Maine TANF/MOE Report

Office of Family Assistance

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
Maine

Andy Bush, Director
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Family Assistance
Washington, D.C. 20447

Attached is Maine’s submission of its TANF Annual Report Required under TANF Final Rules of 1999.

Maine’s annual report is filed as an addendum to its fourth quarter TANF Data Report for Fiscal Year 2005.

If you have any questions, please contact Dean Henderson, TANF Program Manager or Steve Telow, ASPIRE Program Manager at 207-287-2826.

Attachments

Cc: Hugh Galligan, Administration for Children and Families, JFK Federal Building Room 2000, Boston MA 02203

Stan Gardner, Administration for Children and Families, JFK Federal Building Room 2000, Boston MA 02203

John Perez, Administration for Children and Families, JFK Federal Building Room 2000,
Boston, MA 02203

Dean Henderson, TANF Program Manager
Steve Telow, ASPIRE-TANF Manager
Department of Health and Human Services
11 SHS-Whitten Road
Augusta, ME 04333-0011

This report is prepared to comply with the requirements of 45 CFR Part 260, et al. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Final Rule and instruction contained in TANF-ACF-PI-01-06 dated October 24, 2001. Section 265.9 (c) requires each state to file an annual report containing information on the TANF program and the state’s MOE programs for that year. The annual report may be filed as an addendum to the fourth quarter TANF Data Report; or a separate annual report.

Maine began filing SSP-MOE Quarterly Data reports with its quarterly TANF Data Report on October 1, 1999. Therefore, Maine is filing an addendum report on its TANF and MOE programs for fiscal year 2005.

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

45 CFR 261.30 encompasses the 12 categories of work activities listed in Section 407(d) of the Social Security Act for purposes of determining the State’s required minimum work participation rate (s). Each State defines the activities that fall under each of these 12 categories and provides them to us. This item is for that purpose. Therefore, your definitions should include the kinds of work activities that apply to each of the 12 categories. For example, what activities comprise “job skills training directly related to employment” in your State?

The State’s work activities and their definitions are:	Details of Activities are found at:
(a) Unsubsidized employment; Paid employment; receipt of wages or other earned income	See Section 13 at Attachment 1
(b) Subsidized private-sector employment employment;	Not Applicable.
(c) Subsidized public-sector employment;	Not Applicable.
(d) Work experience if sufficient private-sector employment is not available; Unpaid employment, in a for-profit or not-for-profit business, to gain work skills	See Section 9 at Attachment 8
(e) On-the-job training (OJT); Agreement with an employer to provide workplace skills and training in return for a partial reimbursement of wages for a limited period of time	See Section 13 at Attachment 1
(f) Job search and job readiness Job search: counseling and pre-employment training either individually or in a group Job readiness: pre-training activities focused on life management skills, work place expectations and work behavior and attitudes necessary to succeed in the labor market	See Section 8, II, E at Attachment 6, assistance; and Section 12 at Attachment 1
(g) Community service programs; Placement in public or private non-profit organizations to enhance job skills, and to provide recent employment references	See Section 11 at Attachment 1
(h) Vocational educational training. Post-secondary educational training to Provide specific workplace skills to enhance employability	See Section 10 at Attachment 7
(i) Job skills training directly related to employment; Vocational training focusing on the required skills, knowledge and abilities of a specific occupation or business (e.g., apprenticeship)	See Section 9 at Attachment 8
(j) Education directly related to employment, in the case of a recipient Who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency; Specialized employment skills training designed to compensate for the lack of a high school diploma or GED	See Section 3, B, and C at Attachment 9
(k) Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, if a recipient has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate; and Custodial parents under 20 years of age, who have not completed their high school diploma or its equivalent, are required to attend courses to complete high school, with an emphasis on education in a traditional high school setting	See Section 3, B and C at Attachment 9
(l) Providing child care services to an Individual who is participating in a community Service program.	See Section 3, IV, A, 3a and B, 2a at Attachment 9

TANF recipients can meet their work requirement by providing child care services to one or more TANF recipients who are engaged in Community Service programs, such as Maine’s TEMP program.

(2) A description of the transitional services provided to families no longer receiving assistance due to employment.

Indicate the kinds of help provided to working families that received, but no longer receive, “assistance” as defined in 45 CFR 260.31.

Transitional Child Care (TCC) is available to recipients who received TANF in 1 of the 3 months immediately preceding the month of ineligibility. Increased hours of work or increased earnings must have caused or contributed to the ineligibility, and the family’s gross income must be equal to or less than 85% of the state’s median income for the family size.

Families are eligible for Transitional Child Care benefits until their youngest child is 13 years old or the family exceeds the income limit, whichever comes first.

Eligibility for Transitional Child Care and the calculation of the first month’s payment is determined by Office Staff. Subsequent eligibility and payment are determined by the Resource Development Center or the Voucher Management Agency that serves the county in which the family lives.

Transitional Transportation is available for a period of twelve months to those members of the household who have obtained employment while a TANF participant, and who have become ineligible for TANF solely as a result of increased earned income or hours of work.

Families who become ineligible for TANF are routinely reviewed for medical coverage and food stamps. Most former TANF recipients remain eligible for basic Medicaid before accessing Transitional Medicaid. Families who become ineligible for Medicaid due to increased earnings or increased hours of employment may receive up to 12 consecutive months of extended Medicaid coverage.

(3) A description of how a State will reduce the amount of assistance payable to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause pursuant to 45 CFR 261.14 of this chapter.

When an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause, the individual is removed from the grant for up to the following penalty periods:

2. for the second refusal to comply, until the failure to comply ceases or 3 months, whichever is longer;

3. for any subsequent failure to comply, until the failure to comply ceases, or 6 months whichever is longer.

Exception: When an individual is serving a penalty and he/she engages in paid employment of, at least, 30 or more hours and at no less than minimum wage, the penalty period ceases even when the three (3) months or six (6) months has not been fully served. If an individual later becomes unemployed without good cause, he/she incurs the subsequent penalty period.

The beginning date of a penalty period is the date that the Office issues the notice of adverse action.

*Penalty periods are sometimes referred to as sanctions.

(4) The average monthly number of payments for child care services made by the State through the use of disregards, by the following types of child care providers:

(v) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) in home child care provided by a nonrelative; 4

(vi) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) in-home child care provided by a relative; 10

(vii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) family child care provided by a nonrelative; 0

(viii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) family child care provided by a relative; 0

(ix) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) group child care provided by a nonrelative; 8

(x) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) group child care provided by a relative and; 12

(xi) Legally operated (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) center-based child care; 0

(5) If the State has adopted the Family Violence Option and wants Federal recognition of its good cause domestic violence waivers under 45 CFR 260.50-58, then provide (a) a description of the strategies and procedures in place to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive appropriate alternative services and (b) an aggregate figure for the total number of good cause domestic waivers granted;

(6) A description of any nonrecurrent, short-term benefits (as defined in 45 CFR 260.31 (b) (1) provided, including:

(i) The eligibility criteria associated with such benefits, including any restrictions on the amount, duration, or frequency of payments;

(ii) Any policies that limit such payments to families that are eligible for TANF assistance or that have the effect of delaying or suspending a family’s eligibility for assistance; and

(iii) Any procedures or activities development under the TANF program to ensure that individuals diverted from assistance receive information about, referrals to, or access to other program benefits (such as Medicaid and Food Stamps) that might help them make the transition from welfare to work;

Maine has two (2) types of non-recurrent, short term benefits that “are designed to deal with a specific crises situation or episode of need, are not intended to meet recurrent or on-going needs, which will not extend beyond four (4) months.” Descriptions:

(i) Alternative Aid Assistance is a diversion program offered to all TANF eligible applicants.

Families who are eligible for TANF may volunteer to receive the one-time Alternative Aid Assistance (instead of TANF) if they only want short-term assistance to help them retain or obtain employment.

The assistance is issued as vendor payments worth up to three months of TANF benefits to pay for services such as car repairs or child care expenses to help families remain self-supporting.

Alternative Aid is issued only once in the lifetime of the parent or caretaker relatives in the assistance unit.

(ii) N/A
Alternative Aid is not available to TANF recipients. The Program’s purpose is to address a family’s immediate need for payment of a service or product that will enable them to retain employment or obtain employment.

(iii) To be eligible for Alternative Aid, a family must first be eligible for TANF. Once eligible for TANF, the applicant decides which program best meets his/her family’s needs.

Eligibility for Food Stamps and Medicaid is routinely determined after the applicant family selects Alternative Aid or TANF.

Maine’s Automated Client Eligibility System (ACES) has the capability of cascading through any or all of the programs administered by the Office to determine which programs each family member is eligible for. This all-inclusive approach provides applicant family’s an opportunity to access other programs that may help them get or keep employment.

(i) The Emergency Assistance Program is limited to children and their families who are threatened by destitution or homelessness because of an emergency situation.

The program does not cover all emergencies. Assistance is limited to specific services covered under 5 categories: disaster, repair/replace, emergency housing, utilities, and special medical equipment or clothing. Each category of assistance has a payment limit.

Emergency Assistance Payments are vendor payments. Eligible families may qualify for up to $600 in services once a year for a 30 day period.

(ii) Emergency Assistance is not limited to TANF recipients. Other families with children qualify for the program.

(iii) Staff who administer the Emergency Assistance Program are the same staff who administer all of the Office’s programs. Eligibility Specialists use ACES to determine eligibility for other programs that might help the family transition from welfare to work or help the family remain self-supporting.

(7) A description of the grievance procedures the State has established and is maintaining to resolve displacement complaints, pursuant to section 407 (f) (3) of the Act. This description must include the name of the State agency with the lead responsibility for administering this provision and explanations of how the State has notified the public about these procedures and how an individual can register a complaint;

407 (f) (3) GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE. – A State with a program funded under this part shall establish and maintain a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of alleged violations of paragraph (2).

(2) NO FILLING OF CERTAIN VACANCIES. – No adult in a work activity described in subsection (d) which is funded, in whole or in part, by funds provided by the Federal Government shall be employed or assigned-

(A) when any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or

(B) if the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction of its workforce in order to fill the vacancy so created with an adult described in paragraph (1).

Maine’s displaced employee grievance procedures are explained in Attachment 3.

(8) A summary of State programs and activities directed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF (as specified at 45 CFR 260.20 I and (d) of this chapter).

(a) Summarize below, the State programs and activities directed at preventing and reducing the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establishing annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies (TANF purpose 3):

(b) Summarize below, the State programs and activities directed at encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families (TANF purpose 4):

Maine’s TANF requires all unmarried minor parents to receive benefits as voucher payments instead of a direct cash payment. In addition, unmarried minor parents must live with parents, other adult relatives, or in an adult-supervised supportive living arrangement unless certain good cause reasons exists. These initiatives are intended to discourage teen pregnancies. The average number of unmarried minor parents receiving TANF benefits as head of household in FFY 05 was 33 per month.

Also, the Department’s Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery has worked with the Maine CDC and the Office of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics to produce pamphlets placing emphasis on rights and responsibilities of both male and female parents to support their children.

Additionally, the Department has produced a movie targeted at teenage pregnancy and distributed both the movie and a facilitator’s guide to Superintendents of Schools throughout Maine and to IV-D Directors throughout the United States.

Furthermore, the Department and the grant manager of the State’s family planning system, developed and implemented an intensive Peer Education Project to increase the use of family planning services to recipients of TANF from 1997 through September 30, 2000. The target population included, but was not limited to, recipients at risk of repeat pregnancy, recipients who were minors, and individuals at risk of becoming recipients.

The Peer Education Project provided direct, in-person family planning information, education and counseling to members of target populations and recruited, trained and provided permanent employment for TANF recipients as peer education workers. As of September 1998, four TANF recipient Peer Educators found employment in their communities. It is the Department’s understanding that the State’s Peer Education Project is regarded by education coordinators as a national model.

