakers are not using or under the influence of illegal / controlled substance or substances. TANF child only cases and minor parents under 18 years of age are exempt. Relationship In order to be eligible for TANF, a child must be living with a specified relative, in a home maintained by that relative. TANF eligibility is also extended to pregnant women with no other children in the home. A specified relative is a relative by blood (to the 5th degree), marriage, or adoption. Unmarried parents under the age of 18 and their children living with them will be assisted only if residing with their parent, legal guardian or other adult relative, or in an adult supervised arrangement as identified in Section 408(a)(S) of the Social Security Act.

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6 Child Support Cooperation with the Oklahoma Child Support Services is required as a condition of eligibility for cash assistance unless exempt for good cause. Non-Payment Situations Oklahoma will deny assistance for fugitive felons, probation and parole violators. Oklahoma will deny assistance for 10 years to a person found by a hearings officer or Court to have made fraudulent statements or representation with respect to identification or place of residence in order to obtain specified types of assistance in two or more states. Lifetime Time Limits on TANF Cash Assistance TANF cash assistance is intended to be a temporary means of support while families work towards self- sufficiency. Federal TANF cash assistance beyond 60 months will be provided to no more than 20% of the total caseload, as permitted by TANF regulations. States may continue benefits to families using State only funding. A family in Oklahoma may not receive TANF cash assistance for longer than 60 months in a lifetime except in those cases in which the department has determined that the family qualifies for an exemption or temporary hardship extension. The Time Limit Does Not Apply to: • Minor children who are not the head of household • A parent or caretaker relative not included in TANF Benefit • Receipt of non-cash assistance Temporary Hardship Extensions to the Time Limit: • Substance Abuse • Chronically Under-Employed • Disabled Individual • Mental Illness • Pending SSI/SSA Disability Decision • Training/Education • Under Employment Financial Eligibility Consideration is given to the income and assets of all members of the included assistance unit as well as excluded stepparents, person acting in role of spouse, sponsors of aliens, sanctioned parents and parents or legal guardians of minor parents. Income Income is defined as gain, payment, or proceeds from labor, business, property, retirement, and other benefits. All available income, except that required to be disregarded by law or the Oklahoma Department of Human Services policy, is taken into consideration in determining eligibility for TANF cash assistance. Income is considered available when actually received. When an individual's income is reduced due to recoupment of an overpayment or a garnishment, the gross amount before the recoupment or garnishment is counted as income. The individual is responsible for reporting all income, the source, amount, and regularity of receipt. Temporary Absence Temporary absence from the home of the child or caretaker relative for no more than 6 months is allowed under certain circumstances, provided that the caretaker relative has full responsibility for the supervision and guidance of the child and provided that any delegation of authority is temporary, voluntary and revocable. The child or caretaker relative must return home at the completion of the reason for separation, unless there is good cause for the person to be out of the home.

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7 Resources Eligibility is limited to families whose available resources total less than $2,250. The values of the primary residence and equity in the primary vehicle up to $5000 are excluded. Earned Income Disregards A portion of the earned income is disregarded when determining income eligibility and a cash benefit amount. Depending upon the age of the child(ren) included in the assistance unit, the first $120 or $240 and 50 percent of the remaining income is disregarded. This includes any income of household minor child(ren) attending school. Benefit Determination & Delivery Payment standards are based on a Standard of Need. The monthly maximum gross income for TANF cash assistance eligibility is 185% of the State Standard of Need. To determine eligibility for cash assistance, the total of a family's countable earned income (after disregards) and unearned income is compared with the appropriate assistance payment standard for the unit. See Attachment A, Appendix C-1 schedule IX. The benefit amount for the month of application is prorated based on the number of days remaining in the month after the application file date. TANF cash assistance benefits are delivered by means of an electronic benefit transfer system. Recipients may also choose to have their cash benefits directly deposited into their financial institution. Determining that Parents or Caretakers are Ready to Engage in Work Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(ii) How the state will “Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program to engage in work (as defined by the State) once the State determines the parent 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).” Parents or caretakers receiving TANF cash assistance are required to engage in work or work activities beginning at the point of application. A work-eligible person is defined as an adult or minor head-of-household included in the TANF assistance unit. Excluded from this definition is a parent providing care for a disabled family member living in the home, who does not attend school on a full-time basis, provided the need for such care is supported by medical documentation. Each parent or caretaker included in TANF cash assistance benefits is required to participate in activities designed to assist them in becoming employable or in obtaining employment. An assessment of work- eligible persons is initiated at the time of application. Participation is monitored by local staff. • A work-eligible person must participate in work activities an average of 30 hours per week, unless the person is a single custodial parent with a child under age 6 who must participate an average of 20 hours per week. • In a two-parent family:

