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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Adding a person to a TANF Assistance Unit (AU)
Concurrent Benefits/Dual TANF Benefits Minor parent living with his/her parents
Processing TANF when Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is active TANF/SFA Time Limit TANF/SFA time limit extension TWEP screen
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) What is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
How do I screen a TANF application?
How do I process a TANF application?
What is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
· TANF is a cash program with medical for needy families. See EAZ Manual - WAC 388-400-0005 Who is eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
· TANF is also assistance for pregnant women with no dependent children. See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-462-0010 Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) or State Family Assistance (SFA) eligibility for pregnant women.
How do I screen a TANF application?
· To screen a TANF application, follow the steps in Screening - Screening a client.
How do I process a TANF application?
· To process a pending TANF application, take the following steps:
1. From the AMEN , select Option O – Interview.
2. On the STAT screen:
o In the Optional AU Memb field, enter the [appropriate code]. Optional AUs include members that can be needy or non-needy caretaker relative(s). Consolidated AUs include non-sibling children.
o In the Incl In Nds field, enter: ♦ [N] – No if the client should not be included in the AU, ♦ [Y] – Yes if the client should be included in the AU, or ♦ [T] - Tribal Placement if the child is placed through a tribal agency.
o In the G U field for children only, enter [C] – Court Ordered Guardianship or [W] – Without Court Ordered Guardianship.
o In the Finl Resp fields, enter [PN] – Applicant for all household members. If the household member does not want assistance, still code the Finl Resp as [PN] – Applicant and during finalize the code will change based on the entry in the Incl In Nds (Include in Needs) field.
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3. On the WORK screen, complete the Partic fields next to the CA field with appropriate codes. See <F1> help.
4. Complete the interview following the steps in the Interview chapter.
5. Enter the eligibility established date in the Elig Estab Date field on the VERF screen.
6. After committing the interview data, follow steps in the Process Application Month chapter.
7. When all pending months have been processed, follow instructions in the Finalize Application chapter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ADDING A PERSON TO TANF ASSISTANCE UNIT (AU) How do I add a person to a TANF AU?
How do I add a newborn to a TANF AU?
How do I add a spouse/co-parent to a TANF AU when the baby is born?
How do I add a person to a TANF AU?
· Follow the instructions in the Add a person chapter.
How do I add a newborn to a TANF AU?
· Follow the instructions in the Add a person chapter; and
· Leave the pregnancy information on the mothers DEM1 screen until after the child is added, or the system may close the case for Reason Code 213 – Failed Pregnancy Requirement.
1. From the AMEN screen, select Option O – Interview.
2. Enter the [date the newborn met TANF eligibility] in the Elig Estab Date field on the newborn's DEM1 screen.
3. On the WORK screen for the mother update the following fields:
o On the CA line enter [CA] in the Exempt Reason field and [NI] in the Stat field.
o Enter the [newborns date of birth] in the Date field.
4. Call DONE and commit the data.
5. After committing the interview data, follow steps in the Process Application Month chapter.
6. When all pending months have been processed, follow instructions in the Finalize Application chapter.
7. Once the child is active on the AU, update the pregnancy information on the mother’s DEM1 screen to the newborns actual date of birth.
How do I add a spouse/co-parent to a TANF AU when the baby is born?
· If the spouse/co-parent is on the AU STAT screen, you will not be able to change existing status to PN. The spouse/co-parent must be removed and then added using the add-a-person process.
· To remove a spouse/co-parent take the following steps:
1. From AMEN, select Option R – Interim/Hist Change.
2. On the STAT screen, enter [599] – Reason Code 599 – Other in the Rsn field for the spouse/co-parent in the historical and ongoing months.