The Department will continue to work with the Legislature on the issue of statutory rape. There have been no changes in State law as of the writing of this report. Education programs provided by Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Centers are geared to students covering issues such as: childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, dating violence, acquaintance rape, gender issues, and stereotyping.

The Department plans to reduce the pregnancy rate of 10-14 year olds to 0 per 1,000 females, the pregnancy rate of 15-17 year olds to 30 per 1,000 females, and the pregnancy rate of 18-19 year olds to 80 per 1,000 females by 2005. (Maine baseline: 0.7 per 1,000 for 10-14 year olds, 37.9 per 1,000 for 15-17 year olds, and 101.4 per 1,000 for 18-19 year olds in 1992).

Maine encourages two-parent households by providing financial benefits to children and their parents when:

1. medical and social information indicates that physical or mental incapacity substantially reduces or eliminates the ability of a parent to support or care for a child, or

Additionally, stepparents of TANF children have the option to be included or excluded from the TANF Program.

Age Group	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002*
10-14	0.6	0.4	0.6	.4	.2	.4
15-17	24.4	26.4	22.2	21.2	19.8	20.1
18-19	73.4	75.7	75.4	74.5	71.7	56.0
15-19	43.7	46.1	42.9	41.8	39.8

NOTES:
Pregnancies include reported live births, fetal births, and included abortions.
Rates per 1000 age specific female population.
Rates are based upon calendar year.

*Source of Data: Maine Maine CDC, Division of Community Health, Teen and Young Adult Health Program.

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

(9) An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in subsidized employment under §261.30 (b) or (c) of this chapter.

(b) Subsidized private-sector employment 0
(c) Subsidized public-sector employment; 0

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides temporary financial assistance to needy, dependent, and deprived children and their parents (or caretaker relatives) to meet their basic needs while being cared for in their homes.

While receiving assistance, parents or caretaker relatives work on an employment plan to become self-supporting.

Maine’s TANF Program provides assistance to both 1-parent and 2-parent families as long as each child is deprived of one parent’s care, guidance and maintenance of a home because of death, disabling condition, the principal wage earner is underemployed, or a parent is continually absent from the home.

Maine’s TANF Program provides benefits to stepparents when they elect to participate in the program, and to some pregnant women starting in the sixth month of their pregnancy.

When an unmarried minor parent heads a TANF assistance unit, she/he must live with his/her parents or other adult relatives and complete high school. The minor parent’s TANF benefit is sent to vendors or sent to a third party payee who manages the money on behalf of the minor parent’s family.

The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery helps TANF families by establishing paternity, locating parents, and collecting child support.

When child support is collected for a TANF family, up to the first $50 of current support is sent to the family. This payment is referred to as a Pass Through payment.

When more than $50 is collected and a TANF family has little or no income, the family may get a supplemental payment to bring the family’s income up to the State’s standard of need for that family size. This supplemental payment of child support collections is commonly referred to as a Gap payment.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

(c) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $17,007,069

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: 3288

These State MOE funds were actually co-mingled with Federal TANF funds to provide TANF basic assistance to an average of 9,672 TANF families. See page 3 for breakdown.

Total Federal & State Expenditures: $ 49,497,452 = 100%
Federal TANF Expenditures: $ 32,490,383 = 66%
State MOE Expenditures: $ 17,007,069 = 34%

Monthly Ave TANF Families: 100% = 9,672
Fed. TANF Families Served: 66% = 6,384
State MOE Families Served: 34% = 3,288

Families who receive TANF benefits follow all the same eligibility criteria, including work participation requirements and time limits regardless of their funding source.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995.
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No).

TANF was not allowed in 1995.
In 1995, Maine administered the public assistance program called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). AFDC was allowed under prior law.

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

ASPIRE-TANF is a program that assists people who receive TANF benefits prepare for, obtain, and retain employment to become self-supporting.

Information & Referrals
Life Management Skills
Family Planning
Education in Parenting
Testing and Assessment of Skills and Abilities
GED Preparation
High School Diploma
Skills Training
Continuing Education
On-the-Job Training
Job Preparation Training
Field Training
Job Search
Direct Job Placement

The ASPIRE Program provides participants with support services such as finding affordable child care and transportation. Additionally, staff try to help solve problems that prevent TANF recipients from obtaining or retaining employment.

(a) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,806,949
• child care: 5,b $ 0
• transportation: 6,c,2 $ 0
• all other support services 5,c $1,806,949
$1,806,949

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $ 1,806,949

Most TANF recipients are required to participate in ASPIRE. Participation in the program is consistent with the work participation requirements of the PROWRA of 1996.

TANF recipients who are not mandated to participate in the ASPIRE-TANF Program may volunteer to participate.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 None
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No).

The ASPIRE-TANF program did not exist in 1995. Maine administered the ASPIRE-Jobs Program as the job preparation program for the AFDC Program prior to implementing the TANF Program.

12. This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Maine provides some assistance with the cost of child care and transportation to families who no longer receive TANF assistance because of employment. Attachment 2 contains the details of these services.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation,
work, and marriage;

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year $ 623
• child care = $0
• transportation = $623

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $ 623

• Increased hours of work or increased earnings must have caused or contributed to the closure of TANF.
• Recipients must have received TANF in 1 of the 3 months immediately preceding the month of ineligibility.
• The families gross income must be equal to or less than 85% of the State’s median income for their family size.
• Details are in attachment 2.

• Recipient must have received TANF.
• TANF eligibility must have ceased solely as a result of increased hours of work or earnings.
• Gross earnings must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Details are in attachment 2.

Prior law allowed transitional services to AFDC families who worked their way off the program.

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures. There were no State MOE expenditures for FFY 2005

Alternative Aid Assistance is a diversion program offered to all TANF applicants.

Families who are eligible for TANF may volunteer to receive the one-time Alternative Aid Assistance (instead of TANF) for short-term assistance to help them retain or obtain employment.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $0

• The rules that govern the TANF payment, including the asset limit, income limit and the budgeting process, apply to Alternative Aid assistance with the following exceptions:

• Child support payments received minus the first $50, is counted as unearned income in determining eligibility for and the calculating the amount of the Alternative Aid benefit.

• The Alternative Aid benefit is issued only once in the life time of the parents or caretaker relatives in the assistance unit.

• The family is not required to assign child support, comply with ASPIRE-TANF requirements, or participate in a TANF orientation meeting.

• Receipt of Alternative Assistance does not count towards the 60 month time limit.

• When the family’s income passes the pretests, the wages (which would count in the calculation of TANF or PaS benefits) are excluded income in the calculation of Alternative Aid Assistance.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as defined at §260.30)?
(check one)

12. This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Emergency Assistance helps families prevent a crisis such as an eviction from their home or a utility disconnect. For many families, EA diverts a family from becoming a TANF participant family.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $160,484

• A child must live with specific relative or lived with specific relative within six months prior to application.

• A child and family must meet income guideline below 100% of Federal Poverty Level or every family member must receive TANF, PaS, SSI, Food Stamps or Medicaid.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

12. This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

• Unemployed Parent (UP) $ 5,313,709
Not a Program

• Supplemental Assistance $ 1,158,765
Appendix B

Total $ 12,939,637

5a	$ 12,939,637
5b.	$ 855,505
5c	$ 1,592,910
6a
6b	$ 1,996,179
6c	$ 1,169,633

6j	$0
k	$0

Total

• Child care = $ 855,505
• Other support = $ 1,592,910
• Transportation = $ 1,169,633
$ 3,618,048

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures. No State expenditures for FFY 2005.

j. This money represents the staff costs for administering State-funded programs.
k. The money included on this line item represents the State’s portion of the computer costs related to the monitoring and tracking of TANF and ASPIRE Program recipients and services.

• Monitor and track participants activities to determine is Maine’s program are consistent with the following goals of the PRWORA of 96:

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

(c) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and

____This Program is operated under the TANF program.

____This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $ 0

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: N/A This is not a program.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

Parents as Scholars is a student financial aid program based on need, for up to 2000 participants, to aid needy students who have dependent children and who are matriculating in postsecondary undergraduate 2-year and 4-year degree-granting programs aimed at specific work goals.

Enrollees in the program must develop an individual employment plan and take educational courses that directly relate to preparing the student for a particular vocation or work that will move their family to self support.

PaS providers financial assistance for living expenses in an amount equivalent to TANF recipients. A family that ceases to receive aid as a result of increased child support or increased hours of, or increased income from employment is eligible to receive transitional support services.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives:

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage:

The Parent as Scholars (PaS) Program is a tool to provide alternative means of achieving self-support for some parents

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

a. An enrollee must participate in a combination of education, training, study or work-site experience for an average of 20 hours per week in the first 24 months of the program.

b. Aid under this program may continue beyond 24 months if the enrollee remains in an educational program and agrees to participate in either of the following options:

1.) Fifteen hours per week of work-site experience in addition to other
education training or study: or

Both options will be presented to enrollees, and they (enrollees) will be permitted to choose either option. Work-site experience includes, but is not limited to paid employment, work study, practicums, internships, clinical placements, laboratory or field work directly related to the enrollee’s employment goal or any other work activity that as determined by the Office of Integrated Access and Support, will enhance the enrollee’s employability in her/his field of study. In the last semester of the enrollee’s educational program, work-site experience may also include resume preparation, employment research, interviews and other activities related to job placement.

Study hours are to be counted as 1.5 times the number of hours enrolled in the educational program. These do not have to be scheduled, supervised study hours; as long as the participant is satisfactorily participating in the educational activity, the study hours are automatically allowed and counted towards the participation requirement.

c. An enrollee receiving aid under this program must be enrolled full-time
with the expectation that the degree (either 2 year or 4 year) will be obtained within the normal time frame for the particular degree and make satisfactory progress as defined in Section 3, III, A of the ASPIRE-TANF Policy Manual. Good cause for not meeting these criteria means circumstances in which the required participation would cause the enrollee to seriously compromise academic performance. Good cause includes, but is not limited to, a verifiable need to take care of a family member with special needs, a physical or mental health problem, illness, accident, death or a serious personal or family problem that necessitates reduced participation or time off from education training or work.

d. The ASPIRE-TANF program may not disapprove an educational plan based solely on the length of the education program.

e. In a two parent household where one of the parents is in a 2 or 4 year educational program and accepted into the PaS Program, the other parent, if required by TANF regulations to participate in the ASPIRE-TANF Program, will have to participate in countable activities a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week.

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 1,881,360

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

1. Individuals with marketable bachelor’s degrees are ineligible for enrollment.

2. To the extent that program resources and space permit, enrollment in the
program must be granted if the assessment results in findings as follows:

a. That the individual does not possess the necessary skills to obtain employment that will enable the individual to support a family at 85% of the median family income in the State for a family of the same size.

b. That considering potential employment opportunities and local labor market conditions, the post secondary education sought by the individual will significantly improve the ability of the family to be self-supporting; and

c. That the individual has the aptitude to complete the proposed post secondary program successfully.

Financial eligibility criteria for PaS is the same financial eligibility criteria used to determine TANF monthly benefits.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

This program provides financial assistance to families of needy, dependent children deprived of parental care and/or support because of the incapacity of a parent who receives SSI.

The IC – Family receives monthly benefits equivalent to a TANF family’s benefits.

A family who becomes ineligible for this program because of increased child support, increased hours of, or increased income from employment is eligible for transitional support services.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared
for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by
promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

IC – Family program recipients are not required to participate in work activities. However, the adult receiving these benefits can volunteer to participate in the job preparation program if she/he wants to.

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 3,032,228

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: 594

This last figure represents: (check one):

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under
the Program:

The rules that govern the TANF Program, including financial eligibility,
apply to IC – Families.

The IC – Family focuses on two-parent families in which one parent
receives SSI. The recipient of SSI is considered proof that the parents
disabling condition substantially reduces or eliminates the ability of the
parent to support or care for his child.

