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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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in maximizing their strengths and abilities in order for families in poverty to become socially and economically independent.

A common goal must exist between those who receive benefits and the taxpayers of the State. This goal requires an emphasis on employment and training, which assists families in achieving and maintaining self-reliance.

1.2 Objectives of the TANF Program DSS and the recipient must enter into a reciprocal agreement outlining a plan to assist families to become self-reliant.

DSS is mandated to assist the recipient in obtaining the tools necessary to achieve and maintain economic independence, and to deter abuse of the system through fair and meaningful sanctions.

The TANF Program consists of three main elements: A. Work requirements B. TANF cash benefits C. Support services Child support, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid may also play an important part in the family achieving self-reliance.

Types of TANF Cases In order to serve the whole family through enhanced case management, the TANF program includes the following types of TANF cases A. Families receiving cash benefits B. Families eligible for or receiving Transitional Support Services (TSS) C. Families receiving case management services following TSS (see 16.10) 1.3 Basic TANF Program Elements 1. Work Requirements TANF Work Requirements focus on helping the recipient achieve self-reliance and must be met by all Work Eligible Individuals (WEI)s, adults and minor parent head-of-households, in a TANF Benefit Group (BG).

2. Benefit The TANF cash benefit is the money payment a recipient is eligible for when meeting all eligibility criteria of the TANF Program.

3. Support Services Support Services are types of assistance, such as but not limited to, child care and transportation, which are provided to promote self-reliance.