Page 49

TANF POLICY MANUAL

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 49

CAUTION: Common-law marriages are not recognized in South Carolina when establishing TANF BGs. C. Any minor blood-related or adoptive brother or sister including those of half-blood. Exception: The needs of disqualified non-citizen siblings are not considered in determining the eligibility and payment of an otherwise eligible child. NOTE: This does not include step-siblings when a caretaker relative applies for benefits. (see 3.1)

1. BG Composition Verification A client statement may be used as verification unless contradictory information becomes known to DSS. When further verification is needed, the DSS Form 1665, Household/Benefit Group Composition Verification Form, may be used.

2. Minor Parent A minor parent(s) under the age of 18 in the home and is unmarried may make application for himself/herself and child(ren) only if the major parent is not receiving TANF cash benefits for the minor parent's sibling(s).

Deemed parents (DP= Family Affiliation Code), are not considered BG members although a portion of their income is deemed to the minor parent. (See 8.9)

3. Optional BG Members The following individuals are optional BG members:

A. When a parent is not in the home, the BG may also include a caretaker relative who resides in the home, meets the eligibility requirements and chooses to be in the BG. If so, and if living in the home, the spouse and/or dependent child(ren) of the caretaker relative must also be included in the budget.

B. When a minor parent is included as a dependent child, the minor parent's child may or may not be included at the discretion of the A/R.

4. Prohibited BG Members When determining which individuals may or may not be in the BG, be aware that certain individuals are prohibited from being included due to State or Federal requirements.

NOTE: When the only child in the BG is sanctioned or disqualified, the entire family is ineligible for TANF benefits.

The following individuals are not allowed to be included in the BG:

A. Relative(s) other than parent of dependent children Participation code = OU on SEPA EXCEPTION: Eligible caretaker relative(s) when no parent is in the home may be included.