TANF

People applying for or receiving benefits must pursue and accept all legally entitled income. Inform them about this requirement and develop a plan to pursue the potential income. Allow at least three months, to pursue the income and do not consider the income available during this time. Discuss with the person about their obligation to pursue potential income and include the allowable time to pursue the income in the comments section of Form TF0001, Notice of Case Action.

Exception: The person does not have to pursue income if it would be unreasonable. Consider a situation unreasonable if:

the cost to pursue the income exceeds the potential income or causes financial hardship;

pursuing the income would endanger the person’s health or safety; or

legal action is required, but a private attorney or legal services refuses to accept the case. The person must make a reasonable effort to find and request legal assistance.

Document the plan and the time allowed to pursue income. If the household refuses or fails to follow the agreed plan without good cause, deny the EDG.

Set a special review if the anticipated change in income occurs before the next periodic redetermination.