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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 4 Eligibility Requirements

4.1 Residency 1. A resident is a person living in the State voluntarily with the intention of making his/her home there and not for a temporary purpose. The reason he/she entered the State will only be used to determine if he/she is here voluntarily or temporary. a. No residency requirement will be imposed. EXCEPTION: An individual cannot receive assistance in more than one state, county or case simultaneously. b. Individuals (including children) solely in the State for any temporary purpose are not considered residents. Temporary purposes may include (but are not limited to) vacationing, visiting, hospitalization, convalescing, and school attendance. 2. An individual is still a resident if he/she is away from the TANF BG temporarily.

a. The temporary absence may not exceed 30 days. b. Absence from the TANF BG for a period of 30 days or longer will result in ineligibility. NOTE: The absence may be extended, in extenuating circumstances, for up to an additional 60 days if it is determined that a longer absence would serve the best interests of the family. c. A child that is temporary absence from the TANF BG for more than 30 days due to a joint custody situation, will not be considered as a member of the TANF BG during the time the other parent has physical custody of the child. 3. Residence must be verified and documented at each application. Verification of residence is not required at redetermination unless a change has occurred. Refer to the Verification Matrix for sources of verification.

Chapter 4