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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 2004.

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

Barbara Van Burgel, Acting Director
Bureau of Family Independence
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
Rose Masure, TANF Program Manager
Steve Telow, ASPIRE Program Manager

State of Maine
Addendum Report on TANF and MOE
Fiscal Year 2004

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 2004.

State of Maine
Addendum Report on TANF and MOE
Fiscal Year 2004

General Information
Lead Agency Responsible for Administering TANF:
Department of Health and Human Services
John R. Nicolas, Commissioner
Bureau of Family Independence
Barbara Van Burgel, Acting Director

Contact Persons:
Rose Masure, TANF Program Manager
Steve Telow, ASPIRE- TANF Manager
Department of Human Services
11 SHS-Whitten Road
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 287-2826
(207) 287-5096 FAX

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.

Addendum Report on TANF and MOE Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b)

State: Maine     Fiscal Year: 2004

Date Submitted: 11/10/04

Each State must provide the following information on the TANF program:

(1) The State's definition of each work activity: 45 CFR 261.30 encompasses the 12 categories of work activities listed in Section 407(d) of 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 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?

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, gc"assistance is 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 Bureau Staff. Subsequent eligibility and payment are determined by the Resource Development i :enter or the Voucher Management Agency that serves the county in which the family lives.

Transitional Transportation is available for a period of three 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.

Attachment 2 contains the details of these transitional services.

(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:

1. for the first refusal to comply, until the failure to comply ceases;

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 Bureau issues the notice of adverse action.

Compliance with ASPIRE must be verified before the penalty period is ended.

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:

(i) Licensed/regulated in-home child care; 0

(ii) Licensed/regulated family child care; 0

(iii) Licensed/regulated group home child care; 22

(iv) Licensed/regulated center-based child care; 52

(v) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) in home child care provided by a nonrelative; 7

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

(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; 11

(x) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State
or locality) group child care provided by a relative and 8

(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;

Maine did not adopt the Family Violence Option.

(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 three (3) 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:

1. Alternative Aid Assistance

(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 Bureau 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.

Attachment 4 provides details on Alternative Aid.

2. Emergency Assistance Program

(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 Bureaus'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.
Details of the Emergency Assistance Program is in Attachment 5.

3. Transitional Transportation

(i) Transitional transportation is available for a period of up to 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. an increase in the number of hours worked by the PWE of a TANF unemployed parent family to more than 130 hours per month; or

3. an increase in the number of hours worked by the individual who had been determined incapacitated to more than 20 hours per week.

4. a working family's withdrawal from TANF even though they remain financially eligible.
A reimbursement is made for up to 3 months of expenses incurred up to a daily cap based on a family's gross earnings compared to the Federal Poverty Level.

(ii) N/A

The payment is only for former TANF recipients who meet the criteria explained in item (i).

(iii) When a family becomes ineligible for TANF, Staff, through the use of ACES, routinely redetermine continued eligibility for Food Stamps and Medicaid.

Details of Transitional Transportation are in Attachment 6.

(i) A one-time clothing allowance was sent to cash assistance families as part of the Bureau's overall plan to re-energize welfare reform.
Providing a $200 clothing allowance for work and school clothes supports the TANF goals to support children, job preparation and employment.

(ii) The one-time allowance was provided to families eligible for TANF and related separate State MOE programs.

(iii) Eligibility for MaineCare and Food Stamps is routinely determined with every TANF or MOE Program, review, or change.

(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):

Item a:
Maine's TANF requires all 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 04 was 25 per month.

Also, the Department's Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery has worked with the Bureau of Health and the Office of 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.

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) ACF-196 FINANCIAL REPORT pdf ¹

Explanation of Column B of 196 Financial Report

STATE FUNDS
(b)

State MOE Expenditures in TANF-- State expense for TANF Basic Assistance and Supplemental Assistance B, pg 1-3

5a. $20,013,408
5b. $                                  State's expense for ASPIRE-TANF Program
5c. $ 1,583,469                 State's portion of Transitional Services

6a. $ 2,331                         Appendix B, pg. 7-9 $2,331
6b. $
6c. $ 2,720
6g. $ 21,302                         State's cost of Diversion Assistance
                                                * Alternative Aid = $2,720
                                                Appendix B, pg. 10-12

                                                * EA = $24,022
                                                 Appendix B, pg. 13-14
                                                                        (21,302)

Addendum Report on TANF Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b)

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

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

Maine has no subsidized employment.

