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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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B. Applicant child care funds are to be used to make payments directly to the child care provider upon billing. Payments must not be made to the participant.

C. Payments must not exceed the prescribed local market rates. The maximum rates for child care must be prorated for child care services provided on an hourly or daily basis for job search activities.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Applicant Child Care Services The ES Worker must consider the following concerning eligibility for Applicant Child Care Services:

A. Applicant must complete the initial interview and appear to be eligible for TANF cash benefits, and in need of child care to conduct the initial job search, obtain or maintain employment.

NOTE: This determination is based on information known to the ES Worker and supplied by the applicant. For individuals that are employed, the CHIP mini budget, AFMB, should be completed.

EXCEPTION: Victims of domestic/family violence are required to appear to be eligible for TANF when applicant childcare service is needed, however the service does not have to be needed in order to obtain or maintain employment.

B. If the applicant obtains a job during the application period and the income from the job prevents TANF eligibility, applicant child care can be granted for up to 30 days, as needed.

C. An applicant who finds employment between the time the application is filed and before he/she is interviewed may also be eligible for up to 30 days of child care service.

D. An applicant must be told that if Applicant Support Service funds are improperly used, DSS will make every effort to recoup the money expended.

E. An applicant who is curing a sanction can receive services if needed up to 30 days.

2. Applicant Child Care (ACC) Applicant Child Care (ACC) funds are available for up to one week to assist an applicant of the TANF Program while he/she conducts the initial job search. A registration fee may not be paid for this type of arrangement. It is recommended that the SSS or designee discuss with the local service provider the availability of drop-in rates.

NOTE: Payments must not exceed the established maximum weekly rates. The maximum rates for childcare must be prorated for child day care services provided on an hourly or daily basis (hours less than 15).

3. Applicant Child Care (Up to 30 Days) If child care is needed for the applicant to obtain or maintain a job during the application period, applicant child care may be paid for up to the 30-day application period. A registration fee may be paid in this situation. The ES Worker should make the SSS aware if the TANF case is within one week of being approved. This information is vital so that the registration fee is not paid twice, (once