Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs

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Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
Mississippi

Attachment A

Annual Report On TANF Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b)
(FY 2005)

General Instructions:

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?

• Job Search and Job Readiness: Participants may be assigned to this activity for up to six weeks with no more than four weeks consecutive. Job readiness activities are defined as coordinated, planned, and supervised classes or individual exercises that help TANF participants prepare for work. Participants are taught general work place expectations. This may include guidance and motivation to develop positive work attitudes and behaviors necessary to compete successfully in the labor market.

Job search provides counseling/training information about available jobs and instructions in job-seeking skills for participants actively looking for employment. Job search may be conducted on a group or individual basis.

• Employment: Types may include:

a. Regular employment: Employment in the public or private sector for which the person receives wages on an hourly, weekly, monthly basis, etc.

b. Self-employment: Employment in which the participant is earning income directly from one’s own business, trade or profession rather than a specified salary or wages from an employer. Income may be verified by a W2 form, check stubs or written statements from customers.

c. Contractual employment: Employment related to or constituting a contract (i.e., some school employees). Income from contractual work must be considered as being received in each month covered by the contract regardless of the number of months in which the income is received.

d. Work study: Approved employment plan at an accredited college, frequently granted in addition to other student financial aid.

e. Workforce Investment Act (WIA)-On-the-Job Training: Employment in which WIA reimburses the employer up to 50% of the employee’s wages for up to six months when an eligible individual is on the job, receiving training and earning a regular salary.

• Work Experience: Alternative Work Experience Program (AWEP) placements are only made with private non-profit entities for no cash payment in order to improve work skills by offering training and experience for a better understanding of the work world so the individual may move more quickly into full-time employment. The maximum number of hours in any month that a participant may be required to participate in AWEP is based upon the family's combined value of TANF and food stamp benefits divided by the federal minimum wage. TANF recipients assign to this activity cannot displace regular workers.

• Community Service Programs: Placements are only made with public entities and are limited to projects that serve a useful public purpose in fields such as health, social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural development and redevelopment, welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, and child care. The main objective of assigning the TANF Work Program (TWP) participant to a community service activity is to improve work skills by offering training and experience for a better understanding of the work world so the individual may move more quickly into full-time employment. The maximum number of hours in any month that a participant may be required to participate in a community service activity is based upon the family's combined value of TANF and food stamp benefits divided by the federal minimum wage. These positions are not funded and the participant receives no pay. TANF recipients assign to this activity cannot displace regular workers.

• Education: Types may include:

a. Vocational educational training: An organized educational program which offers a sequence of courses directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations that do not require a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Such programs shall include competency-based applied learning which contributes in an individual’s academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning, and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, and the occupational-specific skills necessary for obtaining employment and becoming self-sufficient.

b. School or education directly related to employment for teen heads of household under age 20 without a GED or high school diploma: High school education or alternative education designed to prepare the person (teen head of household) to achieve a high school degree or equivalency certificate.

c. Education directly related to employment for recipients without high school diploma or GED: Employment focused classes with emphasis on information needed in the workplace. Academic subjects include basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Life coping skills include, but not necessarily be limited to, personal health, parenting, employment protocols, and financial planning. English proficiency education will be offered to an individual who does not understand, speak, read, or write the English language.

d. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or course of study leading to GED for recipients who have not completed secondary school: High school education or alternative education designed to prepare the person (adult TANF recipient) to achieve a high school degree or equivalency certificate.

e. Post Secondary Education: An organized educational program which offers a sequence of courses directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations that requires a baccalaureate or advanced degree.

• Job Skills Training Directly Related to Employment: Employer-specific skills training is directed at a specific employer’s needs.

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

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

• Transitional Transportation for up to 12 or 24 months: An individual who is no longer receiving TANF monthly benefits because of increased earnings or loss of income disregards may be eligible for up to 12 or 24 months of Transitional Transportation. Because of a policy change implemented on September 14, 2004, the length of the transportation assistance period is based on when the individual applies for Transitional Transportation. Effective for the benefit month of October 2004, and thereafter, an individual whose TANF case closes because of increased earnings or loss of disregards must apply for Transitional Transportation within 12 months of the TANF case closure (regardless of when the TANF case closed). An individual submitting a Transitional Transportation application for the benefit month of October 2004, and thereafter is only eligible for 12 months of Transitional Transportation. An individual who applied for and was receiving Transitional Transportation prior to October 2004, was allowed to continue to receive 24 months of Transitional Transportation.
• Transitional Child Care for up to 12 months.
• Job Retention Bonus Payments: An individual who loses TANF benefits because of employment or loss of income disregards may be eligible for job retention incentive bonus payments. Job retention bonus payments are broken down in to the following two (2) cycles:

Cycle 1:

An individual who loses TANF benefits because of increased earned income or loss of disregards may be eligible for up to five (5) job retention bonus payments over a 24-month period. An individual in this bonus cycle can only receive payment for each bonus payment once during his/her lifetime. Bonus payments are limited to a one- time, lifetime maximum of $3000. If all eligibility requirements are met, bonus payments should be processed based on the following schedule for anyone currently under this bonus payment schedule prior to September 30,2004:

B1. $ 200 - if the individual remains employed for 90 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B2. $ 400 - if the individual remains employed for 180 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B3. $ 600 - if the individual remains employed for 270 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B4. $ 800 - if the individual remains employed for 450 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B5. $1000 - if the individual remains employed for 730 days after the TANF money payment ends.