Appendix B

Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204

State: Maine      Fiscal Year: 2004      Date: 11/10/04      Submitted: 11/10/04

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

1. Program Name: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
Basic Assistance:

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.
Supplemental Assistance:

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):
(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
(d) Encourages the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

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: $20,013,408

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $20,013,408

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 4,915
This last figure represents: (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.
These State MOE funds were actually co-mingled with Federal TANF funds to provide TANF basic assistance to an average of 9,451 TANF families.

The breakdown follows:
Total Federal & State Expenditures: $ 38,448,444 = 100%
Federal TANF Expenditures: $ 18,435,036 = 48%
State MOE Expenditures: $ 20,013,408 = 52%
Monthly Ave TANF Families: 100% = 9,451
Fed. TANF Families Served: 48% = 4,536
State MOE Families Served: 52% = 4,915

9. Eligibility Criteria:

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

10. Prior Program Authorization:

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

Yes ___ No____

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."

Signature:
Name Barbara J. Van Burqel
Title: Acting Director. Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

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

1. Program Name: ASPIRE- TANF

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
ASPIRE- TANF is a program that assists people who receive TANF benefits prepare for, obtain, and retain employment to become self-supporting.

Some of the Program's services:

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):
The Program's purpose relevant to 45 CFR 260.00 is to:
(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):
N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $1.583,469

* child care: 5,b $ 0
* transportation: 6,c,2 $ 0
* all other support services 5,c $1 ,583,469

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,583,469

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 453

This last figure represents: (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria:

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.

10. Prior Program Authorization:

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)
Yes__ No _X_

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."

Signature:
Name: Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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

1. Program Name: Transitional Services

* child care
* transportation

2. Description of Major Program Activities

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;

(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 $ 2,331
* child care = $0
* transportation = $2,331

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,331

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 2

This last figure represents: (check one):
___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria:

Child care:
* 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.
Transportation:
* 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.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Yes _X_ No___

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

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families.

Signature:
Name Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Complete this form for each program for which the State claims MOE expenditure

1. Program Name: Alternative Aid Assistance

2. Description of Major Program Activities:

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;
(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: $2,720

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,720

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 2

This last figure represents: (check one):

_ X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria:
• 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 caretaker relative or parent must be employed or looking for work.
• 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.

10. Prior Program Authorization:

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)
Yes ___ No ___X__

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

This program did not exist in 1995. The Program began 8/96.

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

Signature:

Name: Barbara J. Van Burqel
Title: Acting Director. Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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

1. Program Name: Emergency Assistance (EA)

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;
(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):

6. N/A Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: ($ 24,022)

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
($ 24,022)

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 230
This last figure represents: (check one):

_ X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria:
* There must be a child under age 21 or pregnant woman in last trimester.
* 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.
* Other details are included in Attachment 5.

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

Yes___ No____
Emergency Assistance was allowed under the AFDC Program regulations.

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

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

Signature ___________
Name Barbara J. Van Burqel
Title: Acting Director. Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this is a separate State/local program):
N/A. This is not a program.

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $0
• administrative cost = $0
• system = $0

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.
This last figure represents: (check one):

_ N/A_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
__N/A_ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria: N/A

10. Prior Program Authorization: N/A

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

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families."

Signature:
Name Barbara J. Van Burqel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Explanation of Column C of 196 Financial Report
____________________________________________________________________________
STATE FUNDS
(c)

State Separate State Program Costs:
2004
* Parents as Scholars (PaS) $ 1,563,543
Appendix B

* Incapacity (C) $ 2,967,335

* Students: $ 1,288,403
Appendix B

* Non-Citizens $ 20,533

* Unemployed Parent (UP) $ 3,855,201

* Not a Program
Supplemental Assistance $ 1,160,439
Appendix B

Administrative Cost for State-funded programs Appendix B
State Costs of ASPIRE Programs Support Services, Appendix B

* Child care =     $   708,124
* Other support    1,962,266
* Transportation       793,859
___________________________
                           $ 3,464,249

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

1. Program Name: Parents as Scholars

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

The Program's purpose relevant to 45 CFR 260.00 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:

(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.

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

Participation Requirements

ASPIRE Manual Section 16

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

2.) A total of 40 hours of education training, study or work-site experience.

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 Bureau of Family Independence, 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.

d. 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.

9. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 1,563,543

10. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$1,563.543

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

This last figure represents: (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

___ The total served over the fiscal year.

12. 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.

