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XII. Specific Provisions of State Programs
Basic Work Program
Benefit Levels
Time Frame for Work
States Claiming Continuing Waiver Inconsistencies with Respect to Work Requirements
Treatment of Earnings
Resource Limits
Encouraging Personal Responsibility
Individual Development Accounts
Initial Sanctions for Not Complying with Work Requirements
Applicant Cash Diversion Programs
Time Limiting Assistance
Waiver Inconsistencies Related to Work Participation and/or Time Limit Assistance
Other Key Policies
Child Support Enforcement
Adoption of Family Violence Option
Family Cap
Each State must submit a plan to the Secretary that outlines how it intends to conduct a program in all political subdivisions of the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner) that provides cash aid to needy families with (or expecting) children and provides parents with job preparation, work, and support services. States may determine what benefit levels to set and what categories of families are eligible. States have the flexibility to design and operate a program that best matches their residents' needs and helps families gain and maintain self-sufficiency.The information in the tables in this chapter was based on State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) plans and amendments, and has been reviewed by each State. The information reflects each State's program as of June 2002.
In this chapter, program features are organized into some common themes: (1) basic work program; (2) encouraging personal responsibility; (3) time limiting assistance; and (4) other key policies.
The chart below (Table 12:1) outlines how each State has designed its TANF program.
State | Effective Date Of Current Plan |
Form of Administration | State or County Discretion | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eligibility and Benefits | Available Services | |||
Alabama | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Alaska | January 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Arizona | October 1, 2002 | State | State1 | State1 |
Arkansas | December 28, 2001 | State | State | State |
California | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | State |
Colorado | January 1, 2003 | State Supervised/ County Administered | County2 | County |
Connecticut | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Delaware | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Dist. of Col. | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Florida | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Georgia | October 1, 2002 | State | State | County |
Guam | October 1, 2002 | Territory (State) | Territory | Territory |
Hawaii | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Idaho | November 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Illinois | October 1, 2001 | State | State | State |
Indiana | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Iowa | October 1, 2001 | State | State | County |
Kansas | January 1, 2002 | State | State | County |
Kentucky | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Louisiana | January 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Maine | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Maryland | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | County |
Massachusetts | October 1, 2001 | State | State | State |
Michigan | October 1, 2000 | State | State | State |
Minnesota | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | County | State or County discretion |
Mississippi | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Missouri | October 1, 2001 | State | State | State |
Montana | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | State |
Nebraska | October 1, 2001 | State | State | State |
Nevada | November 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
New Hampshire | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
New Jersey | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | State |
New Mexico | January 1, 2003 | State | State | State |
New York | November 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County3 Administered | State | County |
North Carolina | October 1, 2002 | County | County4 | County |
North Dakota | October 1, 2001 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | State5 |
Ohio | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State6 | County |
Oklahoma | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Oregon | October 1, 2002 | State Supervised/ County Administered | State | County |
Pennsylvania | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Puerto Rico | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State and Delegated Agencies |
Rhode Island | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
South Carolina | October 1, 2002 | State | County | State |
South Dakota | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Tennessee | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Texas | October 1, 2001 | State | State | County |
Utah | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
Vermont | October 1, 2001 | State | State | State |
Virginia | October 1, 2002 | County | State | State |
Virgin Islands | October 1, 2002 | State Territory | State Territory | State Territory |
Washington | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
West Virginia | January 1, 2003 | State | State | State |
Wisconsin | October 1, 2001 | County | State | Provides most of states available services and the county provide some administrative costs. |
Wyoming | October 1, 2002 | State | State | State |
[1] Waivers in some areas of the State
[2] Increases only
[3] State supervised with maximum flexibility
[4] In certain areas
[5] Legislative change allows different programs in the State
[6] Counties are allowed discretion with respect to the eligibility requirements for receipt of TANF non-assistance.
States are free to set the benefit levels that apply under their TANF programs. Since 1995, 19 States have increased maximum grant amounts, nine of which were increased between 2000 and 2002 (see highlighted figures). Three States reduced their maximum grants amounts (See Table 12:2).
State | Jul-95 | Mar-98 | Mar-99 | Jan-00 | Jun-01 | Jun-02 | June 2002/ July 19952 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $164 | $164 | $164 | $164 | $164 | $164 | 1 |
Alaska | $923 | $923 | $923 | $923 | $923 | $923 | 1 |
Arizona | $347 | $347 | $347 | $347 | $347 | $347 | 1 |
Arkansas | $204 | $204 | $204 | $204 | $204 | $204 | 1 |
California3 | $607 | $565/$538 | $611/$582 | $626/$596 | $645/$614 | $679/$647 | 1.12/1.07 |
Colorado | $356 | $356 | $356 | $356 | $356 | $356 | 1 |
Connecticut | $543 | $543 | $543 | $543 | $543 | $543 | 1 |
Delaware | $338 | $388 | $338 | $338 | $338 | $338 | 1 |
Dist. of Col. | $420 | $379 | $379 | $379 | $379 | $379 | 0.9 |
Florida | $303 | $303 | $303 | $303 | $303 | $303 | 1 |
Georgia | $280 | $280 | $280 | $280 | $280 | $280 | 1 |
Hawaii4 | $712 | $712/$570 | $712/$570 | $712/$570 | $712/$570 | $712/$570 | 1.00/0.80 |
Idaho | $317 | $276 | $276 | $293 | $293 | $293 | 0.92 |
Illinois | $377 | $377 | $377 | $377 | $377 | $377 | 1 |
Indiana | $288 | $288 | $288 | $288 | $288 | $288 | 1 |
Iowa | $426 | $426 | $426 | $426 | $426 | $426 | 1 |
Kansas | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | 1 |
Kentucky | $228 | $262 | $262 | $262 | $262 | $262 | 1.15 |
Louisiana | $190 | $190 | $190 | $190 | $240 | $240 | 1.26 |
Maine | $418 | $418 | $439 | $461 | $461 | $485 | 1.16 |
Maryland | $377 | $388 | $399 | $417 | $439 | $472 | 1.25 |
Massachusetts | $579 | $579 | $579 | $579 | $633 | $633 | 1.09 |
Michigan | $459 | $459 | $459 | $459 | $459 | $459 | 1 |
Minnesota | $532 | $532 | $532 | $532 | $532 | $532 | 1 |
Mississippi | $120 | $120 | $120 | $170 | $170 | $170 | 1.42 |
Missouri | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | 1 |
Montana | $401 | $450 | $461 | $469 | $494 5 | $494 | 1.23 |
Nebraska | $364 | $364 | $364 | $364 | $364 | $364 | 1 |
Nevada6,7 | $348 | $348 | $348 | $348 | $348 | $348 | 1 |
New Hampshire | $550 | $550 | $550 | $575 | $600 | $600 | 1.09 |
New Jersey | $424 | $424 | $424 | $424 | $424 | $424 | 1 |
New Mexico8 | $304 | $389 | $389 | $389 | $389 | $439 | 1.28 |
New York9 | $577 | $577 | $577 | $577 | $577 | $577 | 1 |
North Carolina | $272 | $272 | $272 | $272 | $272 | $272 | 1 |
North Dakota | $431 | $457 | $457 | $457 | $457 | $477 | 1.06 |
Ohio | $341 | $341 | $362 | $373 | $373 | $373 | 1.09 |
Oklahoma | $307 | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | 0.95 |
Oregon | $460 | $460 | $460 | $460 | $460 | $460 | 1 |
Pennsylvania | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | $403 | 1 |
Rhode Island | $554 | $554 | $554 | $554 | $554 | $554 | 1 |
South Carolina | $200 | $200 | $201 | $203 | $203 | $204 | 1.02 |
South Dakota10 | $430 | $430 | $430 | $430 | $430 | $469 | 1 |
Tennessee | $185 | $185 | $185 | $185 | $185 | $185 | 1 |
Texas | $188 | $188 | $188 | $201 | $201 | $208 | 1.07 |
Utah | $426 | $426 | $451 | $451 | $451 | $474 | 1.06 |
Vermont | $616 | $611 | $617 | $622 | $629 | $629 | 1.02 |
Virginia | $291 | $291 | $291 | $291 | $320 | $320 | 1.1 |
Washington | $546 | $546 | $546 | $546 | $546 | $546 | 1 |
West Virginia | $253 | $253 | $278 | $328 | $453 | $453 | 1.79 |
Wisconsin11 | $518 | $673 | $673 | $673 | $673 | $673 | 1.3 |
Wyoming | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 | 1 |
[1] In some States, benefits vary by regions. Benefits are shown for the region with the largest TANF caseload.
