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GENERAL INFORMATION TANF MANUAL CHAPTER 100 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 7/19 100.1 - 100.2

100.1 LEGAL BASE - Virginia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program is based on Title IV-A of the Social Security Act as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, the TANF State Plan, and on the Code of Virginia, Sections 63.2-600 through 63.2-618. PRWORA allows states to establish program requirements in any manner which will reasonably accomplish the purpose of TANF.* The purpose of TANF is to:**

• provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

• end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

• prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and

• encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. State and federal law establishes the right of any individual: • to apply for financial assistance;

• to have his eligibility for such assistance determined promptly and in conformity with law and established policy;

• if found eligible, to receive assistance promptly and in the amount determined according to established policy; and

• to appeal to the Commissioner of Social Services, if he is dissatisfied with the decision of the local department on his case.

100.2 ADMINISTRATION - Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia mandates a local department of social services in every political subdivision of the State, or combination thereof, and specifies the duties and responsibilities of the local social services board and superintendent/director, as well as the methods of discharging these responsibilities.

The law also defines the general and specific duties and responsibilities of the Virginia Department of Social Services in relation to supervision of the local social services programs.

Within the framework of the statutes and the regulations of the State Board of Social Services, local boards of social services carry responsibility for the administration of social services programs in their respective localities. The Virginia Department of Social Services carries responsibility for supervision of local programs, consultative assistance to localities in the implementation of programs, and monitoring and evaluation to assure that the intent of the law and regulations is fulfilled on a statewide basis.

* Social Security Act, Sec. 404(a)(1) ** Social Security Act, Sec. 401(a)

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