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8 When deprivation is based on incapacity, the non-incapacitated adult must participate in work activities an average of 30 hours per week unless he or she is: (I) required in the home to provide care for the incapacitated work-eligible parent; or (II) a custodial parent with a child under 6 years of age. In this instance the non- incapacitated adult must participate in work activities an average of 20 hours per week. Available Work Activities: • Employment ▪ Full/Part time employment ▪ Subsidized Employment Opportunities • Training • Education ▪ Work Experience Program ▪ Community Partnerships ▪ High School ▪ High School Equivalency (Hi-Set, GED) ▪ Long term/Short term Training ▪ Literacy Classes • Job Readiness/Job Search ▪ Structured employment Search General/temporary exemptions. All good cause situations are temporary in nature. An individual may have good cause for refusing or failing to participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Work. The worker determines good cause. Examples of good cause but not limited to: • Appropriate child care for the child(ren) is not available ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƌĞĂƐŽŶƐ͗ o [ŽĐĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ Ă ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůΖƐ ŚŽŵĞ Žƌ ǁŽƌŬ ƐŝƚĞ͘ ! ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ŝƐ Ă ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĂŐƌĞĞĚ ƵƉŽŶ ďǇ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌŬĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ ƵƉŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿ o Žƌ ƵŶƐƵŝƚĂďŝůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂů ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ďǇ Ă ƌĞůĂƚŝǀĞ Žƌ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚƐ͘ ÜŶƐƵŝƚĂďŝůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂů ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ ŝƐ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ͗  ;ŝͿ ĂĨĨŽƌĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿ ĂĚĞƋƵĂƚĞ ĐĂƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ {ƵƉĞƌǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĞ ĨƵŶĐƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ŽďƐĞƌǀŝŶŐ͕ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĞŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐƵŝĚŝŶŐ Ă ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿ͖  ;ŝŝͿ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ƐŽĐŝĂů ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ Žƌ ƐƚŝŵƵůĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿΖƐ ŵĞŶƚĂů ĐĂƉĂďŝůŝƚŝĞƐ͖ ĂŶĚ  ;ŝŝŝͿ ĂĨĨŽƌĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚ;ƌĞŶͿ Ă ƐĂĨĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂďůĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ͖ Žƌ o [ĂĐŬ ŽĨ ĂĨĨŽƌĚĂďůĞ ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ͘ !ĨĨŽƌĚĂďůĞ ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ ŝƐ ĚĞĨŝŶĞĚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚĞĚ ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ͘ o The custodial parent caring for a child younger than 6 years of age because he or she demonstrated an inability to obtain needed child care • Illness or incapacity of the participant or any household member who cannot give self-care and for whom special care is unavailable that requires 24/7 care • Participant's court-required appearance or incarceration • Participant's attendance at parent and teacher conferences • A family crisis or markedly changed individual or family circumstances • Unavailability of planned transportation, when needed, or the inability to arrange transportation • Occurrence of inclement weather that prevented the participant, and other similarly situated persons, from traveling to, or participating in, the prescribed activity • Lack of necessary social services or work activity • Assignment or job referral not meeting the appropriate work activity criteria • Refusal to accept major medical services even when such refusal precludes participation in the program

