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Interview procedures have been modified allowing applicants and recipients to participate in a phone or online interview instead of in person at the CAO. Verification procedures leveraging acceptance of client’s statement when verification is dependent on a third party, i.e., employers, court authorities, etc., that is not available to the individual or the Department to secure documented evidence. The Department will continue utilizing electronic state data exchanges when possible. Cooperation with support requirements will be met through an electronic referral to Domestic Relations for impacted counties that require a personal appearance prior to authorization. The completion of the SAR form at six months between eligibility reviews may be extended through good cause for up to six months if the individual’s ability to complete the process is impacted by the nature of the emergency. The completions of the annual eligibility reviews will continue to follow the timeliness standards whenever possible but flexibilities in timeliness may be utilized when the ability to complete the process is impacted by the nature of the emergency. Clients who are mandatory to participate in RESET may be granted good cause from participation in work or work activities. When determining good cause, the Department will consider all the facts, circumstances, and availability of alternative methods of participation to include on-line work support activities. This initiative meets TANF purpose number one, which is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. This initiative is funded with 100 percent former unobligated funds.

Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

This initiative provides temporary financial relief to families with children in response to a specific emergency disaster declaration.

To be eligible for EAP the applicant family must meet income/resource requirements and definitive conditions (minor child, specified relative, and deprivation) for receipt of TANF.

The EAP initiative can be activated at the Governor’s or Secretary’s discretion when a declaration of disaster or emergency has been declared and impacts TANF families. EAP provides a one-time non-assistance payment to eligible families during a specific crisis situation or episode. The EAP payment is an amount determined by the Secretary and approved by the Governor’s office depending upon a family’s need in relation to the type of emergency being addressed. EAP benefits will not exceed four months in duration.