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TANF POLICY MANUAL
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4. Child Support The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) is a separate organizational unit within DSS responsible for the administration of the child support program. Cooperating with CSSD and providing minimum information on any absent parent (AP) of a child(ren) in the BG are requirements for initial and continuing eligibility.
Applicants and recipients (A/R’s) must provide specific information on any absent parent(s) of a dependent child(ren).
5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) In most situations, a TANF eligible BG is also eligible for SNAP, and eligibility for SNAP is usually determined during the TANF application process. SNAP assistance helps in meeting the nutritional needs of the needy families.
6. Family Eligibility An eligible family must contain a dependent child(ren) related to a caretaker within a specified degree of relationship.
7. Minor Parent Minor parent, under the age of 18, and is unmarried must live with a parent or guardian, with certain exceptions.
8. Financial Eligibility Each BG must meet established resource and income criteria.
9. Initial Job Search (IJS) An initial job search must be completed by WEIs prior to approval of the TANF case, with certain exceptions.
10. TANF Agreement Each WEI in the BG must sign an agreement with DSS outlining a plan to become self-sufficient.
11. School Attendance Full-time attendance for all recipients under age 18 is required.
12. Family Life Skills Each WEI must attend Family Life Skills training classes if deemed necessary.
13. Time Limits The receipt of TANF cash benefits is limited to 24-months in a 10-year period, and 60 months lifetime, with certain exceptions.
14. SNAP and TANF Cases with same BG Composition For SNAP BGs consisting solely of individuals included in the TANF BG, the TANF policies are used for the SNAP eligibility determination. SNAP policies apply for budgeting and benefit issuance.