State TANF and MOE Annual Reports

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2004
Washington

Each State must provide the information indicated below on its TANF program regardless of the funding source -- i.e., no matter whether the State used segregated Federal TANF funds, segregated State TANF funds, or commingled funds to pay for the benefit or service.

If the State elects to report on other benefits or activities provided through other program funding streams, please mention it after the TANF-funded benefits or activities for each item.

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

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in this chapter, "work activity" means:
(1) Unsubsidized paid employment in the private or public sector;
(2) Subsidized paid employment in the private or public sector, including employment through the state or federal work-study program for a period not to exceed twenty-four months;
(3) Work experience, including:

(4) On-the-job training;
(5) Job search and job readiness assistance;
(6) Community service programs;
(7) Vocational educational training, not to exceed twelve months with respect to any individual;
(8) Job skills training directly related to employment;
(9) Education directly related to employment, in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a GED;
(10) Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a GED, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate;
(11) The provision of child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;
(12) Internships, that shall be paid or unpaid work experience performed by an intern in a business, industry, or government or nongovernmental agency setting;
(13) Practicums, which include any educational program in which a student is working under the close supervision of a professional in an agency, clinic, or other professional practice setting for purposes of advancing their skills and knowledge; and
(14) Services required by the recipient under RCW 74.08.025(3)1 and 74.08A.010(3)2 to become employable.

¹ RCW 74.08.025--Eligibility for public assistance -- Temporary assistance for needy families -- Limitations for new residents, drug or alcohol-dependent persons, and former felons.

(3) Any person otherwise qualified for temporary assistance for needy families who is assessed through the state alcohol and substance abuse program as drug or alcohol-dependent and requiring treatment to become employable shall be required by the department to participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program as a condition of benefit receipt.

(3) The department shall refer recipients who require specialized assistance to appropriate department programs, crime victims' programs through the department of community, trade, and economic development, or the crime victims' compensation program of the department of labor and industries.

(2) A description of the transitional services provided to families no longer receiving assistance due to employment. [Indicate the kinds of help provided to working families that received, but no longer receive, "assistance" as defined in 45 CFR 260.31.]

Families leaving assistance due to employment are eligible for the following services and benefits:

• Up to 12 months of continuing Medical coverage for the entire family, i.e., an initial automatic 6-month certification followed by an additional 6-month certification if families are in compliance with required income reports and payment of premium obligations, if any.

• Children's medical for families with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

• Child Care assistance (Working Connections Child Care) serving families with incomes up to and including 200% of the FPL.

• Available to clients working 20 or more hours a week (or in Work Study 16-19 hrs.), the client is eligible to all support services for up to 6 months after leaving TANF.

• Examples of Support Services include work clothing, work tools, car repair, and transportation. These services are designed to help client’s keep their job or get a better job. A complete list can be found in WAC 388-310-0800, WorkFirst—Support Services.

• WorkFirst Post-Employment Labor Exchange (WPLEX) offers labor exchange services to help clients get a better job. Eligible clients are those with incomes up to 175% of the FPL.

• Work-Based Learning Tuition Assistance for vocational education for clients with incomes up to 175% of the FPL. Makes employment-oriented training opportunities at community and technical colleges available to working parents who are not eligible for other forms of financial aid.

• In addition, transitional clients may be eligible for an array of other non-assistance benefits, such as drug treatment counseling, family planning, Individual Development Accounts, and community college educational and training programs.

(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.

If a WorkFirst recipient refuses to engage in work and work activities required by the State, the State will apply a penalty. The family’s grant is reduced by 40 percent or the non-compliant person’s share, whichever is more. The reduced grant is sent to a protective payee until the sanction is lifted.

(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; (ii) Licensed/regulated family child care; (iii) Licensed/regulated group home child care; (iv) Licensed/regulated center based child care; (v) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) in home child care provided by a non-relative; (vi) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) in home child care provided by a relative; (vii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) family child care provided by a non-relative; (viii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) family child care provided by a relative; (ix) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) group child care provided by a non-relative; (x) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) group child care provided by a relative; and (xi) Legally operated (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) center based child care.

Washington State provides a subsidized childcare benefit called Working Connections Childcare. Working Connections does not employ a “disregard,” or a larger TANF grant payment to cover child care expenses. Working Connections is a benefit administered separately from the TANF grant, and eligibility is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

(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.

Victims of Domestic Violence (DV) are initially identified in TANF at client screening. This screening is completed on application, at any review, and when it appears domestic violence may be an issue. Cases are then referred to either a Domestic Violence Counselor, Domestic Violence Agency, or a Social Worker trained in DV issues for further evaluation. The DV Counselor then prepares a plan for that person to work on resolving the DV issues. The plan is included in the Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP), to the extent that confidentiality allows. If a person is working on resolving domestic violence issues it is documented in the automated system.