3. Call DONE and commit the data.
· To add a spouse/co-parent and a newborn:
1. Follow the steps for Add a Person.
2. From the AMEN screen, select Option O – Interview.
3. On the STAT screen, complete the Finl Resp fields. See <F1> help.
4. On the DEM1 for the spouse/co-parent, enter the [date TANF eligibility is met] in the Elig Estab Date field.
5. On the DEM1 for the newborn, enter the [date TANF eligibility is met] in the Elig Estab Date field.
o Do not remove the pregnancy information from the Mother’s DEM1 screen.
o The pregnancy due date on the DEM1 may need to be changed to a future month until after the spouse/co-parent and child are added to prevent the system from closing the AU with Reason Code 213 – Failed Pregnancy Requirement.
6. Call DONE, verify and commit the data.
7. After committing the interview data, follow steps in the Process Application Month chapter.
8. When all pending months have been processed, follow instructions in the Finalize Application chapter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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POST ADOPTION CASH BENEFITS What happens to TANF when the only child is relinquished for adoption?
How does TANF remain open when the only child is relinquished for adoption?
What happens to TANF when the only child is relinquished for adoption?
· In certain circumstances a TANF recipient can continue to receive assistance for six weeks after relinquishing a child for adoption. See WAC 388-462-0011 Post Adoption Cash Benefit.
How does TANF remain open when the only child is relinquished for adoption?
· To issue assistance for an active client in this situation:
1. From AMEN, select Option R – Interim/Hist Change.
2. On the DEM1 screen enter [Y] in the Child Relinq field.
3. Make sure the pregnancy due date is the same as the newborn's birth date.
4. Call DONE, verify and commit the data.
o The client will receive cash benefit AF-9 (TANF Child Relinquished for Adoption) through the end of the month in which they reach their six weeks of eligibility.
o At the end of that month the case will close and sprout a P05 (Family Planning Service Only) medical AU to cover the client's family planning medical assistance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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IN LOCO PARENTIS
Can a child living with an unrelated adult receive TANF?
Can the unrelated adult acting In Loco Parentis receive TANF?
How do I process TANF for In Loco Parentis?
· "In Loco Parentis" means in the place of a parent or instead of a parent. See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-454-0005 Can I get TANF or SFA benefits for the child living with me?
Can a child living with an unrelated adult receive TANF?
· Children who live with an adult who is acting in loco parentis (as a parent) can receive TANF. See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-454-0005 Can I get TANF or SFA benefits for the child living with me?
Can the unrelated adult acting In Loco Parentis receive TANF?
· Only a relative of specified degree to a child in the assistance unit may be able to get benefits for themselves. See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-454-0010 Do I have to be related to a child in order to get TANF or SFA for the child?
How do I process TANF for In Loco Parentis?
1. On the STAT screen:
o In the Optional AU Memb field, enter the [appropriate code]. Optional AUs include members that can be needy or non-needy caretaker relative(s). Consolidated AUs include non-sibling children.
o In the Rel field for the child, enter the code based on the relationship to the head of household or if there is no relation, enter [CG] – Child Under Leg Guardianshp.
o In the Incl In Nds field, enter [N] – No, [Y] – Yes or [T] – Tribal Placement to indicate if the client should be included in the AU as a recipient.
o In the G U field for children only, enter [C] – Court Ordered Guardianship or [W] – Without Court Ordered Guardianship.
o In the Finl Resp fields, enter [PN] – Applicant for all household members. If the household member does not want assistance, still code the Finl Resp as [PN] – Applicant and during finalize the code will change based on the entry in the Incl In Nds (Include in Needs) field.
o Document remarks behind the STAT screen to specify which child the adult is acting in loco parentis for.
2. Follow the steps in How do I process a TANF application section.
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CONCURRENT BENEFITS/DUAL TANF BENEFITS Who is eligible for Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF?
How long is the Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF certification period?
What medical benefits are Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF children eligible for?
How do I screen a Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF AU?
How do I process a Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF AU?
What are Concurrent Benefits/Dual TANF Benefits?
· Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF benefits are for families whose child or children have been temporarily placed with another relative caregiver or other adult caregiver. This program requires that the custodial parent/caregiver is working with the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on a Family Reconciliation Plan.
· These children are identified as having a living arrangement code of FC – Foster Care Non-Title IV-E or FE - Foster Care Title IV-E on their DEM1 screen.
· The Custodial Parent/Caregiver can continue to receive a TANF grant for up to 180 days while they work with DCFS on their Family Reconciliation Plan. During this time the Temporary Caregiver can also receive a TANF grant for the child or children.
Who is eligible for Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF?
· A child who has been temporarily removed from the home of their custodial parent/caregiver, placed with an unlicensed relative caregiver or adult acting in loco parentis, while the family works with DCFS to resolve the family reconciliation issues.
· There must be a clear expectation that the AU member will return to the family home within 180 days. Verification must come from Children’s Administration (CA). See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-454-0015 Temporary Absence from the home.
How long is the Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF certification period?
· The system defaults to a 12 month certification period.
· The system will use the Temporary Placement End date on the DEM1 screen to track the temporary placement of the child receiving Dual TANF Benefits.
· The 180 day period begins on the date the child actually left the home.
· The worker of record for the custodial parent/caregiver’s TANF/SFA AU where the child’s financial responsibility code is a RC – Recipient of Cash Only will receive Alert 108 – TEMP PLACEMENT OPEN FOR 180 DAYS – REVIEW HH STATUS. This alert displays 60 days prior to the temporary placement end date and again in the month in which the temporary placement is scheduled to end.
What medical benefits are Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF children eligible for?
· The child is eligible for F01 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Medical Program.
· If a D01/D02 is already open worker need to contact the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) at 1-800-562-3022 x 15480 to coordinate closing the D01/D02.
How do I screen a Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF AU?
· To screen a Concurrent Benefit Dual TANF AU application, follow the steps in Screening,Screening a client.
How do I process a Concurrent Benefits Dual TANF AU?
· To process a pending AU, take the following steps:
1. From the AMEN, select Option O – Interview.
2. On the STAT screen:
o In the Optional AU Memb field, enter the [appropriate code]. Optional AUs include members that can be needy or non-needy caretaker relative(s). Consolidated AUs include non-sibling children.
o In the Incl In Nds field, enter [N] – No, [Y] – Yes or [T] – Tribal Placement to indicate if the client should be included in the AU as a recipient.
o In the G U field for children only, enter [C] – Court Ordered Guardianship or [W] – Without Court Ordered Guardianship.
o In the Finl Resp fields, enter [PN] – Applicant for all household members. If the household member does not want assistance, still code the Finl Resp as [PN] – Applicant and during finalize the code will change based on the entry in the Incl In Nds (Include in Needs) field.
3. On the DEM1 screen:
o In the Living Arrangement field, change the child(ren)’s living arrangement code from AH – At Home to the [appropriate valid value based on the client’s situation FE or FC]. See <F1> Help.
o Enter the [placement end date] in the Placemnt End Date field. The 180 day period begins on the date the child actually left the home.
o In the NCPs For Child, field do not increase the count to include the custodial parent/caregiver.
4. On the NCPS screen:
o In the TP – Temporary Placement field, enter a [Y] on the temporary caregiver's F01. This stops ACES from sending a referral to SEMS while the family is working with DCFS and receiving Family Reconciliation Services. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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· Take the following steps on the Custodial Parent/Caregiver’s TANF AU:
1. On the STAT screen, at the client level change the reason code from 201 – Living Arrangement – Cash/Medical Assistance to Reason Code 570 – Child’s Temporary Placement has ended. This will close the child off of the custodial parent/caregiver’s TANF AU and reduce the grant or close the AU if there are no other eligible children in the home.
· Take the following steps on the Temporary Caregiver’s case:
2. On the child’s DEM1 screen take the following steps:
o Change the child’s living arrangement code from [FC] or [FE] to [AH] – At Home.
o Remove the [placement end date] from the Placemnt End Date field.
o Update the child(ren’s) NCPs For Child to now include the custodial parent/caregiver that is non compliant with DCFS.
