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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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16. Possible Benefits An applicant/recipient (A/R) potentially entitled by law to other cash benefits, e.g. Social Security Survivors benefits, VA benefits, retirement, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, etc., must apply for these benefits. (see 7.4)

2.2 Special Application Situations The following chart gives special TANF application situations and how they should be treated:

Type Special Treatment Incompetent or incapacitated individual An application may be made by someone acting responsibly for the applicant/recipient (A/R) with or without his/her consent. Benefits are issued only to the protective payee. (See 11.3)

Foster child returned home An application must be made in the county where the child now lives. Duplicate foster care and TANF cash benefits must not be issued in the same month. Foster child prior to return home An application may be made if DSS has custody or a voluntary placement agreement. An application is made in the child's county of residence by the parent/caretaker relative. Child Welfare Services (CWS) worker verifies in writing that plans are being made to return the child home. ES Worker verifies all TANF criteria except living in the home and notifies HSW by memorandum of eligibility. HSW returns child to his/her home and notifies ES Worker in writing within five days. ES Worker certifies the case within five days. Benefits are effective the date of return to the home. Special Needs Applicants DSS staff should utilize available resources in their county to help applicants with special needs. If additional help is needed, contact local Client Special Services Coordinator (CSSC) for guidance and resources. (See 1.4.2) Limited English Proficiency Applicants DSS staff should utilize available resources to help applicants with language barriers. Contact local CSSC for additional guidance and resources. CHIP screen INRD must be coded to indicate if an applicant does not speak English and needs an interpreter. One of the following codes should be entered into the "Interpreter Needed For" field: AR – Arabic CH – Chinese OT – Other RU – Russian SL – Sign Language