[2] This column presents the ratio between the two benefit levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Consumers increased 18.1 percent over this time period. Thus, a State's benefit levels kept up with inflation only if the number in this column is 1.18 or higher.
[3] California has a multi-tiered benefit system for exempt and non-exempt recipients and for urban and rural areas. Entries with two figures are for non-exempt recipients in urban and rural areas.
[4] In December 1996, Hawaii implemented a policy that provides the higher benefit amount to all families for two months and to exempt families (e.g. child-only cases) on an ongoing basis. Non-exempt families face a lower benefit amount after two months on assistance.
[5] Montana's rate increased to $507 effective 7/1/01.
[6] Effective July 1, 2001, Nevada implemented a policy change that pays $187 more for non-needy caretaker (NNCT) cases. A family of three for a NNCT case gets $535.
[7] Effective November 1, 2002, under Nevada's Kinship Care Program, the State pays a cash grant equal to 90 percent of Foster Care cases to children who are under the custody of certain relatives that qualify for the program. If the eldest child is 13 years older, that child receives $616 and $100 is paid for any additional child in the household. If the eldest child is 12 years or younger, that child receives $534 and $100 is paid for any additional child. For example, a family with two children (first child who is at least 13 years) receives $716 a month. A 2nd family of two children (the first child 12 years and younger) receives $634 a month. A family of three could receive a grant ranging from $1068-$1232, depending upon the ages of the children.
[8] New Mexico provided a $100 housing subsidy for TANF recipients beginning April 1, 1998. The receipt of the housing subsidy was based on whether the TANF family received any type of government-subsidized housing. This subsidy was eliminated on June 1, 2001.
[9] New York has a benefit of $703 in Suffolk County.
[10] Effective July 1, 2001, South Dakota's benefit level increased to $469. Effective July 1, 2002, the benefit level increased to $483.
[11] Wisconsin has a benefit of $688 for a family in its transition program (primarily adults with disabilities).
Under TANF, parents or caretakers must engage in work (as defined by the State) when determined ready, or no later than 24 months, whichever is earlier (See Table 12:3).
States have the option to exempt single parents with children up to one year of age from work requirements, and to disregard them from the calculation of the work participation rates for a cumulative lifetime total of 12 months. States have the flexibility to provide exemptions to other families. However, all other families with an adult or minor head of household are included in the State's participation rate calculations. States that received waivers prior to enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) may continue exemption policies approved under those waivers for the duration of the waiver period. Such States are indicated with an asterisk in Table 12:3.
State | Number of Months before Required to Work |
Caring for a Young Child (Age of Child for Exemption) 1 |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Immediate | 3 months |
Alaska | 24 | I year |
Arizona | Immediate | I year |
Arkansas | Immediate | 3 months |
California | Immediate | 6 months2 |
Colorado | 24 months or when determined work ready, whichever comes first. | No automatic exemption3 |
Connecticut | Immediate | 1 year |
Delaware* | Immediate | 13 weeks |
Dist. of Col. | Immediate | 1 year |
Florida | Immediate | 3 months |
Georgia | 24 | 1 year |
Guam | 24 | 1 year |
Hawaii* | 24 | 6 months |
Idaho | Immediate | 12 weeks |
Illinois | Immediate | 1 year |
Indiana | Immediate | 1 year |
Iowa | Immediate | No automatic exemption |
Kansas* | 24 | 1 year |
Kentucky | After a specified number of months-24 | 1 year |
Louisiana | 24 | 1 year |
Maine | Immediate | 1 year |
Maryland | Immediate | 1 year |
Massachusetts* | 2 | 6 years |
Michigan | 2 | 3 months |
Minnesota* | Immediate | 1 year |
Mississippi | Immediate | 1 year |
Missouri | 24 | 1 year4 |
Montana* | Immediate | No automatic exemption |
Nebraska* | Immediate | 12 weeks |
Nevada | Immediate | 1 year |
New Hampshire | Immediate | 2 years5 |
New Jersey | Immediate | 12 weeks |
New Mexico | 3 | 1 year |
New York | Immediate | 3 months6 |
North Carolina | 3 | 1 year |
North Dakota | Immediate | 4 months |
Ohio* | Immediate | N/A7 |
Oklahoma | Immediate | 3 months |
Oregon* | Immediate | 3 months8 |
Pennsylvania | Immediate | 1 year9 |
Puerto Rico | No later than 24 months | 12 months |
Rhode Island | 2 | 1 year |
South Carolina* | Immediate | 1 year |
South Dakota | Immediate | 12 weeks |
Tennessee* | Immediate | 4 months |
Texas | Immediate | 1 year |
Utah | Immediate | No automatic exemption |
Vermont | 30 | 18 months10 |
Virginia* | 3 | 18 months |
Virgin Islands | 24 months | 6 months |
Washington | Immediate | 3 months |
West Virginia | Immediate | 1 year |
Wisconsin | Immediate | 12 weeks |
Wyoming | Immediate | 3 months |
*State has a work requirement waiver
[1] A sanction cannot be imposed on a single custodial parent caring for a child who has not attained 6 years of age if childcare is unavailable.
[2] California counties have discretion to set the age of the exemption for caring for a young child, between the ages of 12 weeks and 1 year on a case-by-case basis.
[3] Colorado allows this to be determined by county discretion.
[4] In Missouri, the child must be under 12 months of age, but there is no limit on the length of the exemption if more than one birth is involved. After 12 months, the cash grant is paid out of MOE.
[5] In New Hampshire, the age is 1 year if a child is conceived while on assistance.
[6] New York counties have discretion to increase the age of the exemption for caring for a young child up to 1 year.
[7] Ohio counties have discretion to provide exemptions from work requirements.
