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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

The use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment. Enumeration The procedure established by SSA to assign SSNs.

ePAY

A debit account where TANF benefits are electronically deposited monthly for eligible recipients

Equity Value

Fair market value of a resource minus any indebtedness. Evidence Material submitted at the fair hearing to substantiate an advocated position by the claimant or by the representative of the county office.

Excluded Not counted; disregarded.

Excused Absences

For participants actively engaged in unpaid allowable work activities, allow and count holidays and reasonable short- term, excused absences. A maximum of 10 additional days of excused absences in any 12-month period, no more than two of which may occur in a month.

Fair Hearing An orderly proceeding before an impartial Agency employee or committee of employees in which a client (petitioner) may challenge an adverse action of the Agency (respondent) which effects the benefit group’s participation in TANF and in which both parties may present evidence to defend their positions. It is also known as an Appeal. The petitioner is the party who has requested a fair hearing. The respondent is the party responding to the fair hearing request. The party is each person or agency named or admitted as a party, or properly seeking and entitled as of right to be admitted as a party.

Fair Hearing Committee

The appointed committee which has the authority and responsibility to make final decisions on the issues raised in a fair hearing.

Fair Hearing Process The procedures beginning with the initial notification to a BG regarding the right to a fair hearing and ending with the execution of the hearing decision.

Fair Market Value

The amount a resource is worth if it is for sale on the current market.

Family Cap Child

A child born into a BG 10 or more months after a month in which the BG received TANF cash benefits.