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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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3. Private contractors and service providers that help welfare participants find jobs or training 4. County offices that determine eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 5. Offices that operate federally funded child nutrition programs (for example, National School Lunch Program and the Women, Infants and Children program) 6. State agencies that refer welfare recipients to businesses or public agencies for employment 7. Private contractors and businesses that contract with the State to provide job referral services for welfare participants

22.2 TANF Accommodations Requirements DSS is required to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants/recipients to ensure that they have equal access to benefits and services. “Reasonable accommodation” includes, but is not limited to: 1. modifying existing facilities to make them accessible; 2. acquiring or modifying equipment; 3. providing readers or sign language interpreters; and/or 4. offering modified work plans for TANF clients

Accommodations are designed and granted on a case-by-case basis to address special needs and to guarantee that every applicant/recipient has full access to TANF Programs.

At each client contact, ensure that the individual has all of the information and assistance from DSS that is needed to complete the application, interview or other action, prior to ending the conversation. If an accommodation is requested but it is questionable whether or not the request can or should be fulfilled, contact the Economic Services Division for a final decision.

Accommodations should be offered when the:

1. Client requests accommodations based on a disability or impairment that will prevent access to services 2. DSS staff member (counselor, front desk staff, contractor, etc.) is concerned that the individual may not understand the application, verification or recertification instructions 3. DSS staff member is concerned that the individual may not complete the application or recertification review without these accommodations 4. Program’s policies dictate that a waiver from the office interview is appropriate; or other circumstances or information lead DSS staff to think that accommodations are needed.

All clients must have access to standard services. While accommodations must be offered to those in need of them, these specialized services are a client option, not a requirement.