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9 Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(iii) How the state will “Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 407.” Non-Compliance Process/Sanction Policy • It is the responsibility of the worker to make the determination that an individual has refused or failed to participate without good cause in an assigned work activity. • The worker must determine if the individual has good cause by making contact either by phone or in person why the individual did not complete his/her required hours as indicated on the agreed upon TANF Work Plan. • If it is determined at this contact that good cause does exist, the individual is provided assistance with either updating the TANF work plan or helping the individual resume the activity as soon as possible. • If it is determined there is not good cause for failure to participate or if after exhausting all methods of contact fails then the family unit’s cash assistance is closed or denied. The SNAP and Medical benefits are closed. Child Care will be closed at the end of 90 days. • If it is determined that the individual failed to participate in his/her TANF work plan, the case is reviewed by the supervisor and approve prior to the closure. Restricting the Use and Disclosure of Information about Individuals and Families Receiving Assistance Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(iv) How the state will “Take such reasonable steps as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.” OKDHS ensures the confidentiality of all records and other information pertaining to the programs under its administration. Safeguarded information includes, but is not limited to: case names, addresses, benefit information, investigation reports, medical information, as well as all data and federal tax information. Failure to follow confidentiality rules result in disciplinary actions up to and including possible termination of employment. Disclosure to any unauthorized person is a violation of federal and state regulations. Preventing and Reducing the Incidence of Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancies Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(v) How the state will “Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and establish numerical goals for reducing the illegitimacy ratio of the State (as defined in section 403(a)(2)(C)(iii)).” DHS contracts with various community-based providers throughout Oklahoma to provide youth mentoring services. In addition, Oklahoma Human Services through its TANF Investment Strategy have increased supports for at risk youth in this area. These programs provide a safe environment for at risk & low-income youth and teens in the summer and after school hours. Youth and teens attending these youth mentoring and other structured activities are less likely to become involved in risky behavior. The summer and after-school hours are filled with sponsored/monitored activities, life skills, mentoring, athletic activities, nutrition, and other programs designed for the youth and teen populations to make

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10 smart decisions in every area of their lives including relationship decisions which will help the teen population learn how to prevent unwanted teen pregnancy. Conducting a Program on Statutory Rape Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(vi) How the state will “Conduct a program, designed to reach State and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.” The OKSDH with OKDHS input has established programs related to Sexual Assault Education and Awareness, and Sexual Coercion. These programs are designed to not only reach the public, but also state and local law enforcement officials, the education system and counseling services. Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking can call the Oklahoma Safeline 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate. OKSDH Injury Preventive Service has collaborated with the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Oklahoma Sexual Violence Prevention Advisory Committee to promote a sexual violence prevention program that focuses on primary prevention in K- 12 schools, colleges and universities. The goals of the sexual abuse prevention program are to reduce first time perpetration of sexual violence, increase the number of non-violent interactions and healthy relationships, reduce cultural influences that support sexual violence, and to reduce incidences of statutory rape. Much of these curricula aims to prevent boys from becoming perpetrators. Additionally, the college-aged men are targeted through a sexual assault prevention program and teen pregnancy staffs are presented with up-to-date information on rape/sexual abuse because of occasional reported abuse or behavior. In compliance with the requirements of the Consolidation Appropriation Acts, 2022, OKDHS certifies it has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure that applicants and potential applicants for TANF are notified of assistance made available by the state to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. OKDHS has coordinated with the University of Oklahoma to develop and provide training in the nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; state standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for, individuals who are victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and methods of ascertaining and ensuring the confidentiality to all to all personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who have provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This training will be provided to all personnel who administer the TANF program prior to March 15, 2023, and will be a mandatory annual training thereafter. Policies and Practices to Restrict EBT Use in Restricted Establishments Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(vii) How the state will “Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a)(12),

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11 including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance.” Section 241.4 of Title 56 of Oklahoma Statutes (56 O.S. § 241.4) restricts the use of EBT transactions in the following businesses: Liquor store, casino, gambling casino or gaming establishment (with the exception of a grocery store that sells groceries, including stable foods per 7 U.S.C. § 2012, and also offers, or is located within the same building or complex as an establishment offering casino, gambling or gaming activities; or any other establishment offering casino, gambling, or gaming activities incidental to the principal purpose of the business). Other prohibited businesses include retail establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment; or retail establishment whose principal business is selling tobacco products. DHS informs applicants and recipients of this prohibition by including information about the prohibition in their Rights, Responsibilities, and Signature for Benefits, of the application; a poster displayed in the lobby of each county office, their benefit certification notice received by mail, and a sign sent to and displayed in identified prohibited businesses educating staff and customers that the DHS issued debit card in not accepted at their business. When it is determined the parent or caretaker violated these provisions, the TANF cash assistance payment standard is reduced by 25% for three months for the first violation; 35% for six months for the second violation; 50% for twelve months for the third violation; and permanently by deeming the parent or needy caretaker ineligible for TANF cash assistance benefits for subsequent violations. When the parent or needy caretaker is permanently deemed ineligible to receive TANF cash assistance for this reason and all other factors of eligibility are met, he or she may receive child only benefits. Ensuring EBT Access with No Charges and Access to Information about EBT Use Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(viii) How the state will “Ensure that recipients of assistance provided under the State program funded under this part have access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available.” Oklahoma DHS benefit recipients have adequate access to their funds through their assigned Mastercard debit card where they may withdraw funds through automated teller machines (ATM), point-of sale terminal (POS) or access to an online system for the withdrawal of funds or the processing of a payment for merchandise or service. The information on the fees is publicly available as flyers have been placed in all of the field offices which gives all the information on the debit cards including the fees. Also, all fees are included in the card mailer when an initial card or a replacement card is sent to the cardholder. This information will be given to anyone in the public who requests it. • Card holders will be able to use ATMS in the Money Smart network (Money PASS), i.e. ATMS in Wal-Mart. • MoneyPass ATM withdrawals –2 withdrawals free per month and $1.35 thereafter • Bill Pay system $.50 per request. • Mobile balance alert $.10 per request • Transfers to US Bank $1.75 per request • Split deposit between card and direct deposit through the portal

