Temporary rule language in effect until 11/27/2026.

(a) An individual who is an adult parent, needy caretaker relative

(see OAR 461-001-0000), teen parent

(see OAR 461-001-0000), or a minor parent

(see OAR 461-001-0000) who is head of household; in the TANF filing group

(see 461-110-0330) and is not otherwise exempt

(see OAR 461-130-0305) and in accordance with participation requirements in OAR 461-130-0310.

(b) An individual who is a recipient of Pre-TANF or SFPSS programs.

(2) Pursuant to the reasonable cost requirements in 2 CFR 200.404, in approving support services payments, the Department (see OAR 461-001-0000) must consider lower cost alternatives. This rule is not intended to supplant Department funding with other funding that is available in the community. The expectation of the Department is that Department staff and individuals work collaboratively to seek resources that are reasonably available to the individual in order to participate in activities.

(3) Payments for support services are provided when:

(a) Necessary to participate in an approved activity

(see OAR 461-001-0025) specified in the individual’s case plan ;

(b) Authorized in advance;

(c) The payment meets one of the four federal purposes of TANF identified in 45 CFR 260.20; and

(e) Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM): Payments for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics are limited to educational purposes including but not limited to family passes to museums, Oregon State Parks, and marine or natural science centers. Individuals must continue to meet all other provisions of this rule and payment is limited to activities in which the eligible individual and their TANF filing group can participate together.

(f) Self-employment expenses are limited to items or expenses that do not create or enhance long-term business value, ownership, or equity. These are limited to:

(A) Training, licensing, compliance, and insurance costs;

(B) Required clothing or safety gear; and

(C) Marketing and outreach materials or fees.

(g) Tax Preparation Services: Payments for personal tax preparation services are limited to payments for the current tax year and can only be accessed from January 1 through Tax Day in April, in situations where no free community resources are available.

(h) Tuition payments:

(A) Tuition payments for a vocational training activity or a jobs skills training activity (see OAR 461-001-0025 ) are limited to single payments by session as defined by the educational or vocational training entity, such as a term, semester, or quarter.

(B) Tuition payments for a self-initiated training activity shall be limited to no more than a twelve-month period per individual and shall be reviewed on a term-by-term basis. Individuals must show that they are making satisfactory progress (see OAR 461-001-0025 ) in their program and working towards receiving or clearing their standing to receive financial aid.

(C) Lower cost alternatives, as described in section (2) of this rule, must be explored, including the individual pursuing financial aid and other sources of assistance.

(i) Vehicle repairs: Payments for vehicle repairs are limited to situations where the TANF filing group resides in the vehicle only and are subject to all housing and utility payment limitations described in subsection (5)(c) of this rule.

(j) None of the following are allowed for payment by the Department:

(A) Alcohol and drug treatment services.

(B) Animal related costs.

(C) Any payments described in this rule for individuals employed in, seeking employment in, or engaged in an illegal activity

(see OAR 461-120-0215).

(D) Auto expenses outside of subsection (5)(i) of this rule, this includes vehicle loan payments, vehicle repairs, maintenance, and tires.

(E) Child-care, including registration fees and ERDC co- payments.

(F) Credit card debt, lines of credit, or other debt payments excluding mortgages.

(G) Entertainment services, including but not limited to amusement parks, digital streaming services or applications, or movie theaters.

(H) Eviction related expenses that do not result in the dismissal of the eviction

(I) Expenses in the collection process.

(J) Expenses with a due date in a future benefit month.

(K) Legal fines, restitution, legal or civil fees (including attorney fees and expungement), court costs, or other costs associated with a legal penalty.

(L) Medical Assistance or medical services, including but not limited to dental services, eye exams, urinalysis and other medical screenings, or substance use testing.

(M) Mental health services.

(N) Purchase of a car, recreational vehicle, or motor home.

(O) Purchase of a firearm or other items intended to be used as self-defense or as a weapon.

(6) The Department may require an individual to provide verification of a need for, or costs associated with, support services prior to approval and issuance of payments if verification is reasonably available.

(7) The Department may reduce, close, or deny in whole or in part a request for support services payments in the following circumstances:

(a) The purpose for the payments is not related to the individual's case plan .

(b) The individual is failing to comply with the case plan or disqualified, unless the payments in question are necessary for the individual to demonstrate cooperation with the individual’s case plan .

(c) The individual disagrees with support services payments offered or made by the Department as outlined in the individual's case plan .

(d) The payment does not relate to one of the four federal purposes of TANF in 45 CFR 260.20.

(e) The payment does not comply with the reasonable cost requirements in 2 CFR 200.404 or lower cost alternatives are available.