[8] Oregon's exemption is for a parent caring for a child for 90 days after giving birth.
[9] Pennsylvania only allows this exemption once in a parent's lifetime.
[10] Within 2 months of reaching the time limit, Vermont only exempts from work requirements families with a child under age 6 months and families where needed support services are unavailable.
States Claiming Continuing Waiver Inconsistencies with Respect to Work Requirements
A State may have received a waiver to modify its work requirements under the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (AFDC) program. To the extent that the Federal TANF work requirements are inconsistent with the State's waiver work requirements, the State may be allowed to follow its approved waiver policy rather than the Federal TANF policy, until expiration of the waiver. The TANF final rules required States to file a certification with HHS by October 1, 1999, if they intended to follow inconsistent waiver policies (See Table 12:4).
State | Waiver Duration | Waiver Content |
---|---|---|
Connecticut | September 30, 2001 | JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Delaware | September 30, 2002 | Sanctions, Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours—subset of cases, Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Hawaii | September 30, 2004 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours--subset of Cases), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Indiana | March 31, 2002 | JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Kansas | September 30, 2003 | Job Search |
Massachusetts | September 30, 2005 | Sanctions, Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours), JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Minnesota | September 30, 2002 | JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours of work are approved; education are counted |
Montana | December 31, 2003 | Sanctions (subset of cases, JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours (subset of cases) |
Nebraska | June 30, 2003 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption), Job Search, Education, All Hours |
New Hampshire | March 31, 2002 | JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Ohio | December 31, 2003 | Sanctions and Work Participation Rate (Exemption)--All Waiver Conditions Limited to Pregnant and Parenting Teens |
Oregon | June 30, 2003 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
South Carolina | September 30, 2003 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Tennessee | June 30, 2007 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours--subset of cases), Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Texas | March 31, 2002 | Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours |
Vermont | June 30, 2001 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption) |
Virginia | June 30, 2003 | Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours—subset of cases), JOBS, Job Search, Education, All-Hours |
PRWORA does not specify how States should treat earnings in determining families' eligibility for TANF assistance. Thus, States have the flexibility to establish the income eligibility rules that best meet their residents' needs. However, as a means to help families transition from welfare to work and to help make work pay, all States disregard a portion of a family's earned income when determining benefit levels, and most States also disregard a portion of earned income in determining eligibility (See Table 12:5).
State | Portion of Applicant's Earnings That Is Disregarded in Eligibility Determination |
Portion of Recipient's Earnings That Is Disregarded in Benefit Determination |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 20%1 | 100% for 3 months2 |
20% in subsequent months | ||
Alaska | $90 | $150 and 33% of the remainder for 12 months |
$150 and 25% of the remainder for 12 months | ||
$150 and 20% of the remainder for 12 months | ||
$150 and 15% of the remainder for 12 months | ||
$150 and 10% of the remainder for 12 months | ||
Arizona | $90 and 30% of the remainder | $90 and 30% of the remainder |
Arkansas | 20% | 20% and 60% of the remainder |
California | $90 | $225 and 50% of the remainder |
Colorado | $90 | 66.7% for 12 months3 |
$120 + 33.3% for four months | ||
$120 for eight additional months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Connecticut | $90 | 100% until earnings exceed Federal poverty level |
Delaware | $90 | $120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months |
$120 for the next 8 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Dist. Of Col. | $160 | $160 and 66.7% of the remainder |
Florida | $90 | $200 and 50% of the remainder |
Georgia | $90 | $120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months |
$120 for the next 8 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Guam | $90+$30 and 1/3 for 4 months; $90+$30 for eight months; $90 only after 12 months |
$90+$30 and 1/3 for 4 months; $90+30 for eight months; $90 only after 12 months |
Hawaii | 20% | 20%, then $200, then 36% of the remainder |
Idaho | 40% | 40% |
Illinois | $90 | 67% |
Indiana | $90 | $120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months |
$120 for the next 8 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Iowa | 20% | 20% and 50% of the remainder |
Kansas | $90 | $90 and 40% of the remainder |
Kentucky | $90 | 100% for 2 months, (one time only) |
$120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months | ||
$120 for the next 8 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Louisiana | $120 | $120 plus $900 for 6 months |
$120 in subsequent months | ||
Maine | $108 and 50% of the remainder | $108 and 50% of the remainder |
Maryland | 20% | 40% |
Massachusetts | $90 | $120 and 50% of remainder for non-exempt, $120 and 33.3% of remainder for exempt |
Michigan | $200 and 20% of the remainder | $200 and 20% of the remainder |
Minnesota | 18% | 38% |
Mississippi | $90 | 100% for 6 months for some families4 |
$90 in other months | ||
Missouri | $90 | $90, plus 33.3% of remainder if employed when approved for assistance |
67% and $90 of the remainder for 12 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Montana | $200 and 25% of remainder | $200 and 25% of remainder |
Nebraska | 20% | 20% |
Nevada | $90 or 20%, whichever is greater | 100% for 3 months |
50% for the next 9 months | ||
Greater of $90 or 20% in subsequent months | ||
New Hampshire | 20% | 50% |
New Jersey | None | 100% for the first month of employment |
50% in subsequent months | ||
New Mexico | $125 and 50% of the remainder for single parent household | $125 and 50% of the remainder for single parent households |
$225/each parent and 50% of the remainder for two parent household | $225/each parent and 50% of the remainder for two parent households | |
New York | $90 | $90 and 50% of the remainder |
North Carolina | 27.5% | 100% for 3 months 27.5% in subsequent months |
North Dakota | Greater of $180 or 27%, and 50% of the "employment incentive limit" for 6 months5 | Greater of $180 or 27%, and 50% of the "employment incentive limit" for 6 months5 |
Greater of $180 or 27%, and 35% of the "employment incentive limit" for 3 months | Greater of $180 or 27%, and 35% of the "employment incentive limit" for 3 months | |
Greater of $180 or 27%, and 25% of the "employment incentive limit" for 4 months | Greater of $180 or 27%, and 25% of the "employment incentive limit" for 4 months | |
Greater of $180 or 27% in subsequent months | Greater of $180 or 27% in subsequent months | |
Ohio6 | $250 & 50% | $250 and 50% of the remainder |
Oklahoma | $120 and 50% of the remainder | $120 and 50% of the remainder |
Oregon | 50% | 50% |
Pennsylvania | $90/50%7 | 50% |
Puerto Rico | $30+1/3 and $30 disregard are applied to determine payment | . |
Rhode Island | $170 and 50% of the remainder | $170 and 50% of the remainder |
South Carolina | 50% | 50% for 4 months |
$100 in subsequent months | ||
South Dakota | $90 and 20% of the remainder | $90 and 20% of the remainder |
Tennessee | $150 | $150 |
Texas | $120 and 33.3% of the remainder | $120 and 90% of the remainder for 4 months |
$120 in subsequent months | ||
Utah | $100 | $100 and 50% of the remainder |
Vermont | $90 | $150 and 25% of the remainder |
Virginia8 | $90 | $120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months9 |
$120 for the next 8 months | ||
$90 in subsequent months | ||
Virgin Islands | 185% State Standard of Need | 185% State Standard of Need |
Washington | 50% | 50% |
West Virginia | 40% | 40% |
Wisconsin | None | None |
Wyoming | $200 | $200 |
[1] Trial budget worked and, if eligible, earnings are disregarded for 3 months.