The IC – Family Program encourages a child’s parents to stay together
inspite of the fact that the SSI parent’s incapacity may substantially reduce
his parental role. The child will be financially and emotionally supported by both parents.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

The State Funded Student Families Program provides benefits to
students and their parents ages 18, 19, and 20 who were eligible
for AFDC Program benefits under the program rules on
August 21,1996.

The Student Family receives monthly benefits equivalent to a TANF family’s benefits.

A family who becomes ineligible for this program because of increased child support, increased hours of, or increased income from employment is eligible for transitional support services.

The purpose of the Program is to:

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared
for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

Student Family program recipients are not required to participate in work activities. However, they may volunteer to participate in the job preparation program if they want to.

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,338,431

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: 278

This last figure represents: (check one):

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under
the Program:

The rules that govern the TANF Program, including the financial eligibility criteria is used to determine eligibility and benefits for this program.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

The State Funded Non – Citizen Families Program provides benefits to
legal aliens who were eligible under the AFDC Program rules on
August 21, 1996, but are not considered qualified aliens under the TANF
Program.

The Non-citizen family receives monthly benefits equivalent to a TANF family’s benefits. A family who becomes ineligible for this program because of increased child support, increased hours of, or increased income from employment is eligible for transitional support services.

The Program’s purpose is to:

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared
for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

4. Program Type. (check one)

___This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_ X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

This family is not required to participate in work activities. However, the adult(s) receiving these benefits can volunteer to participate in job preparation program if they want to.

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 215,143

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: 49

This last figure represents: (check one):

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under
the Program:

The eligibility criteria, including financial eligibility for this program is the same criteria used to determine eligibility for the TANF Program.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

1. Program Name: Pass Through and TANF Supplemental Assistance. (These are assistance benefits. They are not specific programs.)

When the Department collects current child support from the parent who does not live with the TANF or PaS family, the TANF family gets up to the first $50 as a Pass Through Assistance Payment.

When more than $50 in current or arrearage child support is collected, the assistance unit may receive a supplemental TANF or PaS Assistance Payment, sometimes referred to as a Gap Payment. Maine uses a fill-the-gap budgeting method to calculate TANF or PaS Assistance.

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

(b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

*Encourages support of children by both parents, even when one parent does not live with the children.

4. Program Type. (check one)

____ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

_ X_ Funded with State-only money. This is not a program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,158,764

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE
Funds: 6,104

This last figure represents: (check one):

• Current child support must be collected on the monthly support obligation for the assistance unit to receive a Pass Through Payment.

• Current or arrearage child support must be collected and a family must have an unmet need (gap) to receive a TANF or PaS supplemental payment (gap payment).

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as defined at §260.30)?
(check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

The TANF-UP Program provides financial assistance to children when both parents live with them and the principal wage earner parent in underemployed or unemployed.

The purpose of the Program is to:

a) Provider Assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;

b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage;

4. Program Type. (check one)

_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

___This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

N/A

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal
Year: $5,313,709

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria of “eligible families.”

Title: Acting Director, Office of Integrated Access and Support

Maine Department of Health and Human Services

State: Maine Fiscal Year: 2005 Date: 11/10/05 Submitted: 11/10/05

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

The ASPIRE Program provides case management and support services to assist families in preparing for, obtaining, and retaining employment to become self-supporting.

The State-funded public assistance families who volunteer to participate in ASPIRE get the same services and choices that are available to ASPIRE-TANF participants. (See page 4 explanations)

(a) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type. (check one)

___ This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate
State/local program):

• Placement in permanent full-time employment will have priority over participation in MaineServe or Transitional Employment for Maine Parent (TEMP).

• The purpose of MaineServe and TEMP is to enhance job skills and provide recent employment references.

• MaineServe and TEMP positions are in public or private non-profit organizations.

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 3,618,048

• child care: $ 855,505

• other $ 1,592,910

• transportation: $ 1,169,633

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 3,618,048

Individuals who are exempt from participation in the ASPIRE job preparation program may volunteer to participate.

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (e.i., as
defined at §260.30)? (check one)

12. This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria “eligible families.”

Attachment 1

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
OFFICE OF INTEGRATED ACCESS AND SUPPORT
ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

Summary: This Section describes ASPIRE-TANF work activities that include MaineServe and Transitional Employment for Maine Parents (TEMP).

A. The purpose of MaineServe and TEMP is to enhance job skills, and provide recent employment references.

B. Placement in permanent full-time employment will have priority over participation in MaineServe or TEMP.

C. MaineServe and TEMP positions will be in public or private non-profit organizations.

D. MaineServe positions shall be limited to projects that serve a useful public purpose such as education, urban and rural development, health, and social services.

E. Neither MaineServe or TEMP placements will be provided to an agency where an organized union strike or walkout is occurring or other labor dispute is in progress.

F. No organization, or agency in violation of local, State or Federal laws will be eligible for MaineServe or TEMP placements.

G. The EEO and ADA policies of the prospective MaineServe or TEMP sites should be assessed to determine if the work activity will be conducted in a responsive setting, and the prospective site is in compliance with EEO and ADA regulations.

H. The MaineServe or TEMP site agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding ASPIRE-TANF participants or their immediate families that may be obtained through interviews, tests, reports from public agencies or counselors, or any other source. Without the permission of the participant, such information shall be divulged only as necessary for purposes related to the performance or evaluation of the Work Site Agreement and to persons having responsibilities under the Agreement.

I. The monthly maximum number of hours that can be required of a participant assigned to either MaineServe or TEMP is obtained by dividing the total of the TANF and Food Stamp benefit amounts by the current Maine minimum wage ($5.15 presently); fractional hours will be dropped. The monthly number of hours is then divided by 4.3 to arrive at a weekly figure and this number is written in the Family Contract Amendment as the maximum number of hours per week that will be required for participation in MaineServe or TEMP. If the total is less than the minimum number of hours required by Federal and/or State law, then the difference will be made-up by involving the participant in non-work activities, such as skills training or remedial education. The maximum number of hours of participation in MaineServe or TEMP is subject to review and change as the TANF and Food Stamp benefit amounts change, and should be addressed whenever new Family Contract Amendments are written.

J. After six months, TEMP positions will be reassessed to determine whether the placement continues to be viable for the participant.

K. At the end of nine months, the MaineServe volunteer and the ASPIRE-TANF case manager shall evaluate the MaineServe placement. If it is determined to be appropriate, the MaineServe volunteer may renew the placement within MaineServe.

M. Any mandatory ASPIRE-TANF participant who has completed training and job search but has not obtained a permanent job or any mandatory ASPIRE-TANF unemployed parent must participate in either TEMP or MaineServe (MaineServe is an alternative work experience program).

N. Any voluntary ASPIRE-TANF participant may choose to participate in MaineServe or TEMP.

O. ASPIRE-TANF will provide the necessary support services in accordance with Section 15 in order for the participant to complete the MaineServe or TEMP placement.

P. An amended Family Contract will be developed which will reflect the MaineServe or TEMP activity, the participant's requirements and will include the services needed by the participant to succeed in the placement.

A. MaineServe is a volunteer work experience position designed to provide parents who are eligible for TANF opportunities to serve their communities and the State.

B. Eligibility: Any ASPIRE-TANF participant over 16 years of age is eligible to volunteer for MaineServe, except that any person under 20 years of age who has not completed high school or its equivalent must also participate in an educational activity designed to complete high school education.

C. Duration of service: MaineServe volunteers may serve up to 9 months. At the end of the service period, the MaineServe volunteer and the ASPIRE-TANF case manager shall evaluate the MaineServe placement. If it is determined appropriate, the MaineServe volunteer may renew the placement within MaineServe.

III. TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYMENT FOR MAINE PARENTS (TEMP)

A. TEMP participants will not receive work or training reimbursements for voluntary work performed.

B. ASPIRE-TANF will assist in the development of a placement site which will match the participant's abilities, work history and employment goal, to the extent possible, within a reasonable distance from the participant's location and program resources.

Summary: This Section describes ASPIRE-TANF job search services that include self-directed, individual and group job search, and job development and placement.

A. TANF recipients who are considered job-ready, which includes those who are eligible for TANF based on underemployment of the primary wage earner and those single parent recipients with a recent work history whose children are 5 years of age or older, may participate in individual or group job search activities (depending on the needs and resources of the local ASPIRE-TANF offices) during the work evaluation phase of involvement with ASPIRE-TANF. This up-front job search is limited to a maximum of 6 weeks.

B. ASPIRE-TANF participants who have completed the agreed-upon training necessary for the employment goal, will be required to participate in a job search activity.

C. An amendment to the Family Contract which includes the participant’s job search activity and the necessary support services in accordance with Section 14 in order for the participant to complete the job search activity.

D. When approved job search services are available at comparable quality and cost, including the cost of support services, and the implementation of the Family Contract would not be unreasonably delayed, the participant may choose to receive services from the provider of the participant’s choice. If the ASPIRE-TANF case manager and the participant cannot mutually agree on that choice, then the decision will be made by the BFI ASPIRE-TANF case manager subject to conciliation and fair hearing.

E. No participant can be required to participate in a structured ASPIRE-TANF (individual and/or group) job search for a more than six weeks in any Federal fiscal year. However, if the participant chooses to utilize another agency or organization (self-directed) to assist with job search in lieu of ASPIRE-TANF, this activity is not considered as part of the six-week time limit. Under no circumstances can more than 6 weeks of job search be included in a Federal fiscal year as a countable activity.

F. An Employer Contact Log will be required by all participants in a job search activity (including self-directed). A reasonable number of employer contacts per week, given the local labor market conditions, will be established prior to the beginning of Job Search. The ability to amend this contact log when necessary is subject to approval by ASPIRE-TANF staff.

1. A participant who completes a training program at a post-secondary institution where the institution provides placement services may utilize that placement service for up to 6 weeks beginning with the date the ASPIRE-TANF case manager approves the plan.

2. For participants who utilize another organization's job search assistance for up to 6 weeks beginning with ASPIRE-TANF approval, the 6 weeks is not considered as part of the mandatory 6 weeks of job search.

1. In remote areas of the State or in circumstances where delivering group job search is not feasible, individual job search will be available to participants. This consists of one-on-one instruction by ASPIRE-TANF or its contractor, which has the following components: goal setting; completing applications and resumes; techniques for canvassing and contacting employers; information on the kinds of jobs that are available (including the "hidden" labor market); interviewing techniques and follow-up; and maintaining employment.

2. Upon completion of instruction, the participant will contact a reasonable number of employer contacts per week given the local labor market condition. This will be established prior to the beginning of Job Search with the ability to amend when necessary, and provide ASPIRE-TANF with a completed Employer Contact Log at least monthly.

3. ASPIRE-TANF may contact any employer listed on the Employer Contact Log to verify the information provided by the participant.

1. Group Job Search consists of intensive job seeking skill training and peer support development. Topics will include: goal setting, completing applications and resumes; techniques for canvassing and contacting employers; information on the kinds of jobs that are available (including the "hidden" labor market), interviewing techniques and follow-up and maintaining employment. Following the instruction, participants will implement the training, share job seeking experiences and provide mutual support. Participants will have access to telephones, a photocopying machine, typewriters, etc. in order to complete the job search.

2. During the employer contact phase, participants will maintain an Employer Contact Log. ASPIRE-TANF may verify any employer information listed on the log.

1. Job Development – ASPIRE-TANF will provide individualized services to match job openings to the particular skills and abilities of participants. These services include identifying existing available jobs; supporting employment opportunities in line with participant abilities; and assisting participants in all phases of this activity.

