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Home & Family: Welfare Reform

How Is Eligibility Determined For A TANF Family?

When an application is received, a worker will conduct an investigation to see whether the family is eligible according to all eligibility factors. the head of the household person will receive a notice in the mail telling whether the family is approved for a check and Medicaid. Some factors involved in determining whether the family wills receive TANF are:

• Deprivation: The child or children must be deprived of one or both parents.

• Income: The TANF family's income, including the income of a stepparent with whom the child lives must be considered in determining whether the basic needs of the child can be met.

• Resources: In order to be eligible, the case members must not own property (other than the home) or have cash or other resources that have a combined value of over $1,000.

• Job Opportunity and Basic skills (JOBS) Program: MDHS and the Community Action Agency work together in this program to assist TANF clients to become self-sufficient by providing needed employment related activities and support services.

• Child Support Requirements: A parent or relative who accepts a TANF money payment for children due to the continued absence of a parent must assign to the state support rights for the children. The parent or relative must also assist the state in obtaining support form the absent parent.