[2] If reported accurately and timely.
[3] If eligible, Colorado allows for an earned income deduction of 2/3 of the gross earnings in determining payment for ongoing Colorado Works/TANF participants, for 12 cumulative months.
[4] The 100% disregard in Mississippi is available only if families obtain full-time employment within 30 days of initial TANF receipt or within 30 days following the start of participation in work activities.
[5] The maximum "Employment incentive limit" in North Dakota is $184.
[6] In Ohio, if the applicant did not receive TANF in the last four months, there is a gross income test. The gross income maximum for a family of three persons is $630.
[7] In Pennsylvania, an applicant who has not received TANF in 1 of the 4 prior calendar months must pass an eligibility test before the 50% income disregard is allowed. The test allows for a $90 income disregard from gross income. If the net income (after the $90 disregard) is less than the standard need for the budget group, the client passes the test and is entitled to receive a continuous 50% income disregard. An applicant who has received TANF in 1 of the 4 calendar months prior to application is eligible to receive a continuous 50% income disregard.
[8] Participants in Virginia VIEW can earn up to the poverty level and still receive TANF. Two-parent families that participate in VIEW can earn up to 150% of the poverty limit and still receive TANF.
[9] The benefit rules for participants in Virginia's welfare program (i.e. those subject to the State time limit) allow families to continue receiving benefits until countable earned income (after the work expense deduction and earned income disregard) reaches the Federal poverty line. This is done through "fill-the-gap" budgeting and not through an earned income disregard.
PRWORA does not specify the total resource level that States are to use to determine eligibility for families. States have the flexibility to set the resource level to determine eligibility that best meets the needs of their residents (See Table 12:6).
PRWORA does not specify the vehicle asset level that States are to use under TANF. States have the flexibility to set the vehicle asset limit at the level that best meets their residents' needs (See Table 12:6).
State | Asset Level | Primary Vehicle Asset Level1 |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $2000; $3000 if assistance unit contains a member age 60 or over. |
Value excluded |
Alaska | $1,000 | Value excluded |
Arizona | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Arkansas | $3,000 | Value excluded |
California | $2,000 | Fair market value up to $4,650; Vehicle disregarded if used to transport disabled family members or for work and training. |
$3,000 if household includes a disabled or aged recipient | ||
Colorado | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Connecticut | $3,000 | Equity value up to $9,500 |
Delaware | $1,000 | Equity value up to $4,650 |
Dist. of Col. | $2,000; $3,000 if household includes someone over age 60. | Value excluded |
Florida | $2,000 | All cars cannot exceed a combined value of $8,500, plus any vehicle needed to transport disabled family member. |
Georgia | $1,000 | Equity value up to $4,650 |
Guam | $2,000 | 1 vehicle value excluded per adult, up to 2 vehicles |
Hawaii | $5,000 | Value excluded |
Idaho | $2,000 | Fair market value up to $4,650 |
Illinois | 1 person: $2,000 | Value excluded |
2 person: $3,000 | ||
Indiana | Applicant: $1,000 | Equity value up to $5,000 |
Recipient: $1,500; plus $50 for each additional person | ||
Iowa | Applicant: $2,000 | Value up to $4,042 excluded |
Recipient: $5,000 | ||
Kansas | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Kentucky | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Louisiana | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Maine | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Maryland | $2,000 | As of 10/1/01 Maryland excludes all vehicles for TCA family members |
Massachusetts | $2,500 | Fair market value up to $10,000, plus equity up to $5,000 |
Michigan | $3,000 | Value excluded |
Minnesota | Applicant: $2,000 | Loan value up to $7,500 only for one individual vehicle |
Recipient: $5,000 | ||
Mississippi | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Missouri | Applicant: $1,000 | Value excluded |
Recipient: $5,000 | ||
Montana | $3,000 | Vehicle with highest equity value excluded |
Nebraska | 1 person: $4,000 | Value excluded |
2 or more: $6,000 | ||
Nevada | $2,000 | Value excluded |
New Hampshire | Applicant: $1,000 | Value excluded |
Recipient: $2,000 | ||
New Jersey | $2,000 | Value up to $9,500 |
New Mexico | $1,500 in liquid resources and $2,000 in non-liquid resources |
Value excluded for one vehicle where public transportation is available. In other areas without public transportation, one car is excluded for each participant engaged in work. |
New York | $2,000 | Equity value up to $4,650, or $9300 if working |
North Carolina | $3,000 | Value excluded |
North Dakota2 | 1 person: $3,000, 2 persons: $6000 and $25 for each additional person |
Value excluded |
2 or more: $8,000 | ||
Ohio | No limit. | Value excluded |
Oklahoma | $1,000 | Equity value up to $5,000 |
Oregon | Progressing in IRP: $10,000 | Value up to $10,000 |
All others: $2,500 | ||
Pennsylvania | $1,000 | Value excluded |
Puerto Rico | $2,000 | Value up to $4,000 |
Rhode Island | $1,000 | Value up to $4,650 |
South Carolina | $2,500 | Value excluded |
South Dakota | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Tennessee | $2,000 | Equity value up to $4,600 |
Texas | $2,000 or $3,000 if a family member is elderly or disabled. |
Fair market value up to $4,650 3 |
Utah | $2,000 | Equity value up to $8,000 |
Vermont | $1,000 | Value excluded |
Virginia | $1,000 | Fair market value up to $7,500 |
Virgin Islands | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Washington | Applicant: $1,000 | Value up to $5,000 |
Recipient: $4,000 | ||
West Virginia | $2,000 | Value excluded |
Wisconsin | $2,500 | Equity value up to $10,000 |
Wyoming | $2,500 | Value up to $12,000 |
Encouraging Personal Responsibility
Individual Development Accounts
The TANF statute specifically authorizes States to fund Individual Development Accounts (IDA's) established by TANF-eligible individuals. IDA's are restricted savings accounts that allow individuals to accumulate savings that can be used for postsecondary educational expenses, first home purchase, or business capitalization. The IDA program in the TANF statute allows individuals to contribute to an IDA such amounts as are derived only from earned income (while other IDA's might allow contributions to come from any source of income). Funds in a TANF IDA (including earned interest) are disregarded in determining eligibility and benefits in any program that uses financial considerations in such determinations.
Because of the funding flexibility under TANF, States can also use Federal TANF or State MOE funds to fund IDA's established under another authority. The following data are not limited to IDA's authorized under the specific provision in the TANF statute (See Table 12:7).