In FFY 2004, 5,162 individuals participated in activities aimed at resolving DV. These clients were deferred from job search and work participation activities to the extent that such activities would impede their ability to resolve DV.

(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 developed 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.

Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) provides up to $1,500 of emergency money to TANF and State Family Assistance-eligible families who are in crisis and have a bona fide need(s). Income and resource requirements for DCA are the same as the TANF program.

The state has several policies that limit the frequency and duration of payments. A family may only receive DCA up to $1,500 once within a 12-month period and only for bona fide needs such as child care bills, rent payments, transportation, food or medical costs. The amount of DCA the family receives can not be more than the cost of the bona fide needs and must keep the family from going on TANF.

The family has to have, or be likely to get, enough income or other resources that a reasonable person could expect the family to support themselves for at least twelve months. If a family applies for TANF or State Family Assistance within the 12-month period following receipt of DCA, the DCA payment is treated as a loan and the prorated dollar value of the diversion benefits is repaid from the TANF or State Family Assistance cash grant via a monthly deduction.

Families that are eligible for DCA are treated in the same manner as TANF or State Family Assistance applicants in terms of their eligibility for Medicaid and Food Assistance. Washington State uses a unified application form for cash, Medicaid, and Food Assistance. Clients are advised of their eligibility for those benefits at the time of application.

(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 Social Security 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.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has the lead responsibility for administering this provision. Washington’s policy on displacement complaints is addressed by the following administrative rule, which was published in the State Register and is currently available on the internet:

"What safeguards are in place to make sure I am not used to displace currently employed workers?

The following safeguards are in place to make sure you are not used to displace currently employed workers:
(a) You cannot be required to accept paid or unpaid employment which:
          (i) Results in another employee's job loss, reduced wages, reduced hours of employment or overtime or lost employment benefits;
          (ii) Impairs existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;
          (iii) Puts you in a job or assignment, or uses you to fill a vacancy, when:
                     (A) Any other person is on lay off from the same (or very similar) job within the same organizational unit; or
                      (B) An employer ends the job of a regular employee (or otherwise reduces its workforce) so you can be hired.
          (iv) Reduces current employees' opportunities for promotions.
(b) If a regular employee believes your subsidized or unpaid work activity (such as a community jobs or work experience position) violates any of the rules described above, this employee (or his or her representative) has the right to:
           (i) A grievance procedure (described in WAC 388-426-0005); and
           (ii) A fair hearing (described in chapter 388-02 WAC)."

(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(c) 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):

Washington State has a number of initiatives that address the third statutory purpose of TANF. These are:

1. Family planning for non-Medicaid women up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
2. The Department of Health’s (DOH) Abstinence Education Program which includes funding for seven community-based abstinence education programs administered through local youth-serving agencies and schools. DOH has implemented ten community-based teen pregnancy prevention projects as well.
3. Family planning education is built into the WorkFirst program, which has a goal of 100 percent referral for all adults.
4. Mentor programs designed to improve student performance and attendance while reducing the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies.
5. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) operates “Teen Aware” abstinence based media campaigns designed by teens.

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

Washington has attempted to remove disincentives to marriage and the formation of two-parent families using the flexibility granted states under the TANF legislation.

1. Removal of two-parent family disincentives include:
a. Elimination of the 100-hour of employment rule (when the qualifying parent began working over 100 hours a month, regardless of wage, that parent was no longer considered to be unemployed and therefore the family was no longer eligible for assistance, even when that adult was not earning a sufficient wage to support the family.
b. The unemployment for 30-days rule has been eliminated, i.e., the qualifying parent must be unemployed (working less than 100 hours per month) for 30-days prior to the date of application in order to be eligible for assistance. This meant that a parent working full-time and earning too little to support the family would not be eligible for assistance.
c. The qualifying work quarter provisions for two-parent families has been eliminated. The work quarter rule was a complex two-step requirement to determine which parent would qualify the family for assistance. First, the wages of both parents were reviewed for the 24-month period prior to the month of application to determine which parent earned the highest wage. This parent was then designate the “qualifying parent” for the assistance unit. Second, after the qualifying parent was determined, the work history of that parent was reviewed to determine if that parent worked and earned at least $50 in at least 6 out of the 13 quarters prior to the month of application. This condition had to be met in order for the family to qualify for assistance.

The negative effect of these rules was to encourage families to split up in order for one parent and the children to qualify for assistance.

2. Work incentives to encourage employment and help sustain two-parent families include:
a Liberalized work incentives by disregarding one-half of the earnings for TANF clients to encourage employment.
b. Support services for working families to help them achieve self-sufficiency and to end their dependence on public assistance programs.

3. The Working Connections Child Care program provides subsidized child care for families making the transition from welfare-to-work. As such, the program provides vital supports to help maintain two-parent working families.

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

Washington State operates Community Jobs, a wage subsidy program. In FFY 2004, there were 1,738 individuals enrolled and participating in the Community Jobs program.

