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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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NOTE: If it is determined that benefits are not used in the best interest of the child(ren), a protective payee should be considered. (See 11.3)

5. Non-Receipt of ePAY Debit Cards

If the county receives a report of non-receipt of the ePAY debit card, the ES Worker must research and verify the following: A. TANF benefits have been authorized B. The mailing address is correct on CHIP C. There has been sufficient time between approval and issuance 7-10 business days.

If the research shows that all required actions are correct in the CHIP system, the ES Worker will refer recipients to www.GoProgram.com. Recipients can also contact the customer service helpline for additional assistance, 1-855-270-4445. Fees may apply.

6. Electronic Issuance Notice Requirements A notice is sent to recipients upon case approval through the CHIP system. The Economic Services Worker will make a selection on the appropriate notice to indicate how benefits will be issued. The notice informs the client when to expect a paper check or the ePAY debit card for electronic benefits.

7. Special Issuance Situations There are situations where benefits are authorized for a payee but because of circumstances, a change is necessary. Benefits deposited into an ePAY account are governed by banking regulations and cannot follow the cancellation and reissuance procedures outlined in Section 11.4. The ES Worker should contact the Division of Finance for additional procedures when benefits are issued into an incorrect ePAY debit account.

11.3 Protective Payee A protective payee is an individual, other than the parent or caretaker relative, who is interested in or concerned with the welfare of the recipient and assumes the responsibility to assure that TANF cash benefits are spent for the needs of the family.

1. Protective Payee Situations The following chart describes the general policies governing protective payments in these situations:

Protective Payee Reason General Policies Failure, inability or mismanagement of funds TANF cash benefits may be paid to a protective payee when the parent/caretaker relative fails to use benefits in the best interest of the child. This occurs when the parent/caretaker relative has misused funds to the extent that a threat to the health or safety of the child exists. The eligible parent/caretaker relative’s needs are not removed from the budget. ES Worker/CM must provide the parent/caretaker relative counseling services aimed at