State | Individual Development Accounts (Limit) | Family's IDA Contribution is Matched (Match Rate) |
Post-Secondary Education | First Home Purchase | Business Capitalization | Medical Expense | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alaska | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Arizona | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1 |
$9,000 | |||||||
Arkansas | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES2 |
$2,000 per person up to $4,000 maximum | (3:1) | ||||||
California | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option |
Colorado | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
(no limit) | (County Option) | ||||||
Connecticut | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
(no limit) | |||||||
Delaware | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES, on a case by case basis3 |
$5,000 | |||||||
Dist. of Col. | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Florida | YES | 1:01 | YES | YES | YES | NO | N/A (Limit: $1,000 per year; $3,000 lifetime) |
Georgia | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$5,000 | |||||||
Guam | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Hawaii | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Idaho | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Illinois | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1,2 |
Max matched $1,000 | (1:1) | ||||||
Indiana | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1 |
(no limit) | (3:1 up to $300/year) | ||||||
Iowa | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES1,4 |
$50,000 | 15-25% | ||||||
Kansas | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES5 |
(no Limit) | |||||||
Kentucky | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES6 |
$5,000 | |||||||
Louisiana | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1 |
$6,000 | |||||||
Maine | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES2,4,7 |
$10,000 plus interest | (varies) | ||||||
Maryland | YES8 | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
Massachusetts | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Michigan | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$1,000 | (up to 3:1 depending on purpose) | ||||||
Minnesota | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$3,000 | (3:1) | ||||||
Mississippi | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Missouri | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Montana | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
(no limit) | (2:1 up to $4,000) | ||||||
Nebraska | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nevada | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
New Hampshire | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
New Jersey | YES9 | (1:1) | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
New Mexico | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES | NO | YES10 |
$1,500 | |||||||
New York | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
(no limit) | |||||||
North Carolina | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$2,000 | (1:1 up to $2,000) | ||||||
North Dakota | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ohio | YES | County Discretion | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$10,000 | (up to 2:1) | ||||||
Oklahoma | YES | YES11 | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$2,000 | |||||||
Oregon | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
(no limit) | ($1.00 per hour worked) | ||||||
Pennsylvania | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Puerto Rico | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Rhode Island | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
$2,500 | |||||||
South Carolina | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1 |
$10,000 | |||||||
South Dakota | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tennessee | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES3 |
$5,000 | (varies) | ||||||
Texas | YES | YES12 | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
$10,000 | (3:1 for initial deposit | ||||||
1:1 for added deposit) | |||||||
Utah | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Vermont | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
($500)13 | |||||||
Virginia | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES1,10 |
$5,000 | |||||||
Virgin Islands | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Washington | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
Client $2,000, contractor $4000--max $6000 | 2:1 up to $4,000 | ||||||
West Virginia | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Wisconsin | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
(county option) | |||||||
Wyoming | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
[1] States allow individuals to use funds for training program expenses.
[2] States allow funds to be spent to purchase or repair an automobile.
[3] Approved reasons include funds to be used for self-sufficiency reasons.
[4] Funds can be used for work related vehicle/transportation costs.
[5] Kansas allows Assistance Technology Savings.
[6] Kentucky allows funds to be used for emergency repairs to home.
[7] Maine also allows spending for certain emergency expenses.
[8] Maryland has created IDA's in three counties.
[9] New Jersey allows contributions up to $1500 per year for 3 years.
[10] New Mexico and Virginia allow funds to be used for the education expenses of dependents.
[11] Oklahoma varies contribution based on income. For current recipients or people who have been recipients at some time since October 1, 1996: For persons with income in the preceding year that is less than or equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level there is a $1.00 match from TANF funds not to exceed a $500 match per year for a period of up to 4 years. For persons with income that is more than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level then the match is 75 cents for each $1.00. For persons with more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level the match is 50 cents for each $1.00.
[12] Texas allows an individual up to $2000 in deposits matched by TANF funds each year (per account per year of income). There is no limit on matched funds from other sources. (4:1 for initial deposit; 1:1 for added deposit.)
[13] Vermont allows savings of $500 for an individual for a calendar year and $1000 for a family. Lifetime limit maximum is $2000 for an individual and $4000 for a family.
Initial Sanctions for Not Complying with Work Requirements
If an individual in a family receiving assistance refuses to engage in required work, a State has the option to either reduce or terminate the amount of assistance payable to the family, subject to good cause (See Table 12:8).
State | First: Partial or Full Sanction | First: Minimum Length of Sanction |
---|---|---|
Alabama1 | Full1 | 1 month1 |
Alaska2 | Partial | until compliance |
Arizona | Partial | 1 month |
Arkansas3 | Partial | until compliance |
California | Partial | until compliance |
Colorado | Partial | 1-3 months (county option) |
Connecticut | Partial | 3 months |
Delaware | Partial | until compliance or 2 months; then increments to next sanction level. |
Dist. of Col. | Partial | 1 month |
Florida | Full | until compliance |
Georgia | Partial | up to 3 months |
Guam | Full | 3 months |
Hawaii | Full | until compliance |
Idaho | Full | 1 month |
Illinois | Partial | until compliance |
Indiana | Partial | 2 months |
Iowa | Full | until compliance |
Kansas | Full | until compliance |
Kentucky | Partial | Until compliance |
Louisiana | Partial | 3 months |
Maine4 | Partial/Full (varies) | until compliance |
Maryland | Full | until compliance |
Massachusetts | Partial | until compliance |
Michigan | Full | 1 month |
Minnesota5 | Partial | 1 month |
Mississippi | Full | 2 months |
Missouri | Partial | until compliance |
Montana | Partial | 1 month |
Nebraska | Full | 1 month |
Nevada | Partial | 1 month |
New Hampshire | Partial | 1/2 month |
New Jersey | Partial | 1 month |
New Mexico | Partial | 1 month |
New York | Partial | until compliance |
North Carolina6 | Partial | 3 months |
North Dakota | Partial | 1 month |
Ohio | Full | 1 month |
Oklahoma | Full | until compliance |
Oregon | Partial | until compliance |
Pennsylvania | Partial/Full (varies)7 | 30 days |
Puerto Rico | Partial | Equivalent of the period that participant refuses to comply |
Rhode Island8 | Partial | until compliance |
South Carolina | Full | 1 month |
South Dakota | Partial | 1 month |
Tennessee | Full | until compliance |
Texas | Partial | 1 month |
Utah | Partial/Full | until compliance |
Vermont | Partial9 | until compliance |
Virginia | Full | 1 month |
Virgin Islands | Partial | until compliance |
Washington | Partial | until compliance |
West Virginia | Partial | 3 months |
Wisconsin10 | Partial | until compliance |
Wyoming | Full | 1 month |
[1] Alabama institutes these sanctions if the person is on assistance for 24 months or more.
[2] In Alaska if the adult quits or refuses to work, the cash benefit is reduced 100 percent.
[3] In August 2001, Arkansas implemented a progressive sanction policy for noncompliance with a work activity requirement. Failure to comply with the work activity requirement without good cause results in a progressive sanction beginning with a 25% reduction in the TEA payment in the first month to possible closure of the TEA case in the sixth month of noncompliance. The first month in which the progressive sanction was effective was October 2001.
[4] In Maine, if the family receives an adult and child grant and the adult fails to comply with Work Requirements, the adult is sanctioned (partial) and the remaining grant is paid to a third party for management on behalf of the child. If an adult only grant and they do not comply with work requirements, the grant is closed (full).