2. Job Placement and Retention – Services that will allow participants to obtain, and retain, employment. Such services include, but are not limited to, arranging for mentors, job coaches or situational assessments, and dealing with economic factors (including household budgeting) that will encourage job retention. These services are targeted to those individuals who need more intensive assistance than is usually available through the program. Placements are to be for no less than 125% of the current minimum State wage. Retention services will target at a minimum the first 90 days of employment.

Summary: This Section describes ASPIRE-TANF types of employment that include ASPIRE-PLUS (also known as On-The-Job Training), Self-Employment, Apprenticeship, Non-traditional Employment, full and part-time employment and Dislocated Employee Grievance Procedures.

A. Based on the work evaluation, an amendment to the Family Contract will be developed which will reflect the participant's employment service needs and will include necessary and available support services.

B. ASPIRE-TANF will pay for services necessary to complete the Family Contract only when those services cannot be funded from other sources and only as long as funding is available for those services. ASPIRE-TANF will purchase the least expensive quality service necessary to meet the participant's needs.

C. ASPIRE-TANF will provide participants with information on post-employment, transitional childcare, transitional Medicaid and transitional transportation services provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.

A. ASPIRE-PLUS (also known as On-The-Job Training, or OJT)- Occupational skills training provided by an employer to a trainee while the trainee is engaged in productive work resulting in knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the adequate performance of a job. OJT is a "hire first" activity. The trainee is a bona fide employee who is afforded the same wages, benefits and rights as those who are similarly employed. Retention in unsubsidized employment is expected. Details of the wage reimbursement and other conditions are set forth in III. A. in this section.

B. Apprenticeship - Occupational skills training provided on site by an employer to a trainee while the trainee is engaged in productive work and academic studies in subject related to the trade, both resulting in knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the adequate performance of a job. ASPIRE-TANF will work cooperatively with the Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment and Training, to encourage the development of apprenticeships.

C. Self-Employment - Involvement in an enterprise where the participant has direct control over the type and amount of service or product produced.

ASPIRE-TANF will provide information and referral so that participants interested in self-employment may explore that option.

D. Non-traditional Employment - Employment in occupations or fields of work where women (or men) comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in such occupations or fields of work.

E. Full-Time Employment - working in a position for 30 or more hours per week, with a wage of at least Maine's minimum wage per hour.

ASPIRE-TANF will adhere to the following procedures in developing and implementing ASPIRE-PLUS (OJT):

1. All ASPIRE-PLUS contracts are to be negotiated on an individual basis taking into account the participant's and employer's needs.

2. No contract may be written for an occupation for which the participant has related education, training or experience, which fully qualifies her for that occupation.

3. The rate of reimbursement shall not exceed an average of 50 percent of the wages (not benefits) paid to the trainee during the contract period. Reimbursement rates may be below the 50 percent average if the participant has documented competency to perform specific tasks, or vocational aptitudes or abilities within a specific occupation, but is not fully qualified. Reimbursements may only be for actual time worked by the trainee.

4. The training length will be determined by using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Standard Vocational Training Code, except that no contract will be less than four (4) weeks nor longer than twenty-six (26) weeks in duration.

5. ASPIRE-TANF will use a standard ASPIRE-PLUS contract document that incorporates the payment schedules, job description and terms and conditions therein by reference.

6. The trainee in ASPIRE-PLUS will be considered to be in employment and not in training, and therefore will be eligible for support services, as would any employed participant. This would include employment support services and/or transitional services as appropriate and in accordance with ASPIRE-TANF and TANF eligibility rules.

7. Satisfactory progress will be documented by an employee appraisal conducted by the employer at the halfway point of the contract. If the employer states that the participant is not making satisfactory progress, ASPIRE-TANF will counsel and advise the employee to help improve performance.

8. The employer must notify ASPIRE-TANF of any employee problems that could eventually lead to dismissal. ASPIRE-TANF will counsel and advise the employee on how to resolve the problems, but it shall not interfere with the employer/employee relationship.

9. ASPIRE-PLUS participants must receive a copy of the training outline and/or job description.

10. ASPIRE-PLUS contracts must be monitored in accordance with the standard schedules and requirements of these rules, with at least two visits during the duration of the ASPIRE-PLUS contract.

11. ASPIRE-PLUS contracts will not be written for less than 125% of the State of Maine's minimum wage unless the participant's assessment information supports an exception. In no case will the ASPIRE-PLUS wage be less than the State's minimum wage.

12. No ASPIRE-PLUS Contract must be written which results in displacement or partial displacement (including reduction of hours, wages and benefits) of currently employed workers, nor shall an ASPIRE-PLUS contract be written for a position where any worker is on layoff from the same or a substantially equivalent job, or for a job from which a worker has been bumped and has recall rights.

13. No ASPIRE-PLUS Contract can be written for positions that are intermittent, seasonal or solely commission-based.

14. No firm or industry in violation of local, State or Federal laws will be eligible for an ASPIRE-PLUS contract.

15. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies of the prospective ASPIRE-PLUS employer should be assessed to determine if the training will be conducted in a responsive setting and the prospective employer is in compliance with EEO and ADA regulations.

16. The ASPIRE-PLUS employer will agree to maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding ASPIRE-TANF participants or their immediate families which may be obtained through employee forms, interviews, tests, reports from public agencies or counselors, or any other source. Without the permission of the participant, such information shall be divulged only as necessary for purposes related to the performance or evaluation of the contract and to persons having responsibilities under the contract.

For ASPIRE-TANF participants who choose occupations that are apprenticeable, ASPIRE-TANF will advocate with Department of Labor's Bureau of Employment and Training to obtain an apprenticeship. The Department of Labor's rules and regulations regarding apprenticeship will apply.

An assessment will be done by the ASPIRE-TANF case manager initially to determine the fiscal viability of the self-employment business. A referral to a business counseling service, using the fee-for-service payment criteria found in section 14, II. N. when payment for services is required may be made at that time to provide information to the case manager that will enable ASPIRE-TANF to support (or not support, as the case may be) the self-employment enterprise. In order for the self-employment to be considered full-time for purposes of participation in approved ASPIRE-TANF work activities, the participant must be working in the self-employment enterprise for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

After the self-employment business has been in operation for one year, it is expected that the business be making a net profit equal to 30 hours per week at the State minimum wage. If the participant’s self-employment activity does not meet this criteria, then the participant will be referred to appropriate business counseling services (e.g., Maine Centers for Women, Work & Community, Small Business Administration; Service Corps of Retired Executives; local economic development agencies) in order to work on, and correct, deficiencies in the business plan, and to improve the chances of success for the business. If the business plan is determined by the business counseling service to not be realistic or financially viable, ASPIRE-TANF will require the participant to be involved in another, approved activity for the required number of hours of participation per week. If the business plan is approved by the counseling service there will be a review of the business in six months. If the self-employment enterprise is not making a net profit equal to 30 hours per week at the State minimum wage, then said self-employment business will be determined to not be a viable business, and the participant will be required to participate in another approved ASPIRE-TANF activity in order to meet the requisite number of hours.

Verification of the income received by the business will be accomplished by the participant providing relevant business records, such as tax filing forms and profit/loss statements, to ASPIRE-TANF for use in determining the financial status of the business.

ASPIRE-TANF will adhere to the following procedures in assisting participants with self-employment:

1. ASPIRE-TANF will provide participants the necessary support services in accordance with Section 14 of this manual to engage in self-employment if the following criteria are met:

a. The participant has a business plan approved by a business counselor who agrees the business has a reasonable chance of success (this is optional during the first 12 months of the business, unless the case manager deems it to be appropriate; after the first 12 months, if the business is not meeting the stipulation that it be earning a net profit equal to 30 hours per week times Maine’s current minimum wage, then it is a requirement that a referral be made);

b. The participant is engaged in the self-employment enterprise a minimum of 30 hours a week; and

c. The compensation from the self-employment enterprise must equal Maine minimum wage times 30 hours a week (net profit) by the time the business has been in operation for 18 months.

2. If the participant is referred to a business counselor, and refuses to obtain the information or attend training needed to obtain the information, ASPIRE-TANF will not support the self-employment venture and will require the participant to set another viable employment goal.

ASPIRE-TANF will adhere to the following procedures in assisting participants with non-traditional employment:

1. ASPIRE-TANF will make available to participants information regarding the advantages of non-traditional occupations.

2. For participants who are interested in non-traditional employment, ASPIRE-TANF will provide the necessary program services.

The criteria for suitable employment applies to all types of employment, both full and part-time. The criteria is as follows:

3. The employment results in the participant's family experiencing no net loss of cash income;

4. The daily hours of work and the weekly hours of work do not exceed those customary to the occupation;

9. There is not a legal strike or lock-out or other bona fide labor dispute at the work site;

10. The job or work hours do not interfere with the participant's religious beliefs;

11. Child care resources necessary for participation in employment are available,
and

12. The employment offered does not interrupt a program in progress under an approved Family Contract Amendment.

A. Permanent employees of a business or organization where an ASPIRE-TANF participant has been placed in ASPIRE-PLUS, TEMP or Field Training who feel they have been unlawfully displaced by that participant shall have a right to conciliation and grievance proceedings.

1. A reduction in hours of non-overtime wages or employee benefits;
2. Impairment of contracts for services or bargaining agreements;
3. Filling of a position by an ASPIRE-TANF participant when any other person is on layoff from that position or a substantially equivalent position within the same business or organization;
4. Infringement of promotional opportunities; or
5. Filling of a previously unfilled vacancy by an ASPIRE-TANF participant while there is an employee of the organization who is qualified for, and has expressed interest, in the position.

C. A request for a dispute resolution must be filed in writing with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Administrative Hearings, State House Station #11, Augusta, Maine 04333, within thirty (30) days of the employee discovering he/she has allegedly been displaced and the ASPIRE-TANF participant is still at the employee's place of employment.

The request must include:

1. The name, address and telephone number of the employee;

2. The name of the employee's supervisor;

3. The name, address and telephone number of the business;

4. The name of the business owner or supervisor;

5. The division/location where the employee works;

6. The employee's job title and job classification;

7. The name of the ASPIRE-TANF participant who has allegedly displaced the employee; and

8. The reason the employee feels that he/she has been displaced.

D. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Administrative Hearings will, within 20 days of receipt of the request, schedule in writing a Fair Hearing with the following parties.

F. On the date of the Conciliation, the presiding Officer will attempt to mediate the dispute without resorting to a formal Fair Hearing.

If the presiding Officer determines that no resolution can be reached, a formal Fair Hearing will be opened.

G. The proceedings may be dismissed if the ASPIRE-TANF participant is no longer placed at the business or organization at the time of Conciliation.

H. The employee has the burden of proving that he/she has been displaced. The standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence.

J. If any party to the proceedings is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal the decision within twenty (20) days of receipt of the State's written decision to:

Office of Administrative Law Judges
U.S. Department of Labor
Vanguard Building, Room 600
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Assistant Secretary of Family Support
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
and
Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20210

J. If any party to the proceedings is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal the decision within twenty (20) days of receipt of the State's written decision to:

Office of Administrative Law Judges
U.S. Department of Labor
Vanguard Building, Room 600
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Chapter V
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANUAL
Post TANF Benefits Page 1

FS Cross TRANSITIONAL CHILD CARE (TCC)
Reference
GENERAL RULE: Transitional Child Care is available to recipients who received TANF or PaS in 1 of the 3 months immediately preceding the month of ineligibility. Increased hours of work or increased earnings must have caused or contributed to the closure, (See EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE), and the family’s gross income must be equal to or less than 85% of the state’s median income for their family size. (Appendix, page 6).

NOTE: When an earnings increase or increased hours of work occurs in conjunction with another change which causes ineligibility, there is TCC.
EXAMPLE: When an individual who has been incapacitated works more than 20 hours per week, they are no longer considered disabled. The combination of increased hours of work and loss of deprivation make the family eligible for TCC.

NOTE: Families who become ineligible because of increased assessed income of the excluded step-parent are not eligible for Transitional Child Care.