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

Yes___ No __X__

10. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. None

11. The PaS Program began August 1997.
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No).

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families."

Signature:
Name Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Approved OMS No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, Expires 6/30/2002.

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

1. Program Name: State - Funded IC Families

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

The IC - Family program has the following three purposes:

(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) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

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):

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.

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 2,697,335

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2.697.335

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 573

This last figure represents: (check one):

__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__ The total served over the fiscal year.

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 in spite 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.

10. Prior Program Authorization:

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

Yes __X__ No ______

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families."

Signature:
Name Barbara J. Van Burael
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Approved OMS No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, Expires 6/30/2002.

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

1. Program Name: State Funded Student Families

2. Description of Major Program Activities:

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):
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)

___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

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 1,288.403

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,288,403

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 270

_X__ This last figure represents: (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

The total served over the fiscal year.

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.

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

Yes _X_ No____

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families."

Signature ____________
Name Barbara J. Van Burqel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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

1. Program Name: State-Funded Non-Citizen Families

2. Description of Major Program Activities:

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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;

(b) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

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.

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 20,533

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $20,533

Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 4

This last figure represents: (check one):
_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____The total served over the fiscal year.

8. 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.

10. Prior Program Authorization:

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

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria "eligible families."

Signature: ____________
Name Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Approved OMS No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, Expires 6/30/2002.

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

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

2. Description of Major Program Activities:
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.

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;

(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):

N/A. This is not a program.

6. Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,160,439

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: 1,160,439

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 6,257

This last figure represents: (check one):
_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria

* 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).

10. Prior Program Authorization:

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

Yes _X_ No___

*State's cost of Supplemental Payments to State-Funded Families.

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

Pass Through and AFDC Supplemental Payments were allowable 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.

Signature:_____________
Name Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Director. Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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

1. Program Name: TANF Unemployed Parent Program (TANF-UP)

2. Description of Major Program Activities:

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

3. Program Purpose(s):

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;

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

c) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families;

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: $ 3,855,201

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal
Year: $3,855,201

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 806

This last figure represents: (check one):

__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_____The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria:

See Attachment 11

10. Prior Program Authorization:

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)
Yes _X_ No _____

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

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

Signature ___________
Name: Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

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

1. Program Name: ASPIRE- Programs

2. Description of Major Program Activities:

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)

3. Program Purpose(s):

The purpose of the Program is to:

(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.

* Details of work activity services are in Attachment 1.

Total State Expenditures for Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 3,464,249

     * child care: $ 708,124
     * other $ 1,962,266
     * transportation: $ 793,859

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$ 3,464.249

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds 806

This last figure represents: (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

___The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria

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

10. Prior Program Authorization:

Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)
Yes___ No _X_

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

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

Signature _______________
Name Barbara J. Van Burgel
Title: Acting Director, Bureau of Family Independence
Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Approved OMS No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, Expires 6/30/2002.

STATE OF MAINE ATTACHMENTS TO ADDENDUM REPORT
ON TANF AND MOE FY 2004

Attachment 1

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES BUREAU OF FAMILY INDEPENDENCE ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

SECTION 11: WORK ACTIVITY SERVICES

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

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

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 p 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 ASPPIRE-TANF case manager shall evaluate the MaineServe placement. If it is determined to be appropriate, the MaineServe volunteer may renew the placement within MaineServe.

L. ASPIRE- TANF will not provide funds to a MaineServe or TEMP placement site.

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 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 TEM P 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.


II. MaineServe

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.

SECTION 12: JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES

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

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

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.

II. TYPES OF JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES

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.

D. Non-traditional Employment Procedures

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.

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

1. The employment is within the scope of the participant's Family Contract;

2. The employment pays at least the Maine minimum wage;

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;

5. The employment is not dangerous to health or safety of the participant;

6. Daily commuting time does not exceed a two-hour round trip commute;

7. The participant is physically and/or mentally able to do the job;

8. The participant is not required to join or quit a union;

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 approved Family Contract Amendment.

IV. DISPLACED EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCES

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.

B. An employee claiming displacement is limited to the following circumstances:

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 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 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. SFI 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 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 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.

I. Parties of a Displaced Employee Grievance have the following rights:

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

With copies of the appeal sent to:

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

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.

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

With copies of the appeal sent to:

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

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.

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligibility for Transitional Child Care and the calculation of the first month's payment shall be determined by staff of the Bureau of Family Independence 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 (RCO) 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 ROC or VMA when the initial payment is authorized. The family and the ROC 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.