[5] In Minnesota, the shelter is vendor paid. Any remainder is paid by the client.
[6] In North Carolina, electing counties can set their own policies.
[7] In Pennsylvania, recipients receive a partial sanction if they have been on assistance up to 24 months. They receive a full sanction if they have been on assistance more than 24 months.
[8] In Rhode Island, a non-compliant parent's portion of the grant is reduced by 100 percent.
[9] In Vermont, a family's grant is reduced by $75 for each adult sanctioned for a first, second and third cumulative month of sanction. For the fourth cumulative month and any subsequent month the sanction goes up to $150 per month. This amount is increased to $225 a month if the sanctioned adult has received 60 or more cumulative months of sanction. Sanctions continue until the sanctioned adult cures the sanction by coming into compliance. In addition, Vermont has a forgiveness provision, which under certain circumstances wipes the past sanctions of a participant's record so they would not be counted in the cumulative count if future sanctions occur. The State also limits the amount of some sanctions during the first 6 months of sanction to protect the family's housing costs as a guard against the risk of homelessness. Even when being sanctioned, the adult must continue to meet with the case manager at least once a month or the grant will be closed. Also, housing costs are paid by vendor payments for sanctioned families.
[10] In Wisconsin, a sanction could be whole or partial. The cash benefit is based on the number of hours worked in the previous month.
Applicant Cash Diversion Programs
PRWORA contains no specific diversion provisions. Because the law is silent on diversion, it allows States to provide diversion assistance. As such, the majority of States now offer applicant diversion assistance to families as an alternative to ongoing TANF assistance. Generally, this assistance comes in the form of benefit payments designed to provide short-term financial assistance to meet critical needs in order to secure or retain employment.
Typically, States provide several months of benefits in one lump sum. A few States provide a flat amount. By accepting the diversion payment, the family generally agrees not to re-apply for cash assistance for a specified period of time, e.g., receipt of a diversion payment equal to three months of benefits results in family agreeing to not re-apply for benefits for three months. A number of diversion programs provide applicant job search, other services, and/or referral to alternative assistance programs. (Table 12:9 highlights what cash assistance programs the States are providing).
State | Cash Diversion Program | Benefit Equivalent (in months) |
Cash Limit | Referral to Job Search or Job Placement | Referral to Alternative Programs for Services or In-Kind Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alaska | YES | 2 | N/A | NO | NO |
Arizona | YES | 3 | N/A | YES | YES |
Arkansas | YES | 3 | N/A | NO | NO |
California | YES1 | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option |
Colorado | YES | County Option | County Option | County Option | County Option |
Connecticut | YES | 3 | N/A | NO | NO |
Delaware | YES | N/A | $1,500 | NO | NO |
Dist. Of Col. | YES | 3 | N/A | YES | NO |
Florida | YES | N/A | $1,000 | YES | YES |
Georgia | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Guam | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Hawaii | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Idaho | YES | 3 | $879 | YES | YES |
Illinois | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Indiana | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Iowa | YES | County Option | N/A | NO | YES |
Kansas | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Kentucky | YES | N/A | $1,500 | YES | YES |
Louisiana | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Maine | YES | 3 | N/A | NO | NO |
Maryland | YES | County Option up to 12 | N/A | YES | NO |
Massachusetts | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Michigan | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Minnesota | YES | Up to 4 months | Up to maximum MFIP Standard | NO | NO |
Mississippi | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Missouri | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Montana | NO Diversion program ended 6/30/2001 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nebraska | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nevada | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
New Hampshire | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
New Jersey | YES | 1 | $750 | YES | YES |
New Mexico | YES | N/A | $1,500 | NO | YES |
New York | NO2 | N/A | N/A | NO | NO |
North Carolina | YES | 3 | N/A | YES | YES |
North Dakota | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ohio | YES | County Determined/ Non-assistance program |
County Determined/Non-assistance program | NO | YES-County Determined/Non-assistance program |
Oklahoma | YES | 3 | N/A | NO | NO |
Oregon | YES | N/A | None | YES | YES |
Pennsylvania | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Puerto Rico | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Rhode Island | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
South Carolina | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
South Dakota | YES | 2 | N/A | NO | YES |
Tennessee | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Texas | YES | N/A | $1,000 | YES | YES |
Utah | YES | 3 | Limited to what the family would be eligible for a 3-month grant period. Amount varies as to family composition. | NO | NO |
Vermont | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Virginia | YES | 4 | $1,164 | NO | NO |
Virgin Islands | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Washington | YES | N/A | $1,500 | NO | NO |
West Virginia | YES | 3 | N/A | NO | NO |
Wisconsin | YES | N/A | $1,600 | YES | YES |
Wyoming | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
[1] A diversion program was implemented in Los Angeles, California effective July 1, 2002 and was terminated September 20, 2002, due to exhaustion of allotted funds. Funding has not been included in the agency budget for SFY 2003-2004.
[2] New York makes diversion payments under its emergency programs, however, it does not have a specific "diversion program."
States generally may not use Federal funds to provide assistance to a family that includes an adult head of household or a spouse of the head of household who has received assistance for 60 months (whether or not consecutive). However, States may extend federally funded assistance beyond 60 months to 20 percent of the caseload, without penalty, based on hardship or domestic violence. States also have the option to set lower time limits on the receipt of TANF benefits.
State policies related to time limiting assistance to a family vary greatly. In a few cases, States had received waivers under section 1115 of the Act to implement time limits before PRWORA. These States have the authority to continue their waiver policies for the duration of their waivers. Furthermore, the flexibility available in the use of State funds allows each State to structure its time limit policies in a variety of ways. For example, a State may use segregated or separate State-only funds to provide assistance to families that it wishes to exempt from the time limit or to families that have reached the 60-month Federal time limit, in excess of the 20 percent cap (See Table 12:10).
