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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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5. CHIP screen ADDR should be coded “C” (registration by mail given) in the PI Voter Status field if the client indicates that he/she wishes to complete the mail-in registration form to register to vote. The worker must mail the South Carolina Voter Registration application (which can be located at the website https://www.SCvotes.gov) to the client for completion.

2.14 Confidentiality Federal and State laws and regulations limit the use and disclosure of confidential information concerning A/R’s of economic and medical assistance programs to purposes directly related to the administration of these programs.

2.15 Social Security Number Requirement As a condition of eligibility, the A/R must provide or apply for a SSN for each BG member.

2.16 Child Support Assignment DSS is required to take action to collect child support and established spousal support monies from responsible Absent Parents (APs) whose child(ren) is receiving TANF cash benefits. If an SSI child is a dependent child, the child support referral needs to be completed on the SSI child's absent parent. If parental rights have been terminated, a referral to CSSD should not be made. DSS may take action to collect support from the child(ren)'s maternal and paternal grandparents if: 1. The child(ren)'s parent(s)/caretaker relative(s) receives TANF cash benefits; 2. The child(ren)'s parent(s) is unmarried; and 3. At least one parent is under 18 years of age. (See 5.1.5)

When the A/R accepts TANF cash benefits, support monies are assigned to DSS. Action to collect child/spousal support from the AP(s) and/or grandparent(s) will be taken with or without the participant's permission. The participant may be called as a witness if court action is necessary to secure child support. DSS will retain collected child support up to the amount allowed under federal regulations.

1. Cooperation Requirements The A/R must cooperate in locating the parent(s) of, establishing the paternity of and obtaining support for the child(ren) in the BG.

2. Failure to Cooperate Failure to cooperate may make the recipient and his/her child(ren) ineligible for cash benefits.

3. Good Cause If the recipient claims good cause, he/she may not be required to cooperate, provided DSS decides that the recipient's claim of good cause is justifiable. The ES Worker must provide the brochure "TANF Application Information" DSS Form 3735 during the application process.