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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Appeal

Any clear expression, oral or written, on the part of the Applicant/Recipient (A/R), or an individual with authority to act in the A/R's behalf, to the effect that he/she wishes to go beyond the usual procedure for addressing complaints, and wants an opportunity to present his/her case to DSS.

Applicant A person who has, directly, or through his authorized representative, made application for TANF benefits and whose application has not been terminated or disposed of by the Agency.

Applicant Child Care (ACC) Child Care Assistance provided for applicants to conduct the initial job search, obtain employment, or maintain employment. Payments for applicant child care cannot exceed the 30-day application period.

Application Form A form which is completed by a benefit group member or authorized representative to apply for TANF benefits.

Appropriate Child Care

Appropriate child care must be determined by parental choice, to ensure that the developmental nurturing needs of a child(ren) are met. Child Care facilities must comply with the SC Code of Laws addressing regulatory requirements and procedures. Informal arrangements are not subject to child care statutory and regulatory requirements; however, parents are required to complete a Self-Arranged Child Care Certification form ensuring that certain health and safety requirements are being met.

Approval Case action taken to authorize TANF benefits when all eligibility criteria are met.

Assessment A formal appraisal or evaluation which is completed using a specific tool to obtain needed information.

Authorized Representative (AR) A person who is authorized to act on behalf of a benefit group, with their knowledge and consent, and who has knowledge of the benefit group’s circumstances. Benefit Group (BG) Composition

The group of individuals whose income, resources, and/or needs impact the eligibility and the amount of TANF cash benefits. BG members include sanctioned and disqualified individuals as well as Family Cap children.

Benefit Month The month in which TANF benefits are issued.

Biological Father The natural male parent of a child. This individual is also known as the natural father.