3. On the NCPS screen, remove the TP – Temporary Placement code from the F01 AU. This generates a child support referral to DCS. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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MINOR PARENT LIVING WITH HIS/HER PARENTS How do I process TANF for a minor parent living with his/her parents?
How do I code the STAT screen for a minor parent applying without the major parent?
How do I process TANF for a minor parent living with his/her parents?
· To determine who must be in the assistance unit, see EAZ Manual - WAC 388-408-0015 Who must be in my assistance unit?
· Follow the steps in the How do I process a TANF application? section.
How do I code the STAT screen for a minor parent applying without the major parent?
· See How is income allocated when a minor parent is living with a parent? in the Income Eligibility and Budgeting chapter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PROCESSING TANF WHEN DIVERSION CASH ASSISTANCE (DCA) IS ACTIVE How do I process TANF when Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is active?
How do I process TANF when Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is active?
· Before closing the DCA AU, ensure the client is eligible for TANF.
1. Close the DCA AU with Reason Code 585 - DCA Adult Eligible for TANF, Establish Loan Repayment - For Administrative Use Only.
2. Follow the steps in the How do I close DCA when TANF is pending section.
3. Complete the TANF interview by following the steps in the How do I process a TANF application? section.
o You will receive Edit 0585 – CLIENT CANNOT RECEIVE BENEFITS FROM TWO AUs if the Concurrent Receipt Cash field on the DEM1 is not completed for each person in months when DCA has been issued.
4. Enter [O] - Previous Benefit was Overpayment in the Concurrent Receipt Cash field on the DEM1 for each person in the AU who is now being opened in the TANF AU.
5. When all pending months have been processed, follow the instructions in the Finalize Application chapter.
6. Process the DCA overpayment. See How do I establish a Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) - Overpayment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TANF/SFA Time Limit What is the TANF/SFA time limit? Where do I find the number of months a client has been on TANF/SFA?
When can the TANF time clock be manually adjusted?
How do I manually adjust the TANF time clock?
What is the TANF/SFA time limit?
Where do I find the number of months a client has been on TANF/SFA?
· The TICS screen displays:
o Adult Recipient Counter
o Ineligible Parent Counter and
o TANF Counter
· For more information on the TICS screen, see <F2> Help.
When can the TANF time clock be manually adjusted?
· In some instances, the number of months in the TANF counter field on the TICS screen may be incorrect. In these situations, the TANF time clock can be manually adjusted.
· For information about situations when the TANF time clock can be adjusted, see EAZ – Manual WAC 388-484-0005 There is a five year (sixty-month time limit for TANF, SFA and GA-S cash assistance.
How do I manually adjust the TANF time clock?
· To manually adjust the TANF time clock, take the following steps:
1. From the AMEN screen, select Option R – Interim/Hist Change.
2. On the TICA screen, in the New Adjustments section:
o Enter [a beginning month and year for the desired range] in the Range Begin field.
o Enter [an ending month and year for the desired range] in the Range End field.
o Enter [an increment or decrement reason] in the Reas field.
· For more information about the TICA screen, see <F2> Help. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TANF/SFA Time Limit Extension TWEP Screen What is the TANF/SFA Time Limit Extension?
Where can I find TANF/SFA Time Limit Extensions?
What is the length of time for Time Limit Extensions?
What happens when a client is not approved for an extension?
What is the TANF/SFA Time Limit Extension?
· See EAZ – Manual WAC 388-484-0006 TANF/ SFA Time Limit Extensions.
Where can I find TANF/SFA Time Limit Extensions?
· TANF/SFA Time Limit Extensions are displayed on the TWEP screen and cannot be updated by users.
