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Budgeting Method: Semi Annual Reporting (SAR)

The income of applicants and recipients affects the TANF benefit as follows:

 The income adjustment is based on the best estimate of the expected income (prospective budgeting). The estimate is based upon verified information provided by the client or through approved electronic sources.

 Monthly income is determined by multiplying the gross average weekly income by four (4.0).

 Recipients are required to complete and submit a reporting form once every six months. Since eligibility must be reviewed no less often then every six months, a complete redetermination interview occurs in the alternate six- month period.

 Recipients are required to report increases in gross monthly earned income in excess of $100 and all other changes such as household composition, address, job start, etc. within the first ten days of the month following the month of the change.

 Recipients are required to report increases in gross monthly unearned income in excess of $50.

 There is no reconciliation of income. No overpayments (underestimates) will be processed unless it was due to a client’s failure to properly report income or agency error. Underpayments (overestimates) will not be corrected unless they are the result of a worker error.

 An income adjustment that reduces or increases the grant will be made for the first TANF payment date for which the deadline can be met following proper notice to the client. SAR was implemented in May of 2003. (b) Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance to engage in work (defined by the State) once the State determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once he or she has received 24 months of assistance, whichever is earlier, consistent with the child care exception at 407(e)(2) (section 402(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act) Participation in Work or Work-related Activities To increase WPRs and to promote self-sufficiency, Pennsylvania’s approach provides the client with a range of services to build necessary skills and a work history. Pennsylvania requires each adult, minor head of household or minor child aged 16 or