State | Lifetime Limit (months)2 | Benefits Continue to Children after lifetime Limit | Intermittent Time Limit (months)3 | Benefits Continue to Children after Intermittent Limit | Date First Families Reach Any Time Limit4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 60 | NO | NO | N/A5 | December 1, 2001 |
Alaska | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Arizona | 60 | N/A | 24 months in 60 months | YES | November 1, 1997 |
Arkansas | 24 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2000 |
California | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | January 1, 2003 |
Colorado | 60 | NO6 | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
October 20017 | |||||
Connecticut | 21 | NO | NO | N/A | November 1, 1997 |
Delaware8 | 48 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 1999 |
36 | NO | NO | N/A | ||
(applicants as of 01/01/2000) | |||||
Dist. of Col. | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | March 1, 2002 |
Florida | 48 | NO | 24 months in 60 months or 36 months in 72 months | NO | October 1998 except in waiver areas February 1996 |
Georgia | 48 | NO | NO | N/A | January 1, 2001 |
Guam | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Hawaii | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | December 1, 2001 |
Idaho | 24 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 1999 |
Illinois | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Indiana | 24 | YES | NO | N/A | July 1, 1997 |
Iowa | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | January 1, 2002 |
Kansas | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 2001 |
Kentucky | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | November 1, 2001 |
Louisiana | 60 | NO | 24 months in 60 months | NO | January 1, 1999 |
Maine | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | November 1, 2001 |
(children & adults) (varies) | |||||
Maryland | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | January 1, 2002 |
Massachusetts | No lifetime limit9 | N/A | 24 months in 60 months | NO | December 1, 1998 |
Michigan | No lifetime limit10 | YES11 | NO | N/A | N/A |
Minnesota | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Mississippi | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 2001 |
Missouri | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Montana | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | February 1, 2002 |
Nebraska12 | 60 | YES | 24 months in 48 months | NO | December 1, 1998 |
Nevada | 60 | NO | 24 months followed by 12 months of ineligibility | NO | January 1, 2000 |
New Hampshire | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 2001 |
New Jersey | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | February 1, 2002 |
New Mexico | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
New York | No lifetime limit13 | YES14 | NO | N/A | December 1, 2001 |
North Carolina | 60 | NO | 24 months followed by 36 months of ineligibility | NO | August 1, 1998 |
North Dakota | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | July 1, 2002 |
Ohio15 | 60 | NO unless a "child-only" case because the child is residing with a specified relative other than a parent. | 36 month State limit followed by a 24 month waiting period, after which the family may be determined eligible for up to 24 additional months (not to exceed federal 60-month limit) by county based on "good cause.” | NO unless a "child-only" case because the child is residing with a specified relative other than a parent. | October 1, 2000 |
Oklahoma | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 2001 |
Oregon | No lifetime limit16 | N/A | 24 months in 84 months | NO | July 1, 1998 |
Pennsylvania | 60 | NO19 | NO | N/A | March 3, 2002 |
Puerto Rico | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | June 30, 2002 |
Rhode Island | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | May 1, 2002 |
South Carolina | 60 | NO | 24 months in 120 months | NO | October 1, 1998 |
South Dakota | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | December 1, 2001 |
Tennessee | 60 | NO | 18 months followed by 3 months of ineligibility | NO | April 1, 1998 |
Texas | 60 | NO | 12, 24, or 36 months followed by 60 months of State ineligibility | YES | June 1, 1997 |
Utah | 36 | NO | NO | N/A | January 1, 2000 |
Vermont | No lifetime limit17 | YES11 | NO | N/A | N/A |
Virginia | 60 | NO | 24 months followed by 24 months ineligibility | NO | July 1, 1997 |
Virgin Islands | 60 | YES | NO | N/A | June 30, 2002 |
Washington | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | August 1, 2002 |
West Virginia | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | January 1, 2002 |
Wisconsin | 6018 | NO | NO | N/A | October 1, 2001 |
Wyoming | 60 | NO | NO | N/A | January 1, 1999 |
[1] This table addresses time limits that terminate or reduce assistance to a family based receipt of assistance for a period of time. Policies under which receipt of assistance for a certain period of time trigger work requirements are not considered time limits on receipt of assistance here.
[2] Lifetime time limits permanently reduce or terminate assistance.
[3] Intermittent time limits terminate or reduce assistance for a period of time after which assistance can again be provided.
[4] A few States had approved waivers to implement time limits prior to PRWORA. In those cases, the families began accruing months on the time clock based on the waiver rather than the implementation of the TANF Program.
[5] Not applicable.
[6] Unless the child moves out of household.
[7] Or earlier for recipients from States with shorter limits.
[8] Families with unemployable adults and families with caretakers under 19 years of age are placed in a non-time limited Children's Program.
[9] Will use State-only funds after 60 months.
[10] Will use State-only funds for those complying, are not self-sufficient after 60 months and who do not qualify for a hardship exemption.
[11] Benefits continue to the whole family.
[12] State is operating under 1115 waiver authority. For employable adults, assistance is limited to 24 months in 48 months with a lifetime of 60 months. Families for whom self-sufficiency is determined to be not possible are eligible for the non-time limited program.
[13] State will provide safety net assistance in the same amount as family's TANF grant.
[14] Benefits continue to the whole family under State safety net program.
[15] Unless a "child-only" case because the child is residing with a specified relative other than a parent.
[16] Because of extensive exemptions from the time limit, the State does not address funding beyond the 60-month Federal limit as cases will either be exempt or terminated as a result of full family sanctions before they reach the Federal limit.
[17] State will provide State-only funds to individuals after 60 months who are complying, are not self-sufficient and who do not meet any hardship criteria.
[18] Some families may lose benefits prior to reaching the 60-month limit if participating in a particular component.
[19] Twenty-four month time limit applies only to certain recipients. Those exempt from the 24-month limit are subject to the 60-month Federal time limit.
Waiver Inconsistencies Related to Work Participation and/or Time Limit Assistance Requirements of TANF
Ten States are claiming waiver inconsistencies for waivers that were approved to extend beyond FY 2002. The waivers for six of these States (KS, NE, OH, OR, SC, and VA) expire in FY 2003. Waivers for two States (MT and HI) expire in FY 2004, Massachusetts' waivers expire 9/30/2005, and Tennessee's waivers expire 6/30/2007.
Nine States have lost or will lose their waiver authority by the end of FY 2002 and will not be claiming waiver inconsistencies on FY 2003 or beyond. In addition, two States have expired waiver authority, but continue to claim waiver inconsistencies. Washington and Texas delayed the implementation of time limits because of a waiver inconsistency. Their waiver projects have ended, but the earlier waivers continue to affect families who were on assistance while the waiver was in effect. Table 12:11 summarizes the waiver inconsistency claims by States.
State | Work Participation | Time-Limited Assistance | Authority Expires1 |
---|---|---|---|
Hawaii | X | X | 9/30/2004 |
Kansas | X | . | 9/30/2003 |
Massachusetts | X | . | 9/30/2005 |
Montana | X | . | 12/31/2003 |
Nebraska | X | X | 6/30/2003 |
Ohio | X | X2 | 12/31/2003 |
Oregon | X | X | 6/30/2003 |
South Carolina | X | X | 9/30/2003 |
Tennessee | X | X | 6/30/2007 |
Virginia | X | X | 6/30/2003 |
Title III of PRWORA establishes stricter child support enforcement policies. States must operate a child support enforcement program meeting general requirements in order to be eligible for TANF. Recipients must assign rights to child support and cooperate with paternity establishment efforts. States have the option to either deny cash assistance or reduce assistance by at least 25 percent to those individuals who fail to cooperate with paternity establishment or with obtaining child support.