NOTE: When a child’s parent is sanctioned from the assistance grant, the child remains eligible for TCC because it is their need that TCC meets.

EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE: Transitional Child Care services are also available to families in which one or both adults are working; and, although they remain financially eligible for TANF or PaS benefits,request that their benefits be terminated.

Transitional Child Care is available to TANF or PaS households with TANF or PaS children under age 13. If the child is age 13 or over, they must be physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves or be subject to court supervision with an official determination for the necessity of child care.

NOTE: The physical or mental incapacity must be determined by a physician or licensed psychologist.

NOTE: Children receiving SSI or IV-E Foster Care may also be eligible for transitional child care.

NOTE: When a deprived child enters the household during the transitional period and meets all the requirements, the child will be eligible for TCC.

Transitional Child Care is not available if the care is provided by parents, step-parents, guardians or members of the assistance unit.

Eligibility for Transitional Child Care and the calculation of the first month’s payment shall be determined by staff of the Office of Integrated Access and Support upon oral or written request if it is done before there has been a break in assistance of 1 month.

The family’s subsequent eligibility and payments will be determined by the Resource Development Center (RCD) or Voucher Management Agency (VMA) that serves the county in which the family lives (see Appendix, page 4a.). BFI staff will initiate the transfer of TCC assistance to the appropriate RDC or VMA when the initial payment is authorized. The family and the RDC or VMA will receive written notification of the circumstances.

Written applications may be filed in any month during the 12 month period immediately following TANF closure.

When there has been a break in assistance of 1 month, the family will contact the RDC or VMA that serves the county in which the family lives for TCC assistance.

The first month of TCC is the first month of ineligibility in which no work related child care benefits are received. This includes the child care disregard used in the calculation of the TANF grant and child care benefits received under ASPIRE-TANF.

Fee Requirement:

The filing unit is responsible for paying a fee of 2% to 10% of gross income, based on the family’s gross income compared to the State’s median income level as indicated in the fees Assessment Chart (Appendix, page 7) for each child receiving child care.

NOTE: The total amount of assessed fees to a family will not exceed 10% of the family’s gross income for all of their children.

Monthly transitional child care checks are calculated prospectively for 1 month and are equal to the recipient's anticipated monthly cost of care, minus the fee, up to a cap. The cap is the 75th percentile rate charged in the county where the child care is provided.

NOTE: For purposes of the chart, infants = birth through 12 months, toddlers = 13 months through 36 months, pre-school = 37 months through 59 months or older if not in kindergarten, and school age = 5 yrs. or kindergarten to 13 yrs.

EXCEPTION: Apply the higher pre-kindergarten caps to 5 year olds who are NOT in school.

In the calculation of the child care payment, figures will be rounded down to the nearest whole dollar. TCC payments issued by the Office of Integrated Access and Support will be sent to the eligible family or the child care provider for the family. TCC payments issued by the RDC or VMA will be sent to the child care provider.

NOTE: TCC benefits not used to pay the child care provider will be considered an overpayment.

Child care payments will remain constant until the first review is completed unless:
1. employment ceases;
2. a child reaches the age of 13;
3. a child leaves the home;
4. child care payments are not made by the recipient;
5. the family fails to cooperate in establishing paternity or enforcing child support.

Reporting requirements and redeterminations for on-going eligibility and benefit calculations will be determined by the RDC or VMA, in accordance with rules and regulations of the Bureau of Child and Family Services.

When the payment is made directly to the family, the family is entirely responsible for payment to the child care provider.

If the employed household member loses a job with good cause as defined in the ASPIRE-TANF plan and finds another prior to the TANF grant being re-opened, the family remains eligible for TCC.

Provider checks must be made prior to authorizing a child care payment. Child care providers who are paid with state or federal funds must pass background checks.

GENERAL RULE: Transitional transportation is available for a period of three months to those members of the household who have obtained employment while a participant, and who have become ineligible for TANF or PaS solely as a result of:

1. an increase in earned income or hours of work;

2. for TANF/UP only, an increase in the number of hours worked by the PWE to more than 130 hours per month; or

3. for TANF/IC only, an increase in the number of hours worked by the individual who had been determined incapacitated to more than 20 hours per week.

NOTE: These provisions do not apply when families become ineligible because of the increased assessment of the excluded stepparent.

NOTE: These provisions do not apply when families with earnings voluntarily withdraw from the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Eligibility for Transitional Transportation is determined upon oral or written request prior to TANF or PaS closure. Additionally, individuals will be notified at the time of TANF or PaS closure of the possibility of the one-time transportation reimbursement and of the necessity to contact their worker within 30 days of the notice, if interested.

Good cause for failure to request this one-time transportation reimbursement timely may be one of the following reasons:

b. Reported change of address too late in the preceding month for data processing changes for mailing;

c. The 30 day period falls on a weekend or a holiday. In this instance the due date becomes the next working day;

The first month of ineligibility is the month following the last month in which the family received a TANF or PaS payment. The TANF or PaS family will be eligible for a one-time payment to cover employment related travel expenses for the three month period directly following closure of the TANF or PaS benefit.

Full reimbursement at 24 cents per mile up to $10 per day will be provided to families where gross earnings of the TANF or PaS household are equal to or less than 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Whatever the mode of transportation, an allowance will be paid as long as a transportation expense is incurred. The allowance will be equal to the rate per mile times the number of miles traveled up to the daily cap.

Mileage will include trips to a child care provider and to the home of car pool passengers.

Fifty percent reimbursement at 12 cents per mile up to $5 per day will be provided to families where gross earnings of the TANF or PaS household are 126 through 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The allowance will be equal to 12 cents per mile times the number of miles traveled up to the daily cap.

Twenty-five percent reimbursement at 6 cents per mile up to $1 per day will be provided to families where gross earnings of the TANF or PaS household are equal to or exceed 186 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

GENERAL RULE: Depending on the reason for closing, the assistance unit may be eligible for extended Medicaid coverage. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined separately.

1. The name, address and telephone number of the employee;
2. The name of the employee's supervisor;
3. The name, address and telephone number of the business;
4. The name of the business owner or supervisor;
5. The division/location where the employee works;
6. The employee's job title and job classification;
7. The name of the ASPIRE-TANF participant who has allegedly displaced the employee; and
8. The reason the employee feels that he/she has been displaced.

D. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Administrative Hearings will, within 20 days of receipt of the request, schedule in writing a Fair Hearing with the following parties:

1. ASPIRE-TANF Program Manager;
2. BFI Regional Manager;
3. ASPIRE-TANF Unit Supervisor;
4. Displaced Employee; and
5. Other appropriate individuals as determined by the DHS' Office of Administrative Hearings.

E. The DHS' Office of Administrative Hearings will notify all parties to the dispute of the following:

1. The time, place and date of the hearing;
2. The name, business, address, employment information about the grieving employee;
3. The nature of the alleged grievance;
4. The citation of the Federal regulations governing the hearing;
5. The relief that may be granted by the presiding Officer;
6. The rights of all parties;
7. A Statement that the presiding Officer shall attempt to mediate a settlement between the parties without resulting to a Hearing with a warning that the parties should be prepared to proceed to a formal Hearing; and
8. A notice of the rights of the parties to appeal to the U.S. Department of Labor.

F. On the date of the Conciliation, the presiding Officer will attempt to mediate the dispute without resorting to a formal Fair Hearing.

If the presiding Officer determines that no resolution can be reached, a formal Fair Hearing will be opened.

G. The proceedings may be dismissed if the ASPIRE-TANF participant is no longer placed at the business or organization at the time of Conciliation.

H. The employee has the burden of proving that he/she has been displaced. The standard of proof shall be clear and convincing evidence.

1. Timely and adequate notice of the proceedings;
2. An opportunity to present evidence and witnesses;
3. An opportunity to challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses;
4. An opportunity to be represented by another person;
5. The right to subpoena witnesses as in a Civil Procedure;
6. A decision based on the Conciliation and/or Hearing record;
7. A prohibition on "Exparte Contracts"; and
8. A decision from the Conciliation and/or Hearing within ninety (90) days of the closing of the record.

J. If any party to the proceedings is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal the decision within twenty (20) days of receipt of the State's written decision to:

Office of Administrative Law Judges
U.S. Department of Labor
Vanguard Building, Room 600
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

K. The appeal must contain:

1. The full name, address and telephone number of the appellant;
2. The provision of the Social Security Act or regulations believed to have been violated;
3. A copy of the original complaint filed with the State; and
4. A copy of the State's findings and decision regarding the appellant's complaint.

Cross LEGAL BASIS: The 117th Legislature authorized the Department to
Reference establish this program.

None

GENERAL RULE: The Alternative Aid voucher payment is assistance to
applicants who seek short-term help to obtain or retain employment. The intent of the program is to help families remain self-supporting by providing voucher payments worth up to three months of the TANF benefits for which they are eligible. The expectation is that by providing a larger amount of benefits in a shorter time period, the family will be able to obtain or retain a job and will not become dependent on the TANF program.

PARTICIPANTS: Applicants statewide may volunteer to receive Alternative Aid. Alternative Aid is not available to families who are currently receiving TANF.

PAYMENT: The Department will pay vendor payment(s) for the application month and the two subsequent months for which the family is eligible. The benefits will be authorized within 30 days of application. No cash benefit is paid to the family. Vendor payments are authorized after the expense has been confirmed.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The rules that govern the TANF payment, including the asset limit, income limit and the budgeting process, will apply to Alternative Aid assistance with the following exceptions:

a.) Child support payments received minus the first $50, will be counted as unearned income in determining eligibility for and the amount of the Alternative Aid benefit. (See item d.)

b.) The Alternative Aid benefit is issued only once in the life time of the parents or caretaker relatives in the assistance unit.

d.) The family is not required to assign child support, comply with ASPIRE-TANF requirements, or participate in a TANF orientation meeting.

e. Receipt of Alternative Aid Assistance does not count towards the 60 month time limit.

f. When the family’s income passes the pretests, the wages which would count in the grant calculation of TANF or PaS benefits are excluded income in the grant calculation of Alternative Aid Assistance.

Families who receive Alternative Aid will be reviewed for Medicaid eligibility. However, periods of receipt of Alternative Aid will not constitute receipt of TANF benefits for purposes of eligibility for Transitional Medicaid, Transitional Child Care, or Transitional Transportation.

If during the 3 month eligibility period in which a family is receiving the Alternative Aid benefit the family applies for and is determined eligible for TANF or PaS, the family must repay any Alternative Aid received for any period which was covered by both Alternative Aid and TANF. The repayment method will be the same as that used for the repayment of unintentional overpayments in the TANF program.

INFORMING TANF APPLICANTS: Eligibility staff must explain Alternative Aid to all TANF applicants. Families may apply for Alternative Aid if they think the program will help them retain or obtain employment.

A family may apply for Alternative Aid instead of TANF by completing an application and consent form agreeing to comply with the terms of Alternative Aid.

Chapter VIII
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANUAL
Emergency Assistance

LEGAL BASIS: In addition to the basic TANF and PaS programs, the Department of Health and Human Services administers a limited program of Emergency Assistance. The program was originally authorized by the 111th Legislature . In the event of lack of funds as outlined by the Legislature, the program will end.

GENERAL RULE: Payment of services through the Emergency Assistance program is limited to children and their families who are threatened by destitution or homelessness because of emergency situations. The program does not cover all emergencies.

Authorization in the 30 day period may be made for any combination of covered payment or services within the limitations of payment maximums for some services.

The Emergency Assistance program is not a substitute for the locally administered General Assistance program, although it can be a supplement to that program and a potential resource. Eligibility is not dependent upon denial of General Assistance or the complete expenditure of General Assistance benefits prior to application.

There must be a reasonable expectation that the emergency can be alleviated through the use of Emergency Assistance funds.

