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VII. PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMBINED STATE PLAN PARTNER PROGRAMS TANF (A) CONDUCT A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO SERVE ALL POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE STATE (NOT NECESSARILY IN A UNIFORM MANNER) THAT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES WITH (OR EXPECTING) CHILDREN AND PROVIDES PARENTS WITH JOB PREPARATION, WORK, AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO ENABLE THEM TO LEAVE THE PROGRAM, SPECIFICALLY CASH ASSISTANCE, AND BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT (SECTION 402(A)(1)(A)(I) OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT). In conformity with Section 402 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193), the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) shall administer and supervise the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, known as the Families First (FF) Program in Tennessee. This plan shall become effective July 1, 2024.

Cash assistance payments are made on a monthly basis for all Families First/TANF eligible assistance groups using a standardized budgeting and payment method per assistance group size. TDHS has a gross income test, a consolidated standard of need, and a maximum standard payment amount per assistance group size. The gross income standard is based on one hundred eight-five (185%) percent of the Consolidated Need Standard (CNS), which is calculated annually by a contract agency. Some assistance groups receive a higher differential maximum payment amount, based on caretaker work exemptions. Disregards include a two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) earned income disregard, a mandatory household member and income disregard for a three (3)-month period beginning with the month following the month of marriage for new spouses (marriage during receipt policy), and child care disregards of two hundred dollars ($200.00) per month for children under two (2) years of age and one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175.00) per month for children two (2) years of age or older, for parents who choose a deduction rather than having their child care paid directly to the provider by TDHS. Non-assistance benefits, services or activities aimed to achieve the goals of TANF may be provided to TANF eligible families or other low-income families at risk of receiving TANF.

TDHS will continue to use fill-the-gap budgeting. Current month child support will be paid to the caretaker using the fill-the-gap budgeting method as permitted in Section 302 (e) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Families First/TANF payments shall be made through Tennessee’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system to the caretaker, alternate payee, or protective payee. The payment will be made available on the first (1st) of each month for continuously eligible cases. Payments are made from the date the signed Families First/ TANF application is received in the local office for all eligible applicants. Auxiliary payments will be issued to all assistance groups that have been underpaid.