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12 • Thousands of ATM locations • Free cash back with purchases at many retailer locations Special Provisions Treatment of Families Moving to Oklahoma from Another State Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(B)(i) “The document shall indicate whether the State intends to treat families moving into the State from another State differently than other families under the program, and if so, how the State intends to treat such families under the program.” Services to families who migrate to Oklahoma will not differ from services to other residents. Providing Assistance to Individuals Who Are Not U.S. Citizens Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(B)(ii) “The document shall indicate whether the State intends to provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States, and if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.” Oklahoma provides TANF services to qualified immigrants who arrived before August 22, 1996. Immigrants in qualified alien status arriving on or after August 22, 1996, are barred for the first five years. Aliens who are active duty military or veterans and their families, and refugees, asylees, aliens whose deportations are being withheld, Cuban Haitian entrants, Americans, and those granted certification as a victim of a severe form of trafficking by ORR are exempted from this five year bar. Oklahoma provides TANF services to all exempted qualified aliens and to all qualified aliens after the expiration of the 5-year bar. Fair and Equitable Treatment and Administrative Reviews Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(B)(iii) “The document shall set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for 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 or appeal process.” Any individual whose application for TANF cash assistance is denied or is not acted upon with reasonable promptness, or who is dissatisfied with the amount of the assistance payment or with any other action taken in regard to his or her assistance payment, is provided an opportunity for a fair hearing with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. There are set time limits for requesting and holding hearings and issuing decisions. Hearings are presented before impartial hearing officers. If the client is unhappy with the decision, he or she may request reconsideration or appeal to the Director of OKDHS.

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13 Community Service Requirement Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(B)(iv) “Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, unless the chief executive officer of the State opts out of this provision by notifying the Secretary, a State shall, consistent with the exception provided in section 407(e)(2), require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program who, after receiving such assistance for 2 months is not exempt from work requirements and is not engaged in work, as determined under section 407(c), to participate in community service employment, with minimum hours per week and tasks to be determined by the State.” The State of Oklahoma opts not to mandate community service employment after adults and minor heads of households have received benefits for two months under the Oklahoma Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program when the person is not otherwise exempt from work requirements or is not engaged in work. Oklahoma exempts any adult or minor head of household from the work requirement who has a child under the age of one year. Persons who may be permanently and totally disabled are aided in gaining assistance under other appropriate programs such as the Supplemental Security Income program and vocational rehabilitation services. It is the intent of the State of Oklahoma to sanction required participants who, otherwise, fail to engage in work as defined by the state by terminating their entire assistance grant until such time as they are willing to cooperate in meeting work requirements. Elder Justice Act Provision Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(B)(v) “The document shall indicate whether the State intends to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment— (I) providing direct care in a long-term care facility (as such terms are defined under section 2011); or (II) in other occupations related to elder care determined appropriate by the State for which the State identifies an unmet need for service personnel, and, if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.” The state of Oklahoma contracts with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to provide classes geared to industries in designated geographical areas of the state. Career paths are developed along job availability, especially in general health careers and health careers geared toward geriatric and elder care. TANF Funded Programs Oklahoma utilizes TANF funds to provide cash assistance to needy families and other services to families not receiving cash assistance. Services for TANF Cash Assistance Recipients For TANF families receiving cash assistance TANF, the following services are available but not limited to the following:

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14 TANF Work Program: TANF Work is the state’s employment and training program. As a condition of eligibility each applicant/recipient who is not exempt must participate in the TANF Work program. TANF Work participants may utilize the following TANF Work Support Services when needed to successfully participate in their assigned TANF Work activity. Subject to funding availability. • TANF Work Support Services o Transportation o Child Care o Flexible funds for TANF Work related activities o Participant allowances o Work activity payments o OSBI Background checks as required by TANF Work activity o Achievement Bonuses for educational and certain work credentials • Other Subject to funding availability o Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) is available to assist a TANF Work participant or a child(ren) receiving a TANF benefit, who has an application for disability pending with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or who the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) determines has a potentially meritorious claim for such benefits. o TANF Youth Support Services for families: ▪ Stem Camps ▪ School Activities ▪ After School Activities ▪ School Supplies ▪ Clothing Transitional TANF Services: Transitional TANF Services are available to support the post-TANF client in retaining employment. These services include disregarding the first 3 months of income of employment, SNAP benefits are extended for 5 months, child care with 0 copayment until next review, Medicaid for up to one year, access to transportation assistance and flexible funds for up to one year post employment. Marriage Adjustment Period: In an effort to promote marriage and provide a more secure and stable family situation, an adjustment period may receive up to three months of the family’s TANF cash assistance benefit. The intent of the adjustment period is to assist the family in the payment of outstanding bills and to allow for the gradual assumption of financial responsibilities.

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18 Child Care Direct Child care is provided to families as a support service to allow families the ability to find employment, work, or receive education/training. TANF Direct payments can be used to supplement the CCDBG state programs. All subsidy payments covered by TANF Direct will have income eligibility determined by child care services and be eligible for TANF coverage at those levels. Child Welfare - Direct Benefits See TANF funded programs. Administrative costs up to 15% of MOE expenditures that are designed to support the TANF program as a whole. Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) The state may count toward TANF MOE its expenditures for childcare that also satisfy the MOE or matching requirements of CCCBG, up to the CCDBG MOE level. These payments are related to childcare services provided to families who are at risk of becoming dependent on TANF. Childcare costs are reimbursed up to established maximums, based on the family's gross income, the age of the child, and type of child care provider. The income eligibility is determined by child care services. State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Funded Programs Separate State Programs provide support to Oklahoma's needy families. Funds expended on programs in this section are counted as state maintenance of effort {MOE) funds. Maintenance of Effort -- Oklahoma will continue its maintenance of effort based on FFY 1995 expenditures at the level of at least 80 percent unless federal work participation rates are met, in which case Oklahoma will reduce its MOE expenditures to 75 percent. In order to meet its annual MOE obligation, Oklahoma may count any qualifying expenditures that are allowed under federal statute and regulation. Qualifying MOE expenditures are any expenditure made on behalf of TANF-eligible families. Programs for TANF Cash Assistance Recipients The following programs provide ongoing assistance to families receiving TANF cash assistance. The services are designed to support the family in meeting basic needs and gaining the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and increase self-reliance. Program benefits include financial assistance, employment and training, and employment supports. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) See TANF Funded Programs. Transitional TANF Services: See TANF funded programs.

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19 Certifications Oklahoma will operate a program to provide Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the home of relatives; to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparations, work and marriage; to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. The program is known as TANF. The Chief Executive Officer of the State of Oklahoma is the Honorable J. Kevin Stitt, Governor. In administering and operating a program, which provides TANF with minor children under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, Oklahoma: 1) Certifies that the Oklahoma Human Services is the agency responsible for administering and supervising the program {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)} 2) Certifies that the state will operate a child support program under the State plan approved under part D {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(2)}; 3) Certifies that the state will operate a foster and adoption assistance program under the State plan approved under part E, and that the State will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under such part are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under title XIX {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(3)}; 4) Certifies that the local governments and private sector organizations have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations and have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(4) (A and B)}; 5) Certifies that the State will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under Section 412, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(5)}; 6) Certifies that the State has established and is enforcing 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 {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(6)}; 7) Certifies that it is opting out of the optional provision regarding screening for an identification of domestic violence {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(7)}; 8) Certifies that within 30 days after the State amends a plan submitted pursuant to subsection (a), the State shall notified the Secretary of the amendment {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(B)}; 9) Certifies that the State shall make available to the public a summary of any plan or amendment section {42 U.S.C. 602(a)(9)}; 10) Certifies the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures through staff training to ensure applicants and potential applicants for TANF are notified of assistance made available by the state to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. {42 U.S.C. 602 (a) (8) (ii, ii, and iii)}. Certified by the Chief Executive Officer of the State of Oklahoma: 10/05/2023 J. Kevin Stitt, Governor Date

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Page 3 of 8 Appendix C-1 7/1/2023

Schedule VIII - Aged, Blind, or Disabled Individuals

A. State Supplemental Payment (SSP) not living in an institution. Monthly countable income must be less than the following standards. SSP amount is determined by deducting countable income from the appropriate standard, but cannot exceed $41.