TIME LIMITS: Payment of services through EA is limited to those services authorized during the 30 days following the date of initial authorization. Applications for families or individuals may be approved only once during any 12 consecutive month period. The twelve month period begins with the day following the day of the initial approval of Emergency Assistance.

Example: Initial Emergency Assistance payment authorized on 1/1/94; twelve month period is 1/2/94 through 1/1/95; family is potentially eligible again on 1/2/95.

Families which have not received Emergency Assistance benefits during the 12 consecutive month period may receive services even if a child living with the family has received services within the 12 month period. In this situation, eligibility and services provided for the child who has received Emergency Assistance during the past 12 months must have been provided while the child was living away from the family, the family's income (and assets) must not have been considered in determining this child's eligibility and another child who is eligible for Emergency Assistance services but has not received them during the 12 month period must be residing with the family.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: In order to be eligible for Emergency Assistance, all of the following criteria must be met:

2. The child must be living with an individual described in the TANF and PaS programs as a "specified relative" or must have lived with a specified relative within the six months prior to the date of application. Women in their last trimester of pregnancy who have no other children living with them are potentially eligible. The focus of the Emergency Assistance program is the child.

NOTE: Services may be provided to a child who has been absent from the family for less than 6 months.

NOTE: Services cannot be authorized for the child's family unless the child is living with them at the time of application.

3. The child and family must meet income eligibility requirements. If the child is living alone or with a specified relative other than the child's parent and, if payment is to be made by the Emergency Assistance program only for services authorized for the child, only the child's resources are to be taken into account. If the child is living with parents, the income of the parents must be taken into account.

Income Limit: Payment for services through this program is available to families which do not have income available to provide the needed emergency care of services. For all services provided through the Emergency Assistance program, the following income limits must be met:

NOTE: Each household member applying for EA must receive at least one of the benefits listed above.

In determining the amount of income available to the family, the same work related disregard including the child care disregard allowed in the TANF and PaS cash programs are used.

The definitions of excluded income used in the TANF and PaS programs apply to the Emergency Assistance program.

4. All bills must be in either the applicant's name or the name of other adults or children listed on the application who meet Emergency Assistance requirements.

5. Refusal, without good cause, of a family member to accept employment or training must not have caused the circumstance requiring Emergency Assistance.

6. Payments will be made only to vendors. No reimbursements or third party payments will be approved. Copies of approvals will be made for the applicant, vendor, DHS Accounting Office and the case file unless authorized electronically. Applicants will be notified of eligibility decisions in all circumstances.

7. All non-financial eligibility factors of the TANF and PaS cash programs must be met unless excluded below or elsewhere in this Chapter. Excluded requirements of the Emergency Assistance program are:

- Lump Sum Income (consider any portion of the lump sum not excluded as described in Chapter III, Lump Sum as an asset)

Scope of Service: Assistance will be in the form of vendor payments for current or past expenses. Payment will not be authorized to other governmental or private organizations offering the same or similar services (Red Cross, Salvation Army, municipalities). Applications must be received within 30 days of receipt of the actual disconnection notice, eviction notice, foreclosure notice or lien expiration or after 30 days in situations when the crisis continues to exist. In the case of repairs or replacement the application must be received within 30 days of the date the crisis occurs or after 30 days when the crisis continues to exist. If the request is for special equipment due to handicap, the 30-day rule does not apply.

A tentative agreement has been reached between the vendor, the client and the Department when it is determined the payment will resolve the vendor's dispute. Payment will be authorized if the services have been provided in accordance with the agreement and the vendor has provided the Department with an appropriate bill.

Assistance will be limited to one consecutive 30-day period in any consecutive 12-month period. Although needs and costs may be higher, a maximum limit of $600 per family is established for services described in categories 1 through 5. Additional maximums for particular items or services are identified in later sections.

If assistance reaches the maximum before the consecutive 30-day period expires, eligibility ceases. If the consecutive 30-day period expires, eligibility also ceases, even if the maximum assistance has not been reached.

Assistance shall be used as indicated to cover needs resulting from specific types of emergencies. Evidence that the emergency occurred and details of the situation must be documented in the case record.

1. Disasters: Situations involving disaster such as fire, flood, storm causing damage and/or loss of property and goods.

Assistance may be used to provide or replace necessary household items destroyed or rendered unusable. Some items that may be considered are clothing, repairs or replacement of essential household equipment, repairs of structure (if owned or being purchased by applicant), food, emergency shelter, moving or storage of essential household equipment. This includes plumbing, electrical and carpentry work and rental of new living arrangements including a security deposit if required. Maximum payment is $350.

The applicant, adults and children listed on the application who meet Emergency Assistance/AFDC requirements must be the owner of or purchasing the property which was damaged at the time of the disaster which needs to be repaired or replaced.

a. The estimate from the vendor will be used as a basis for determining which items will be approved for payment.

b. Once approval has been made a copy of the estimate indicating which items have been approved will be sent to the vendor with a letter explaining the Department’s decision.

c. If assistance is requested for plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or other similar work, estimates must be made by a reputable person in the appropriate field of work. Payment will be made only after the work has been completed by a reputable repairman, carpenter, electrician, etc. When necessary, the completion of work and the safe conditions which result are to be verified.

2. Repair/Replace: Situations involving crisis due to inadequate, broken or worn conditions of a well, chimney, septic system, furnace, heating stove, or a related essential service which infringes upon a family's ability to cope with the elements. In these situations the structure, facility or item requiring service must be owned or must be in the process of being purchased by the applicant. Approval will be made for repairs or replacement. No approval will be made for repairs or replacement of property owned by other even though such property is being used by the applicant.

Assistance may be authorized for repair of chimneys, roofs, plumbing, electrical work, furnace or other heating, septic systems and wells. In order to repair or replace heating stoves they must be the primary source of heat and not a back-up system. Maximum payment is $500.

When authorizing the purchase of a stove for heating purposes, the following is needed:

a. A statement from the fire department that the chimney and hookup are safe and that the existing stove is unsafe and needs replacing;

b. If the request is for repair or replacement of furnace, proof of ownership of the home is needed.

NOTE: Purchase of stoves and furnaces will be limited to no more than one per household in a five year period.

Prior to authorization an estimate of the cost of repairs is required from a reputable dealer or repairman licensed for such services.

Authorization may include estimated costs. However, they must be within the overall maximums listed above.

3. Emergency Housing: Situations involving the need for housing due to condemnation of structure, domestic violence, unsafe or unhealthy conditions for the child(ren) which has been certified by a public official, or actual eviction not caused by misuse of property or other types of willful disturbance by applicant, relatives or their guests. The eligibility worker must contact the landlord to investigate the condemnation or circumstance giving rise to an actual eviction. If the landlord alleges misuse of property or other types of willful disturbance by the applicant or a guest, the eligibility worker will make every reasonable effort to investigate further to determine if the allegation is true. Where the alleged misuse of property has been caused by an abuser in a domestic violence situation, the abused person will not be denied assistance.

In this category of assistance, a maximum of $250 toward back rent, a security deposit on a new rental property, and court costs associated with evictions is allowed.

a. Evictions: When the situation involves an eviction, application must be accompanied by an eviction notice, court eviction order, or statement from the landlord or attorney that an eviction is taking place, or has taken place within the 30 days prior to application or other credible evidence that an eviction (lawful or unlawful) is or has occurred within the 30 days prior.

In instances of eviction, the applicant, other adults or children listed on the application must have the actual tenant/landlord relationship.

If the need for housing is caused by domestic violence, or unsafe or unhealthy conditions, the application must be accompanied by documents necessary to prove the situation.

The reason for the eviction must be established. In a case of nonpayment of rent, if the notice does not specify the date due and amount, the worker will ascertain this information to ensure that the eviction notice will be rescinded even if assistance does not cover all the back rent and the landlord is willing to make arrangements for a plan whereby the applicant will pay the balance in installments or through use of other resources.

b. Security Deposits: Security deposits will only be authorized only in cases described below.

1. There must be a definite landlord/tenant relationship, which can be verified by either a lease, rent receipts, or other credible information and the tenant must be actually facing eviction or must have been evicted within 30 days prior to the date of application.

3. The building has not been condemned but it can be verified by a public official that the facility is harmful to the health and physical well being of the child(ren).

4. A lease which requires no written notice expires and the landlord refuses to extend it.

c. Mortgage Payments: Past due mortgage payments will be paid if the party holding the mortgage assures that the $250.00 will prevent foreclosure even if it does not cover the entire amount due.

Past due real estate taxes will be paid to prevent foreclosure or after foreclosure if the town agrees to quit claim the property back to the client even if the $250.00 doesn't cover the amount due and if the client still lives in the property.

4. Utilities: Situations involving actual or potential shutoff of electricity, gas, bottled gas, or water and sewer bills. Potential shutoff shall means receipt of termination of service notice from the respective utility. Termination of service must be in accord with rules and regulations in Chapter 81, "Rules and Regulations for Disconnection and Deposit Regulations for Residential Utility Services", P.U.C.

In instances of potential or actual disconnection, the utility must be in the applicant's name, or in the name of the adults or children listed on the application who meet Emergency Assistance/AFDC requirements. In the event that the utility is in another person's name, the applying family unit is not responsible for payment of the bill. If the applicant, requests assistance to establish service in their name due to a disconnection of service, assistance may be provided to pay a prior bill in the name of the applicant.

Assistance for sewer bills will be granted at the time the lien put on the property for this purpose is maturing.

In such situations a maximum of $150 will be made toward arrearage of the bill. Approval of payment of the utility expense must be established with the applicant and utility vendor that shutoff will not take place even if the assistance does not cover all the back bill and that arrangements can be made for establishing a plan to pay the balance in installments directly or through use of other resources.

NOTE: In addition, on a utility with an arrearage of less than $150 the client should apply to C.A.P. for benefits before applying for Emergency Assistance. Maximum payment is $150.

NOTE: In the situation where more than one utility is to be disconnected, upon written verification additional assistance for this may be provided up to the $150 maximum not used against the first utility.

Example: $150 maximum payment
- xx authorized payment on first utility
= xxx maximum payment which can be
authorized for the second utility.

5. Special Medical Equipment or Clothing: Situations involving inability to perform daily living functions due to a physical or mental incapacity requiring special clothing or equipment not covered by Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation.

In such situations assistance may be authorized for items such as corrective shoes, leg braces, bandages, special stockings, back braces, adjustment of living arrangements, etc. The maximum payment is $250 per individual.

Scope of Service: Applications will be available through all Department regional offices and its Central Office. In addition, municipal officials and other social service agencies will be supplied with applications upon request. Such agencies, through assisting client in completing the application, are not required to verify information on the application. Any verification they document will be accepted by the Department.

Eligibility for Emergency Assistance will be determined by a Department of Health and Human Services Eligibility Worker. If clarification is needed, the applicant will be contacted by phone or mail. The applicant will be notified in writing whether he or she is eligible or ineligible. If eligible, notification will state the service and the amount. Hearing rights will also be outlined in the letter.

Approval Process: Approval will be made for one consecutive 30 day period per 12 month period. Decisions shall be made within 10 working days. Unless the applicant has failed to provide needed verification of information necessary to determine eligibility or asks for the application process to be extended.

Right To Hearing: Any person aggrieved by a decision, act, failure to act or delay in action concerning the application under this chapter shall have the right to an appeal. The same policy and procedure used in the TANF and PaS programs applies to Emergency Assistance with regard to hearings except that a hearing shall be held by the Administrative Hearings Officer within 10 working days following the receipt of an oral or a written request from the applicant for an appeal.

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
OFFICE OF INTEGRATED ACCESS AND SUPPORT
ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

Summary: This Section describes the pre-training component which consists of activities designed to prepare participants for job skills training, post-secondary education, job search services, employment services, subsidized or unsubsidized employment, or self-employment.