NOTE: There is no retroactive benefit.

When there has been a break in assistance of 1 month, the family will contact the ROC 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.
TCC checks:

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 Bureau of Family Independence will be sent to the eligible family or the child care provider for the family. TCC payments issued by the ROC 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.

Termination:

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 ROC 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 Check:

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. 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:

a. Mail delay;

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;

d. Planned absences previously reported;

e. Circumstances beyond the control of the responsible relative.
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.

PAYMENT: Payment is made in the third month at the rates listed below.

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.

NOTE: Payment is for the most direct route to and from the place of employment.
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).

TRANSITIONAL MEDICAID:

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

Attachment 3

IV. DISPLACED EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCES

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.

B. An employee claiming displacement is limited to the following circumstances:

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 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; employee's

2. The name of the 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 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. SFI 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.

I. Parties of a Displaced Employee Grievance have the following rights:

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

With copies of the appeal sent to:

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

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.

Attachment 4

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANUAL
Alternative Aid Assistance Program


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

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 payments(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 budgeting process, will apply to Alternative Aid assistance with 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 one in the life time of the parents or caretaker relatives in the assistance unit.

c) The caretaker relative or parent must be employed or looking to work.

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.

Attachment 5

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

LEGAL BASIS: In addition to the basic TANF and PaS programs, the Department of 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:

1 . The child must be under the age of 21 ;

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:

a. a family's income must be below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, or

b. families must receive TANF, PaS, SSI or Food Stamps.

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:

- deprivation

- Assignment of Rights to Support

- ASPIRE- TANF participation

- Third Party Liability

- Assets

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

- Income (see Income Limit and FPL in Appendix) - Child's Age Limit (under 21 years)

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.
Application for assistance must be received within 90 days of the disaster.

Procedure for Emergencies Involving Disasters:

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.

2. The building is being or has been condemned.

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.

5. Domestic violence has occurred.

6. The rental property must be within the State of Maine.

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.

NOTE: Eye glasses are not covered for adults.

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 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.

Chapter V
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANUAL
Post TANF and PaS Benefits

TRANSITIONAL TRANSPORTATION

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:

a. Mail delay;

Attachment 6

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;

d. Planned absences previously reported;

e. Circumstances beyond the control of the responsible relative. 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.

PAYMENT: Payment is made in the third month at the rates listed below.

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.

NOTE: Payment is for the most direct route to and from the place of employment.

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). [See FPL Chart in the Appendix]

Attachment 7

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BUREAU OF FAMILY INDEPENDENCE
ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

SECTION 8: PRE-TRAINING

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.

Attachment 8

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BUREAU OF FAMILY INDEPENDENCE
ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

SECTION 10: EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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).

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

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.

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. 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.

II. TYPES OF EDUCATION

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.

III. PROCEDURES

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:

1. The participant's past performance in education or training activities;

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).

Attachment 9

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BUREAU OF FAMILY INDEPENDENCE
ASPIRE-TANF PROGRAM RULES

SECTION 9: FIELD TRAINING

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

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

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.

C. Field Training is a voluntary component for participants who:

1. Have little or no experience in a work place;

2. Have a career goal in which they have no experience; and

3. Have been unemployed for at least 6 months.

D. Field Training sites receive no funds from the ASPIRE-TANF program.

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;

2. The training is for the benefit of the participant;

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.

II. FIELD TRAINING PROCEDURES

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.

B. Teen Parents

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.

C. ASPIRE- TANF Two-Parent Households

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.

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.

III. PARTICIPANTS' SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

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.

IV. PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Mandatory ASPIRE-TANF program performance for all TANF families.
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:

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:

2. 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, 8, 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.

VI. SCHEDULING PROCEDURES

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.

Attachment 11

DEPARTMENT OF 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.

In order to extend eligibility, the plan must be coded as one of the following:
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 Bureau of Family Independence.

4. Unemployment of Parent

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.

Principal Wage Earner

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.

None 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.

SPECIFIC FACTORS TO BE MET FOR TANF/UP

The PWE must:

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

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

NOTE: The following qualifies as a quarter of work:

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.
None c. apply for and accept unemployment benefits (UIB) if eligible.

NOTE: Application for UIB must be reviewed at least every six months.

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 T ANF 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.

Examples of Good Cause are:
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;

NOTE: Participation in a strike does not constitute good cause.

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.)

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This is a Historical Document.