Eligible individual Eligible individual with essential or ineligible spouse Eligible couple SSP categorically needy standard $955 $1,412 $1,453 ($726 for one spouse and $727 for the other spouse) B. Approved for care and living in a nursing facility or Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF/ID). Also includes individuals who receive services through the ADvantage Waiver or other Home and Community Based Waiver, patients 65 years of age or older in a mental hospital, and children eligible for services through the Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act (TEFRA). Refer to OAC 317:35-5-49, 317:35-9-68, 317:35-17-9, 317:35-19-20. The average daily cost of nursing home care is $224.64. 1. Monthly countable income must be equal to or less than the Categorically Needy Standard of $2,742 (300 percent of Federal Benefit Rate). Maximum monthly countable income for a Medicaid Income Pensions Trust cannot exceed $6,833. 2. Monthly maintenance standards are the amount of money the client may retain for his or her own needs.  The maintenance standard for individuals residing in a nursing facility or ICF/ID is $75 per month.  The maintenance standard for individuals receiving a veteran's reduced pension because of admittance in a nursing facility or ICF/ID is the $90 veteran's reduced pension standard in addition to the $75 nursing facility or ICF/ID maintenance standard.  The maintenance standard for individuals who remain approved for care in a nursing facility or ICF/ID since 1973 is $75 per OAC 340:15-1-5 .  The maintenance standard for individuals residing in an ADvantage assisted living facility is $1,371 (150 percent of the Federal Benefit Rate).

C. Deeming income to blind or disabled minor children. Monthly countable income must be less than the following Federal Benefit Rates.

Individual Couple Ineligible child allocation $914 $1,371 $458

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Page 6 of 8 Appendix C-1 7/1/2023 Schedule XIV - Refugee Medical Assistance Monthly countable income must be less than the following standards. Monthly countable income is defined as the gross unearned income added to the earned income less income exemptions. Earned income exemptions include $90 work related expenses, $30 and 1/3 of the balance. Rules are based on AFDC policy in effect on July 1, 1996. Refer to OAC 340:60-1-6. A. Child(ren) and one or two adults included in the assistance payment. If there is more than one person in a refugee case, use the AFDC Standard for appropriate number of persons. Number of persons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 or more Need standard $398 $499 $645 $798 $933 $1,068 $1,203 $1,323 $1,436 Monthly maximum gross income cannot exceed $736 $923 $1,193 $1,476 $1,726 $1,975 $2,225 $2,447 $2,656 B. Children only (no adults) included in the assistance payment. Number of children 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 or more Need standard $193 $380 $534 $687 $823 $967 $1,092 $1,211 $1,324 Monthly maximum gross income cannot exceed $357 $703 $987 $1,270 $1,522 $1,788 $2,020 $2,240 $2,449 C. Maximum reserve: The countable reserve must be equal to or less than $2,250 per refugee case. Non-liquid resources, excluding the home and $5,000 equity in one automobile, cannot exceed $2,250. Schedule XIV.A - Refugee Cash Assistance Monthly countable income must be less than the following payment standard per household size. Refer to OAC 340:60-1-6 for eligibility requirements. A. The assistance unit may consist of a single adult or an adult, his or her spouse, and all minor children 17 years of age or younger for whom the family assumes financial responsibility. Number of persons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 or more Payment standard $190 $238 $307 $380 $445 $509 $574 $631 $685 B. Maximum reserve: The countable reserve must be equal to or less than $2,250 per refugee case. Non-liquid resources, excluding the home and $5,000 equity in one automobile, cannot exceed $2,250. C. Incentive bonuses: The refugee may receive an early job acceptance bonus of $750 and a job retention bonus of up to $100 per person in the assistance unit when he or she meets eligibility criteria per OAC 340:60-1-6.

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