Adoption of Family Violence Option
Each State has the option to certify in its State plan that it has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to: (1) screen and identify individuals with a history of domestic violence (while maintaining their confidentiality); (2) refer such individuals for counseling and supportive services; and (3) waive program requirements, as appropriate, based on safety and fairness concerns. This provision is commonly referred to as the Family Violence Option (See Table 12:12)
State | Federal Certification1 or State Program2 |
---|---|
Alabama | Federal |
Alaska | Federal |
Arizona | Federal |
Arkansas | Federal |
California | Federal |
Colorado | Federal |
Connecticut | State |
Delaware | Federal |
Dist. of Col. | Federal |
Florida | Federal |
Georgia | Federal |
Guam | Territory (State) |
Hawaii | Federal |
Idaho | State |
Illinois | Federal |
Indiana | State |
Iowa | Federal |
Kansas | Federal |
Kentucky | Federal |
Louisiana | Federal |
Maine | State |
Maryland | Federal |
Massachusetts | Federal |
Michigan | State |
Minnesota | Federal |
Mississippi | State |
Missouri | Federal |
Montana | Federal |
Nebraska | Federal |
Nevada | Federal |
New Hampshire | Federal |
New Jersey | Federal |
New Mexico | Federal |
New York | Federal |
North Carolina | Federal |
North Dakota | Federal |
Ohio | State |
Oklahoma | State |
Oregon | Federal |
Pennsylvania | Federal |
Puerto Rico | Federal |
Rhode Island | Federal |
South Carolina | Federal |
South Dakota | State |
Tennessee | Federal |
Texas | Federal |
Utah | Federal |
Vermont | Federal |
Virginia | State |
Virgin Islands | State |
Washington | Federal |
West Virginia | Federal |
Wisconsin | State |
Wyoming | Federal |
[1] State submitted a signed certification that it has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to screen and identify individuals with a history of domestic violence, refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services, and waive program requirements based on safety and fairness concerns (commonly called the Family Violence Option, or the Wellstone Murray amendment).
[2] State is addressing the issue of domestic violence under its TANF program, but did not submit the specified certification.
PRWORA did not include a specific family cap provision. However, States have the flexibility under TANF not to increase cash assistance after the birth of an additional child to a family already receiving TANF benefits (See Table 12:13).
State | Description | Other Provisions/Services Provided |
---|---|---|
Arizona | There is no increase in cash assistance for the birth of additional children after the family begins receiving cash assistance. There are exceptions for: Births resulting from cases of sexual assault or incest; Firstborn children of minors who are included in an assistance unit; Children born within 10 months of the date of application; and Children born at least 10 months after a family has not received cash assistance for one full year due to voluntary withdrawal or ineligibility. | Earned income disregard to make up difference in benefits. Information and referral to family planning. |
Arkansas | No additional cash benefits with birth of child after approval, no exceptions. | Information and referral to family planning. |
California | Under the States “Maximum Family Grant” (MFG) policy, no increase in the Maximum Aid Payment for any child born to a family that has received TANF for 10 continuous months prior to the birth of a child. Continuous receipt of TANF is defined as receiving aid without a two consecutive month break in aid. | MFG policy does not preclude increase in Food Stamp allotment. Child Support received will be paid to the assistance unit and will not be counted as income. Information and referral to family planning. |
Connecticut | The benefit increase will be one-half of the average increase for an additional child, except births to first time minor parents; or because of rape or incest; or to a child who does not reside with his or her parent if the parent did not receive TANF assistance in either the 9th or 10th calendar month before the birth of the child; or in the case of premature births (as verified by a physician) the mother was not on assistance during the month of conception. | No work exemption for parent of excluded child. |
Delaware | No additional cash benefits with birth of child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest. | Information and referral to family planning. Fill-the-gap benefit calculations for cases with earnings/child support. |
Florida | For the first such child (including all children in the case of a multiple birth), provide an increase in the cash benefits equal to 50 percent of the maximum allowable increment; and for a second or subsequent child, provide no increase in the cash benefits received by the unit. | The additional child will be included in the Need Standard. Information and referral to family planning services. |
Georgia | No additional cash benefits with birth of child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest. | Information and referral to family planning. Fill-the-gap benefit calculations for cases with earnings. |
Idaho | No additional cash benefits with birth of child. TANF grant is the same amount for families of all sizes. | Increase in family size will increase the earned income disregard. |
Illinois | No additional cash benefits with birth of child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest or to a child who does not reside with his or her parent or to a child that was conceived in a month the family was not receiving TANF and had not received TANF for a period of at least 3 consecutive months. | Earned income disregard to make up difference in benefits. Information and referral to family planning. |
Indiana | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest. No additional TANF benefits with birth of child. | Information and referral to family planning. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 12 weeks. |
Maryland | Maryland has a 2-year waiver to its Child Specific Benefit beginning October 1, 2002. Will pay direct benefit to family during this period. Provides an opportunity to conduct study on impact of family cap | A child subject to provisions of this regulation is treated as an assistance unit member for all other purposes, including but not limited to Medical Assistance, child care services, and Food Stamps. This regulation does not apply if the birth of a dependant child is the result of rape or incest, the first born child of a minor in the unit, another caretaker relative has obtained legal guardianship of the child, or the child is placed in the home of a caretaker relative by the local department of social services. |
Massachusetts | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest or other extraordinary circumstances. Extends coverage to children conceived within 12 months after family leaves the rolls. | Information and referral to family planning. Expanded earnings/child care disregard. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 12 weeks. |
Mississippi | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. | Income received on behalf of the child, including child support received will be paid to the assistance unit and will not be counted as income. The additional child will be included in the Need Standard for purposes of determining TANF eligibility. |
Nebraska | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child if born more than 10 months after the date of application, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest. | Information and referral to family planning. |
New Jersey | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first time minor parents and cases which; have left the rolls, remained employed at least 90 days, and terminated employment for good cause; or remained off the rolls for at least 12 consecutive rolls for any reason. | Children subject to family cap are eligible for all other services except cash assistance. |
North Carolina | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child as a result of a child born to the family 10 or more months after the family begins to receive TANF, except births to first time minor parents; or because of rape or incest; or to a child that was conceived in a month the assistance unit (i.e., the entire family) was not receiving TANF; to a child when parental custody has been legally transferred; to a child who is no longer able to live with his or her parents. | |
North Dakota | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. | Child support collections pass through for benefit of child. |
Oklahoma | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. | If a child is born to a recipient 10 months from date of application for assistance, the amount that would be added to the benefit for the child is paid in the form of vouchers until the child reaches the age of 36 months. |
Puerto Rico | Increase cash assistance | Referral to family planning |
South Carolina | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. | Benefits provided in the form of vouchers or commodities for a child born subject to the benefit limitation up to the amount of the increase in cash benefits that the family would have received for the child in the absence of the family cap. The vouchers may be used to pay for goods and services, as determined by the State, to support the needs of the child and permit the custodial parent to participate in education, training and employment-related activities. |
Tennessee | No additional cash benefit will be issued due to the birth of a child when the birth occurs more than 10 calendar months after the later of the date of application for TANF. A caretaker must provide a physician's statement to overcome the presumption that a child born more than 10 months after application was conceived prior to such date. Does not apply to the first-born child of a minor or children born as the result of rape or incest. | Information and referral to family planning. The additional child will be included in the need standard and the income of the child, including child support, will be applied against the need standard and the fill-the-gap budgeting method in determining the TANF payment amount for the family. |
Virginia | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first time minor parents or because of rape or incest. The family cap does not apply to children born within 10 months of beginning to receive assistance. | Pass-through all child support received for family affected. Information and referral to family planning. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 6 weeks. |
Virgin Islands | Additional births result in increased cash benefits. | |
Wisconsin | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. TANF grant is the same amount for families with the same work status regardless of family size. | Information and referral to family planning. Family planning information provided at application and with benefit checks. |
Wyoming | No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. |
This document was last modified on
May-29-2008
.