· When a client has reached their 58th month of TANF/SFA, a Time Limit Extension Review must be completed in eJAS. The following information is sent to ACES and the TWEP screen is AUTO updated in real-time :
o Start date of Extension o End date of Extension (No end date for Extension category 13) o 2- Digit numeric value associated with the approved Extension category. The numeric value of each category is:
♦ 04 - 55 and older caretaker relative ♦ 05 - Disabled adult ♦ 06 - Caring for a disabled adult ♦ 07 - Caring for a disabled child ♦ 08 - Applying for SSI/SSDI ♦ 09 - Family Violence ♦ 10 - Open CPS Case, First Dependency order ♦ 11 - Employed 32 hours or more per week ♦ 12 - Administrative Hearing ♦ 13 - No Extension (extension not approved)
What is the length of time for Time Limit Extensions?
· When a client has been approved for an extension the system defaults the length of the extension to 12 months for all categories except for the following 3 categories:
o 6 Months:
♦ 09 - Family Violence ♦ 10 – Open CPS Case, First Dependency order
o 3 Months:
♦ 12 – Administrative Hearing
· For more information, see EAZ – Manual WAC 388-484-0006 TANF/ SFA Time Limit Extensions clarifying information.
What happens when a client is not approved for an extension?
· If a client has not been approved for an extension the TWEP screen is AUTO updated with category 13 – No Extension, benefits will terminate with one of the following reason codes:
o Reason Code 229 – Exceeds TANF Time Limits if the Ineligible Parent Counter on the TICS is zero, or
o Reason Code 348 – Exceeds Ineligible Parent TANF Time Limits if the Ineligible Parent Counter on the TICS is greater than zero.
· For TANF/SFA AUs that terminate with Reason Code 229 or Reason Code 348, the system will:
o Generate Letter 006-02 (Termination of TANF/SFA) o The letter displays in letter history, but will not be printed or mailed
· Barcode runs a special print process to print the ACES and eJAS Extension Review letters together to be mailed in one envelope.
· Users will receive a tickler in Barcode notifying them of a Reason Code 229 or Reason Code 348 termination for a non-English speaking client and will need to:
1. Locally print the ACES and eJAS letters.
2. Send a copy of the translated letter to DMS to be imaged.
3. Manually stuff the eJAS Extension Denial letter with the ACES Termination letter and send it to the client.
4. Document in eJAS notes that the letters were sent to the client.
· For more information about TANF/SFA Time Limit Extensions see EAZ – Manual WAC 388-484-0006 TANF/ SFA time limit extensions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TRIBAL TANF What happens when a TANF client starts receiving Tribal TANF (TT) Benefits?
What happens when TT income is coded on an F04 AU?
What happens when TT income is added to other cash programs?
What happens when a TANF client starts receiving Tribal TANF benefits?
· A household eligible for a Tribal TANF program cannot receive state and Tribal TANF in the same month. See EAZ Manual - WAC 388-400-0005 Who is eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families? #6.
· When Tribal TANF (TT) income is entered on the UNER screen, the system automatically closes the TANF assistance unit for Reason Code 112 – Receiving Tribal TANF Benefits.
· When an F01 AU is closed for Reason Code 112:
o F01 will trickle to F04 (Categorically Needy) medical.
o AF-P will trickle to P02 (Categorically Needy Pregnancy) medical.
· Basic Food does not transform to Transitional Food Assistance (TFA) when there is Tribal TANF income coded on the UNER screen.
· The Basic Food AU remains categorically eligible as long as there is TT income coded on the UNER screen.
· For more information on TFA, see the Transitional Food Assistance (TFA).
What happens when TT income is coded on an F04 AU?
· When TT income is coded on an F04 AU, the clients remain F04 eligible regardless of other income or resources.
What happens when TT income is added to other cash programs?
· Tribal TANF income added to any other cash program does not result in termination. It will be budgeted as unearned income. See EAZ Manual – WAC 388-450-0025 Treatment of Income.
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Modification Date: March 18, 2013