A. Pre-training activities may include, but are not limited to, remedial and secondary education programs, job readiness training, employment/self-employment counseling, field training, and referral to services outside of the ASPIRE-TANF program. These services may include, but are not limited to, life management skills, encouraging personal responsibility, remediation of barriers to employment/self-employment and providing the needed foundation to engage in activities aimed at securing and maintaining employment. Payment for services outside of the ASPIRE-TANF program will be made on a fee-for-service basis, and will correspond to rates established in Section 14, II. L. – N. Any fee-for-service agreement other than for Job Development and Job Placement and Retention shall have the same rates as found in Section 14, II. N.

B. Based on assessment, an amendment to the initial Family Contract will be developed which will reflect the participant's pre-training needs and will include necessary and available support services.

C. ASPIRE-TANF will pay for services necessary to complete the Family Contract only when those services cannot be funded from other sources and only as long as funding is available for those services. ASPIRE-TANF will purchase the least expensive quality service necessary to meet the participant's needs.

D. When approved pre-training programs are available at comparable quality and cost, including the cost of support services, and the implementation of the Family Contract would not be unreasonably delayed, the participant may choose to enroll in the program with the provider of the participant's choice. If the ASPIRE-TANF case manager and the participant cannot mutually agree on that choice, then the decision will be made by the BFI ASPIRE-TANF unit supervisor subject to conciliation and fair hearing.

A. Employability Counseling - Employability counseling helps participants make informed choices about personal issues, education, training and employment by interpreting data from assessment and providing information as to how that data relates to the participant's needs, interests and resources available.

B. High School Diploma Programs - High School Diploma Programs are available through local area high schools, adult education and alternative education programs.

C. General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Preparation and Training - GED preparation and training is offered by local adult education programs, Job Training System Services (JTS) and other agencies.

D. Remedial Education - Remedial Education is individual or group training offered by local adult education programs, JTS, Literacy Volunteers and other agencies to assist the participant in obtaining a basic literacy level of at least grade 8.9 or to fulfill labor market requirements necessary for the participant to reach his/her goal. Remedial Education also provides training in English proficiency.

E. Job Readiness - activities designed to prepare participants for education, training and/or employment services. These activities include:

1. Life Management Skills - Life management skills activities include options such as nutrition education, budgeting of resources, driver's training, substance abuse counseling, use of available resources, use of supportive services, personal counseling, self-esteem building, appropriate work habits, dealing with others in the work environment and interpersonal communications (e.g. active listening, how to ask questions, etc.). These services are available to participants in a variety of community-based settings and formats.

2. Work Readiness Activities – These activities include: job shadowing; job coaching; mentoring; situational assessment; and any other activity that will encourage the obtaining or retaining of employment.

3. The following pre-training activities are available to all program participants:

a. Family Planning: Family Planning referral is available to assist the participant in decision-making regarding future pregnancies. This service is available through clinics, private practitioners, and hospitals.

b. Health Care: Health Care referral is available for all members within the individual's family. This service is available through clinics, private practitioners, and hospitals.

c. Parenting Education: Parenting Education is available to enable the participant to maximize parenting skills. These services are available in center-based, school-based and in-home settings.

Summary: This Section pertains to ASPIRE-TANF education and training including customized occupation classroom training, general skills training, and post-secondary education (with the exception of 2- and 4-year degree programs. Two and four year degree programs are part of the Parents as Scholars program. This program is discussed in Section 16 of the ASPIRE-TANF Program Rules).

A. Based on assessment, the Family Contract will reflect the participant's education and training needs, will include all necessary and available support services and will lead to sustainable employment.

C. When approved education and training programs are available at comparable quality and cost, including the cost of support services, and the implementation of the Family Contract would not be unreasonable delayed, the participant may choose to enroll in the program with the provider of the participant's choice. If the case manager and the participant cannot agree on that choice, then the decision will be made by the ASPIRE-TANF case manager, subject to conciliation and fair hearing.

D. The participant must have completed an ASPIRE-TANF questionnaire, an assessment, and an amendment to the Family Contract prior to entering education and training.

E. The participant must meet performance requirements as set forward in Section 3, sub-section IV.

A. Customized Occupation Classroom Training - Training designed to meet a specific employer need, including classroom training and skills training at the work site.

B. Skills Training - Courses or classes in which the participant receives instruction for specific skills. This type of training may be offered by adult education programs, secondary vocational education programs, JTPA, employers or other agencies.

C. Certificate Programs - One to two year programs consisting of technical courses leading to a certificate in a specific vocation.

D. 5-Year Teaching Certificate - An additional year of education required by an institution in order to receive State teaching certification. This is a non-degree activity.

A. Based on the participant's circumstances, ASPIRE-TANF will inform the participant of the requirements and deadlines relating to application for financial aid. ASPIRE-TANF will not provide any financial support for post-secondary education unless the participant has made a good faith effort to apply for available financial aid. In cases where a participant has defaulted on student loans and as a result has lost eligibility for PELL and SEOG, ASPIRE-TANF will provide financial support for education and training activities only when the individual makes all reasonable attempts to resolve the outstanding default with the institution.

B. ASPIRE-TANF staff and the participant will complete and sign an amendment to the Family Contract and a Training Agreement. Individual performance standards may be added to the Training Agreement. The participant will receive a copy.

C. After each training semester, or equivalent, the participant and ASPIRE-TANF will review the performance standards. In order to continue ASPIRE-TANF financial support for the education or training activity, the terms and conditions set forth in the Family Contract and the Training Agreement must be met unless good cause exists for failure to comply.

D. The participant must make satisfactory progress as defined in Section 3, III.

E. ASPIRE-TANF will support a participant's enrollment in a summer session program for which there is limited or no financial aid (PELL Grants, etc.), other than loans, providing the participant has made application for any financial aid and the summer session will reduce the time the participant would otherwise spend to complete the education or training program.

F. ASPIRE-TANF will not support graduate level programs, unless the participant is taking a course or courses in order to renew a professional license or certificate necessary to obtain or maintain employment.

G. ASPIRE-TANF will support a participant's attendance at education or training out-of-state only when comparable training is not available in-state or the commuting distance to the out-of-state training, as well as quality and costs (including all support services), of attending the out-of-state training are equal to or less than a comparable instate program. If the education and training is not available instate, commuting distance shall not exceed the maximum distance for commuting normally allowed for participants commuting to instate programs from that particular ASPIRE-TANF office.

H. ASPIRE-TANF will support correspondence course programs only when the quality is equal to non-correspondence programs.

I. In cases where the participant has a post-secondary degree and /or a marketable skill when beginning participation with ASPIRE-TANF, all possibilities of utilizing the existing degree or marketable skill for employability will be exhausted before consideration is given to authorizing approval for additional education or training. (Note: The Parents as Scholars Program has specific entrance requirements; see Section 16 for details.)

J. If the participant requests additional education or training beyond that which was originally approved by ASPIRE-TANF as the final education or training activity before the participant was to begin seeking employment, ASPIRE-TANF will consider the following in making a decision to approve, or disapprove, additional education or training:

2. The participant's ability to obtain employment leading to being able to support the family, with the degree or certificate obtained from the previously approved program (considering local labor market needs, and the participant's financial needs).

Summary: This Section pertains to ASPIRE-TANF Field Training in both public and private training sites.

A. Field Training is a training opportunity in either the public or private sector for a maximum of thirty (30) hours per week, not to exceed twenty-six (26) weeks. The participant is provided $2.00 per hour for training-related expenses in addition to the support services needed to complete the training (see Section 14 for further information about support services).

B. The purpose of Field Training is to provide the participant on-site career exploration, occupational skills, socialization to work, work maturity skills and/or family/work management skills.

E. All ASPIRE-TANF Field Training positions will comply with the following U.S. Department of Labor regulations:

1. The training, even though it includes the actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to that which would be given in a vocational school;

3. The participant does not displace regular employees, but trains under close observation;

4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the participant. On occasion his operations may actually be impeded;

5. The participant is not entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period; however, if the training site does have job openings the participant may be hired.

6. The employer and the participant understand that the participant is not entitled to wages or benefits such as Worker's Compensation, medical coverage, vacation or sick leave, etc. for the time spent in training.

A. Unless the ASPIRE-TANF case manager, the participant or the employer has demonstrated and documented to ASPIRE-TANF that it is in the best interest of the participant, field placements will comprise no more than 10% of an employer's work force.

B. A participant will not be placed in a training site that would be hazardous to health or safety. All sites must be in compliance with EEO regulations.

C. No Field Training sites will be developed or utilized in an organization where there is a labor dispute or where the Field Training component would be in violation of a collective bargaining agreement.

D. Supervision must be provided to Field Training participants for all hours at the training site by the employer or his/her designee.

E. If an employer is interested in hiring a Field Training participant who has been training with the employer, no ASPIRE-Plus (OJT) Agreement will be provided unless the permanent job is demonstrated to be significantly different than the Field Training position.

F. A Training Agreement and a Training Description must be written for each Field Training assignment and signed by ASPIRE-TANF staff, the participant and the Field Training Site supervisor.

G. ASPIRE-TANF staff will monitor the progress of the Field Training participant by visiting the training site and interviewing the supervisor and the participant as often as is necessary to ensure compliance with all policies and procedures of the Field Training component.

H. The Training Site supervisor will maintain a written time and attendance record that will be signed by both the supervisor and the participant. This time and attendance record will be provided to ASPIRE-TANF at least once every four (4) weeks.

I. If the Training Site has job openings in a similar field as the Field Training position, and the Field Training participants are not considered for the openings for more than two (2) times, the site will no longer be used by ASPIRE-TANF.

J. No organization, firm or industry in violation of local, State or Federal laws will be eligible to be a Field Training Site.

K. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies of the prospective Field Training sites should be assessed to determine if the training will be conducted in a responsive setting and the Training Site is in compliance with EEO and ADA regulations.

L. The Field Training Site must agree to maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding ASPIRE-TANF participants or their immediate families, including information that may be obtained through interviews, tests, reports from public agencies or counselors, or any other source. Without the permission of the participant, such information can be divulged only as necessary for purposes related to the performance or evaluation of the Field Training Agreement, and only to persons having responsibilities under the Agreement.

Section 3:

7. A participant with a child under age 6 will count as engaged in work if she or he participates for at least an average of 20 hours per week.

8. The participant is not considered to be personally providing care if the individual is a full-time student, or the child is in a preschool or kindergarten program twenty (20) or more hours per week.

1. ASPIRE-TANF Teen Parents (under age 20) have additional performance requirements to Section 3, subsection II. A. These are:

a. A custodial parent under 20 years of age who is a recipient of TANF and has not completed high school or its equivalent must participate in the ASPIRE-TANF Program regardless of the age of the youngest child and attend courses to complete high school, with an emphasis on education in a traditional high school setting.

1. TANF two-parent family members who are job ready must participate in individual or group job search depending on their needs and the resources of the local ASPIRE-TANF office.

2. Participation requirements for two-parent families are regulated by State and Federal law.

State law requires each parent to participate in time-limited components that include job search, work evaluation, education, training, treatment, and workforce-MaineServe for a minimum of 20 hours per week. (Exception: in two parent families where eligibility is based on the incapacity of one of the parents, the family will be treated as if it were a single parent family and subject to the requirements under II. A of this Section, excluding number 7 in that Section, as that only applies to households where there is only one parent present. Receipt of SSI by one of the parents or a caretaker relative in a two-parent household causes the entire household to be exempted from participation requirements)

Federal law requires parents in families in which federal funds are being used to pay for child care to participate in work activities as described in IV. B. 2 a. of this Section for a total of 50 hours per week, and also participate in the activities as described in IV. B. 2 b. of this Section for an additional 5 hours per week.