Washington's Community College system also operates a work study program in which part-time subsidized employment is provided to TANF and State Family Assistance cash recipients while they are enrolled in college. For the period July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, 375 individuals participated in this program. Data is collected and reported for this time period based upon the academic year, therefore it is not available by Federal Fiscal Year.

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.

Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is a non-recurrent short term cash benefit for families that do not require on-going basic assistance. This diversion benefit is limited to $1,500 in a 12-month period.

This program provides assistance to needy parents so that children may be cared for in their own homes, or the homes of relatives. In addition, this program is intended to reduce reliance on long-term cash assistance in those cases where the family does not need cash assistance.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $7,379,948.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $7,379,948.00

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

Income and resource standards are the same as the TANF cash assistance standards. The state has several policies that limit the frequency and duration of payments. A family may receive up to $1,500 in DCA only once within a 12-month period and only for bona fide needs such as child care bills, rent payments, transportation, food or medical costs. The amount of DCA the family receives cannot be more than the cost of the bona fide needs and must keep the family from going on TANF. The family has to have, or be likely to get, enough income or other resources that a reasonable person could expect the family to support themselves for at least twelve months. If a family applies for TANF or State Family Assistance within the 12-month period following receipt of DCA, the DCA payment is treated as a loan and must be repaid from the TANF or State Family Assistance cash grant.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0.00
(NOTE: provide only if response on 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 for "eligible families."

State Family Assistance provides cash assistance for legal immigrant families made ineligible by the immigration provisions of P.L. 104-193. In addition, recipient families are eligible for all other benefits and services provided to federally-funded TANF recipients, including job search, support services, and education and training programs.

This program provides assistance to needy parents so that children may be cared for in their own homes, or the homes of relatives. The program also promotes job preparation, work and marriage by making available the full range of family support and work activities available to recipients of federally-funded TANF.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,618,420.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,618,420.00

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

Income and resource standards are the same as the TANF cash assistance standards. The State Family Assistance Program is described in the Washington TANF State Plan on page I-9, in subsection D, subparagraph 8.a.. General income and resource standards for TANF cash assistance are described in the Washington TANF State Plan at pages I-7 and I-8, in subsection D., Eligibility, Income and Resources.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0.00
(NOTE: provide only if response on 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 for "eligible families."

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Transfer of State Funds to Tribal TANF Programs

State law requires the transfer of a fair and equitable amount of state maintenance of effort funds to Tribal TANF programs once they are approved by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. [RCW 74.08A.040(4)]

These funds may be used by Tribes to promote all four statutory purposes of TANF.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $12,373,026.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $12,373,026.00

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal TANF: 352
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal TANF: 59
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal TANF: 37
Quileute Tribal TANF: 77
Quinault Indian Nation Tribal TANF: 113
Spokane Tribe: 371

These last figures represent: (Check one)

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

Eligibility will vary by Tribal TANF program. However, Washington State has adopted Tribal TANF grantee eligibility as its own for purposes of claiming these funds for maintenance of effort. See Washington’s TANF State Plan on page I-11, under subsection F. Claiming Transfers to Tribal TANF as MOE.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

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

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Working Connections Child Care (CCDF Double-Count)

Provide child care assistance to TANF families and low-income working families up to and including 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

This program provides subsidized child care for families making the transition from welfare-to-work. As such, the program accomplishes the first, second, and fourth TANF goals.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $38,707,605.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $38,707,605.00

(Note: These funds are claimed as Child Care Development Fund “double count” under 45 CFR 263.3.)

(Note: all families served by Working Connections Child Care, includes both state and CCDF funds.)

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

To be eligible for Working Connections Child Care, clients must work 20 hours per week and have incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0.00
(NOTE: provide only if response on 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 for "eligible families."

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Food Assistance Program (FAP) for Legal Immigrants

State-funded food assistance benefits for families made ineligible by federal food stamp restrictions for immigrants.

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

This state program mirrors the federal Food Stamp program. As such, recipients must meet all work requirements associated with the Food Stamp Employment and Training program. Recipients also receiving TANF cash assistance or State Family Assistance must meet applicable work activities under those programs.

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,096,817.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,096,817.00

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

With the exception of citizenship and alien rules, the state program mirrors the federal Food Stamp program, which establishes eligibility at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0.00
(NOTE: provide only if response on 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 for "eligible families."

Provide cash assistance and self-sufficiency services for low-income families. TANF provides cash assistance; WorkFirst provides support services and activities to low-income families to enable them to find jobs, keep jobs, and become self-sufficient.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $215,826,291.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $215,826,291.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 55,858
(Note: assistance cases only)

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

See Washington’s Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) State Plan for complete description of TANF/WorkFirst eligibility criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (Check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0.00
(NOTE: provide only if response on 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 for "eligible families."