Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families Program

Program Instruction

Transmittal No. TANF-ACF-PI-97-3

State Agencies Administering the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF) Program and Other Interested Parties.

Amendments to Completed Two-Year TANF State Plans.

State TANF plans are effective for two years. A new TANF plan for subsequent two-year periods must be submitted to the Department for a determination of "completeness". During the period that a two-year plan is in effect, States may submit amendments. This program instruction provides guidance to States submitting TANF plan amendments for two-year plans that have already been deemed complete.

State agencies have the discretion on when such amendments should be prepared and submitted; the format and description of the amendment; and the consultations required. Examples of when such amendments should be prepared and submitted are:

• in instances when there are new or revised Federal statutes or regulations;
• reactions to applicable Federal or State court decisions;
• substantive changes in State law, organization, policy or operations;
• a correction of a mistake; and
• clarifications.

When submitting amendments States should indicate clearly as to what section of the TANF plan is being amended.

All State agencies submitting TANF plan amendments should send two copies of the amendment to the appropriate ACF Regional Administrator. A copy of the amendment will be forwarded to the ACF Central Office (CO) for maintenance in the national State plan resource center.

Once the review has been completed and there are no issues requiring further clarification, the ACF Regional Administrator will send the State agency a letter indicating that the amendment has been received and incorporated into the State's "complete" TANF plan.

Inquiries should be addressed to the appropriate Regional Administrator, Administration for Children and Families.

/s/
____________________________
Lavinia Limon
Director
Office of Family Assistance