If Federal funds are not being used to pay for the cost of child care, Federal law requires one or both parents to participate in the work activities as described in IV. B. 2 a. of this Section for a total of 30 hours per week, and also participate in the activities as described in IV. B. 2 b. of this Section for an additional 5 hours per week.

The number of hours that a household can be required to participate in TEMP or Maine Serve is determined by dividing the household’s TANF and Food Stamp benefits by the minimum wage, as described in Section 11. If the total is less than the minimum number of hours required by Federal and/or State law, the difference will be made-up involving the participant in non-work activities, such as skills training or remedial education.

3. Parents in a two parent family who are under the age of 20 and have not completed high school or successfully completed an equivalent course, will be given the choice of participating in an educational activity directed at attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent, in lieu of or in combination with the work component activity.

4. In any 6-week period in a Federal fiscal year (from October 1 through September 30), a parent may participate in a structured Job Search (See Section 12) in lieu of a work component participation.

A. Participants who enroll in any ASPIRE-TANF activity, (other than ASPIRE-PLUS where employer expectations apply) must adhere to satisfactory progress requirements. These requirements will be listed on a Training or Work Site Agreement that is considered to be part of the Family Contract Amendments. The requirements include the following:

1. Participating as required by the activity and/or attending classes as scheduled.

2. Reporting to ASPIRE-TANF any situation or circumstance which might affect continued participation in the activity.

3. When applicable, making satisfactory progress in a secondary educational program is defined by the institution or program the participant is attending, which means meeting on periodic basis of at least once a year a consistent standard based on written policy developed by the institution or program, and approved by the Maine Department of Education and ASPIRE-TANF.

4. For participants attending post-secondary programs, including the Parents
as Scholars program, satisfactory progress will include, at a minimum, the
participant maintaining a 2.0 grade point average (or its equivalent).

a. If a participant's semester (or its equivalent) grade point average falls below 2.0, a maximum of one probationary semester (or its equivalent) will be permitted to allow the participant the opportunity to meet the 2.0 grade point average.

b. If a participant's overall grade point average falls below 2.0, whether or not the last semester (or its equivalent) is above 2.0, a maximum of two probationary semesters (or its equivalent) will be allowed. The first semester (or its equivalent) is allowed to meet the semester 2.0 grade point average, and the second to obtain an overall grade point average of 2.0. If the participant does not meet the 2.0 current semester (or its equivalent) grade point average, a second probationary semester (or its equivalent) will not be allowed.

c. Providing ASPIRE-TANF/PaS a copy of the student financial aid award letter as it becomes available.

5. Providing ASPIRE-TANF/PaS with copies of progress reports, such as grades, as they become available.

6. If additional satisfactory progress standards are required by the institution, program, training or work site, or by ASPIRE-TANF/PaS, then these will be incorporated into the participant’s written Family Contract. See Section 7, “Family Contract”, for further information.

B. Failure of the participant to meet satisfactory progress requirements will result in the withdrawal of support for the activity and possible application of sanctions unless there is good cause for failing to meet the requirements.

1. Federal law sets forth work requirements for all TANF families. These include the hours per week that must be worked and the percentage of the overall TANF population that the ASPIRE-TANF Program must place in work activities. These hours and percentages increase incrementally by Federal fiscal year as follows:

2. The number of hours a TANF recipient is considered participating includes only the time involved in actual scheduled program activities, and not the time spent in traveling to and from the activity, nor the time spent in traveling to and from the child care provider.

3. Allowable ASPIRE-TANF Program work activities to be counted toward hours of work requirement participation and participation rates for all TANF families are as follows:

Year	Participation Rate	Hrs./Week of Work
1997	25%	20
1998	30%	20
1999	35%	25
2000	40%	30
2001	45%	30
2002	50%	30

a. Countable toward the first 20 hours of participation each week are:
• Pre-Training (6 weeks in any fiscal year); GED/High School Completion (teens);
• Transitional Employment for Maine Parents (TEMP);
• Work Experience;
• Work Study;
• ASPIRE-PLUS, also known as On-The-Job Training (OJT)
• Job Search (6 weeks in any fiscal year);
• Paid Private or Public Employment;
• MaineServe;
• Providing child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;
• Field Training; and
• Vocational Educational Training (not to exceed 12 months for any one individual). Included in this activity as a countable component are study hours, which are to be counted as 1.5 times the number of hours enrolled in the educational program. These do not have to be scheduled, supervised study hours; as long as the participant is satisfactorily participating in the educational activity, the study hours are automatically allowed and counted towards the participation requirement.

b. Countable after the first 20 hours of participation each week: all activities listed in Section 3, IV, A, 3, a, plus Job Skills Training directly related to employment; education directly related to employment; high school/GED completion and Field Training. However, GED/High School completion is countable after the first 20 hours for non-teens.
Pre-Training beyond 6 weeks is countable toward hours after the first 30 hours each week.

B. Mandatory ASPIRE-TANF program performance for two-parent families receiving TANF
1. Federal law sets forth work additional requirements for parents in two-parent families. These include the hours per week that must be worked, or hours involved in work activities, and the percentage of the two-parent population that the ASPIRE-TANF Program must place in work activities. These hours and percentages increase incrementally by Federal fiscal year as follows:

Year	Participation Rate	Hrs./Week of Work
1997	75%	35
1998	75%	35
1999	90%	35
2000	90%	35
2001	90%	35
2002	90%	35

3. Allowable ASPIRE-TANF Program activities to be counted toward hours of work requirement participation and participation rates for parents in two parent families are as follows:

a. Countable toward the first 30 hours of participation each week:
• Pre-Training (6 weeks in any fiscal year; GED/High School Completion (teens);
• Transitional Employment for Maine Parents (TEMP);
• Work Experience;
• Work Study;
• ASPIRE-PLUS, also known as On-The-Job Training (OJT)
• Job Search (6 weeks in any fiscal year);
• Paid Private or Public Employment;
• Providing child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program
• MaineServe; and
• Vocational Educational Training (not to exceed 12 months for any one individual). Included in this activity as a countable component are study hours, which are to be counted as 1.5 times the number of hours enrolled in the educational program. These do not have to be scheduled, supervised study hours; as long as the participant is satisfactorily participating in the educational activity, the study hours are automatically allowed and counted towards the participation requirement.

b. Countable after the first 30 hours of participation each week: all activities listed in Section 3, IV, B, 2, a, plus Job Skills Training and Field Training. However, GED/High School completion is countable after the first 30 hours for non-teens. Pre-Training beyond 6 weeks is countable toward hours after the first 30 hours each week.

3. When a parent in a two parent family is satisfactorily participating in work activity requirements, the ASPIRE-TANF program, subject to program approval, may assist the parent with secondary education, pre-training, job skills, post-secondary and/or job search component activities.

A. ASPIRE-TANF will contact participants by mail in order to schedule an initial appointment for an assessment. The letter will indicate the date and time of appointment and will indicate the participants’ rights and responsibilities on the reverse side. The letter will schedule an appointment within ten (10) working days of the mailing of the letter (Note: All correspondence from ASPIRE-TANF to participants will be sent by first-class mail, and it will be presumed that any correspondence was received by the participant if it is not returned to ASPIRE-TANF by the postal system).

The letter will state that if unable to attend, the participant must notify ASPIRE-TANF prior to the appointment date. ASPIRE-TANF will determine if good cause exists for the absence. Please see Section 4, III. for information relative to good cause.

B. If the participant fails to appear for the appointment, and fails to contact the ASPIRE-TANF office on or before the date of the appointment with good cause (as determined by ASPIRE-TANF), a Notice of Good Cause will be sent to the participant, stating the complete list of available good cause reasons, and requesting the participant contact her/his ASPIRE Specialist for a determination as to whether or not good cause exists. If there is no response to this letter, or if good cause is not found to exist (including a Supervisory review of the proposed sanction action), a Notice of Sanction will be sent to the BFI Eligibility Unit to apply a sanction.

C. Commencing with the development of the participant's first amendment to the Family Contract, scheduling for additional appointments may be done at the discretion of ASPIRE-TANF either by placing the time and date of the appointment on the Family Contract or by sending the participant an appointment letter, or by orally scheduling the appointment. If the participant fails to appear for the appointment and fails to contact the ASPIRE-TANF office on or before the date with good cause (as determined by ASPIRE-TANF), steps outlined in Section 3, sub-section VI, B, will be followed.

Chapter II
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANUAL
Eligibility Requirements (non-Financial)

When the individual is engaged in a program through the Bureau of Rehabilitation with a completed plan directed at specific goals, deprivation will exist until the goals are met or for 12 months after disability no longer exists, whichever comes first. There is no extended eligibility when an individual is known to the Bureau of Rehabilitation with no completed plan.

Status - 12 Vocational Rehabilitation Plan completed;
Status - 14 Counseling and Guidance;
Status - 16 Physical or mental restoration;
Status - 10 Only under the condition that a plan with established goals is completed in this category.

Plans, changes in plans, and progress reports will be made available to the Office of Integrated Access and Support.

When there is no other basis for deprivation and both natural or adoptive parents are present in the home in which the child is living, the designated unemployed parent (UP) must meet the required eligibility factors.

The UP must qualify as the principal wage earner (PWE). The PWE is the parent who has earned the most money in the 24 month period immediately preceding the month of application. Designation of the PWE is based on the best evidence of earnings available for both parents, regardless of when their relationship began. If the parents have equal earnings, the Eligibility Worker will designate the PWE. The designated PWE remains unchanged as long as the eligibility continues.

Unemployment

The PWE must have worked less than 100 hours within the 30 day period prior to the date of application or eligibility, whichever comes later; and must expect to work less than 130 hours in the next 30 days and subsequent 30 day periods. This includes self-employed individuals.

NOTE: The 100 and 130 hour standard may have been exceeded in the 30 day prior period if caused by a temporary situation and evidence shows that the PWE has been regularly employed less than the 100 or 130 hour standard as appropriate.

Occasional lost time due to weather conditions does not lessen the hours count if the PWE otherwise would have been at work.

NOTE: Registrants in OJT placements are considered employed and are subject to the same 100 and 130 hour standards.

a. have had 6 or more quarters of work in any 13 calendar quarter period ending within one year prior to application for assistance.

b. have received or been qualified to receive unemployment benefits within one year prior to application for assistance.

1. $50.00 or more of earnings in any calendar quarter end-
ing March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31,

2. participation in the ASPIRE-TANF program;

3. any quarter credited as a quarter of coverage under the Social Security Program.

NOTE: UIB of the PWE is subtracted from the Standard of Need as any other unearned income would be subtracted.

d. be participating in the ASPIRE-TANF program unless otherwise exempt.

e. not have quit employment or refused an offer of employment or training within the 30 days prior to application, without good cause.

NOTE: Once the individual is receiving TANF or PaS and is a mandatory ASPIRE-TANF participant, the ASPIRE-TANF rules are enforced.

When the worker determines that the PWE quit employment or refused an offer, the PWE shall be given an opportunity to claim good cause.

1. wages are less than the minimum wage or not customary for the work performed;

2. physical inability to perform the work, lack of transportation to the job or training site, unreasonable working conditions, or lack of Worker's Compensation protection;

When an employment offer is made through the ASPIRE-TANF Program, that Program will determine if the offer was bona fide or the refusal was for good cause.

NOTE: The PWE is ineligible if factors in c., d and e. are not met on a continuous basis. The second adult is also ineligible unless participating in ASPIRE-TANF or meeting an exemption criteria. (See ASPIRE-TANF exemptions in Chapter II.)

5a	$17,007,069	State's expense for TANF Basic Assistance and Supplemental Assistance, Appendix B
5b	$0	State's expense for ASPIRE-TANF Program
5c	$1,806,949	Support Services Appendix B
6a	$623	State's portion of Transitional Services Appendix B

6c	$0

6g	$160,484	State's cost of Diversion Assistance Alternative Aid= $0 (used all Block Grant EA = $160,484 Appendix B, $160,484