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e TANF (basic assistance) and Work Supplement Payments (transitional employment allowance - TEA): The South Dakota TANF Program provides a monthly grant based on the State's eligibility criteria. Worker Supplement Payment for Employed (Transitional Employment Allowance - TEA). A TEA payment helps transition families through the initial month after their TANF case closes due to employment.

e Childcare: Childcare expenses are paid for the time a TANF recipient is participating in an eligible work activity and meets other eligibility criteria. While employed, TANF clients will continue to be eligible for the remaining months of their current certificate if they continue to meet other childcare requirements.

e Work-related activities/expenses: Work-related activities/expenses include costs associated with the TANF contract which supports case management efforts. It also includes supportive service payments and Community Service payments.

e Transportation: Participation in work-related activities/training may be compromised unless someone has the necessary transportation available to get to work sites, workshops, referrals, appointments, or other program related obligation. Transportation expenses are addressed through supportive service payments and include but are not limited to gas, minor car repair, bus passes, mileage, etc.

e Administration and Systems: The investment in the support of a program through administration and system support services is essential to ensure the highest quality program is delivered.

TANF assistance is determined according to South Dakota Administrative Rules (ARSD) 67:10:05. These same families are referred to a variety of programs which may include but are not limited to: Child Protection Services, Office of Childcare Services, Rehabilitation Services, Division of Mental Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Department of Labor and Regulation Local Offices, Department of Health, Community Health Nursing, Department of Education, career learning centers, and other related state or local organizations. If the TANF case closes due to the earnings of the caretaker and it appears the employment will be permanent; the family may receive a work supplement payment for one month in the form of a Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) payment. This payment is considered assistance and the month counts towards the 60-month lifetime limit on TANF.

Time limits are incorporated into the Department's program. TANF benefits for an assistance unit that includes an adult parent is limited to 60 monthly payments. The 60 months do not have to be consecutive months. The state disregards any month an adult lived in Indian country if the most reliable data available indicates that at least 50 percent of the adults living in that area are unemployed.

Eligibility for benefits may be extended beyond 60 months if an assistance unit that includes an adult parent meets the States’ hardship criteria.

South Dakota incorporates sanctions into the program to ensure that parents are engaged in work activities in accordance with section 407 by implementing a series of penalties.

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