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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Caretaker relative and spouse live in the home and receive for child(ren). Include caretaker relative and spouse if the caretaker chooses to be in the budget; exclude both if caretaker relative chooses not to be in budget. SSI recipient lives with BG.

Exclude the SSI recipient, his/her income, resources and SSI payments in determining benefits for other BG members. The individual has the option to receive benefits under either program.

NOTE: If an SSI child is the only child in the home, include the parent(s) as the only BG member. Child(ren), whose cash benefits were terminated due to time limits in parents’ BG, has been placed in the home of a caretaker relative by Child Welfare Services (CWS). Child(ren) is eligible for TANF cash benefits. If the caretaker relative is to be included in the BG, code AF (alternative to Foster Care) on CHIP screen FAIP. ES Worker must have written confirmation from CWS on DSS Form 1600, Human Services, TANF and SNAP Communication Form, that DSS is involved in the placement of the child(ren) with the caretaker relative. Child(ren), whose cash benefits were terminated due to time limits in parents’ BG, has been abandoned and is living with another caretaker relative who makes application for TANF. (See 10.1.5, Time Limit Exceptions) Child(ren) is eligible for TANF cash benefits when abandonment has been determined. If the caretaker relative is in the BG, code AF on FAIP. Obtain a signed statement from the caretaker relative which includes the circumstances under which the child(ren) was left with the caretaker relative. Verify these circumstances to the fullest extent possible. If a parent(s) has voluntarily abandoned a child(ren), the parent(s) must be referred to CSSD. Child(ren), whose cash benefits were terminated due to time limits in parents’ BG, has been abandoned and is living with the other parent who makes application for TANF. Child(ren) is eligible for TANF cash benefits when abandonment has been determined. Obtain a signed statement from the new custodial parent which includes the circumstances under which the child(ren) was left with the parent. Verify these circumstances to the fullest extent possible.

If the former custodial parent has voluntarily abandoned a child(ren), the parent must be referred to CSSD.

3. Living Arrangement of Minor Parent A minor parent (unmarried) under age 18 must live in the household of a parent, legal guardian, other adult relative or in an adult supervised living arrangement in order to receive TANF cash benefits. DSS will assist the minor parent in obtaining the necessary verification if one or more of the following exceptions exist:

a. The minor parent has no living parent or legal guardian whose whereabouts is known.