Cycle 2:

An individual whose TANF case closes on or after September 30, 2004, because of earned income or loss of disregards, may be eligible for up to four (4) job retention bonus payments over a 12-month period. An individual in this bonus cycle can only receive payment for each bonus payment once during his/her lifetime. Bonus payments are limited to a one time, lifetime maximum of $1000. If all eligibility requirements are met, bonus payments should be processed based on the following schedule:

B1. $100 00 - if the individual remains employed for 90 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B2. $200.00 - if the individual remains employed for 180 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B3. $300.00 - if the individual remains employed for 270 days after the TANF money payment ends.
B4. $400.00 - if the individual remains employed for 360 days after the TANF money payment ends.

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.

VIOLATION
PENALTY
(WHICHEVER IS LONGER)

1st Violation
2 Months Minimum or Until Compliance

2nd Violation
6 Months Minimum or Until Compliance

3rd Violation
12 Months Minimum or Until Compliance

4th Violation
Permanent Disqualification

NOTE: For a two-parent family, the parent who was meeting work requirements, but lost money payment benefits due to the other parent’s non-cooperation, may open his/her own case with the dependent children after six months.

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:

Licensed/regulated in home child care;
Licensed/regulated family child care;
Licensed/regulated group home child care;
Licensed/regulated center based child care;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
in home child care provided by a non relative;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
in home child care provided by a relative;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
family child care provided by a non relative;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
family child care provided by a relative;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
group child care provided by a non relative;
Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
group child care provided by a relative; and
Legally operated (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
center based child care.

Not Applicable.

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.

Not Applicable. The State 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:

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

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

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.

Automobile-Related Expense Program: Effective July 1, 2002, the State implemented the Automobile-Related Expense Program as a pilot project in Economic Assistance Region II. Current TWP participants assigned to unsubsidized employment activities and individuals transitioning off TANF due to income, increased earnings or loss of disregards may be eligible to receive repairs/services to his/her automobile. The intent of the program is to support employment and retention through the provision of services for vehicles registered to current, employed TWP participants and those in transition. The state reimburses the service provider. This program was discontinued on June 30, 2005.

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.

State Law, Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated at 43-17-5(f),prohibits the displacement of regular workers by TANF recipients. No adult in a work activity shall be employed or assigned when another individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job within six months before the date of the TANF recipient’s employment or assignment; or if the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction of its work force in order to fill the vacancy created with an adult receiving TANF assistance. The Mississippi Employment Security Commission as established under Section 71-5-101 will appoint one or more impartial hearing officers to hear and decide claims by employees of violations.

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):

“Just Wait” Abstinence Initiative

To involve community, faith-based organizations, schools and families within the State’s four congressional districts in the establishment of educational and training programs on teenage pregnancy prevention, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) provides the following:

• community-wide abstinence-till-marriage curriculum that teaches the social, psychological and physical effects of engaging in sexual activities,
• curriculum to teach that abstinence from sexual activity before marriage, and fidelity within marriage is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and related health problems,
• multi-media marketing campaigns to reach a wide audience with the abstinence-till-marriage message,
• workshops in community settings that address at-risk behaviors (i.e., dropping out of school; alcohol and substance abuse/use; teen pregnancy),
• resources that will promote the abstinence-till-marriage message and allow the program to be replicated statewide, and
• curriculum to reinforce abstinence and second-time abstinence.

Expansion of Family First Resource Centers

To establish resource centers that would not be possible through the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Grant, MDHS advanced the development, expansion and enhancement of a statewide network of community-based, prevention focused, parent resource centers that offer assistance to families. To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies the centers:

• provide early comprehensive support for parents,
• promote the development of parenting skills,
• promote the independence of families,
• increase family stability,
• improve family access to resources and opportunities for assistance,
• focus on prevention of teenage pregnancy while supporting teen parents,
• support the needs of families with children with disabilities, and
• provide a safe place for supervised visitation.

Adolescent Offender Program

To ensure that children remain in the home, prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, improve school attendance, and facilitate goal development that will lead to gainful employment, MDHS funded the Adolescent Offender Program. The program utilizes role-model counselors to safely divert adolescent offenders from further contact with the criminal justice system. Individuals eligible for this program are not required to be TANF eligible, but must be below 300% of the federal poverty level.

Responsible Fatherhood Initiative

To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families and prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, MDHS funded the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. The program provides comprehensive services that support and educate fathers on the importance of responsible parenthood. Services include, but are not limited to:

• literacy and parenting skills training,
• crisis intervention services,
• job readiness and job retention training and support, and
• apprenticeship, mentoring and employment development, including self-employment and entrepreneurship, that enable noncustodial and underemployed fathers to become self-sufficient.

Attorney General’s At-Risk Youth Program

Funds were made available to the Attorney General to implement programs that serve the unmet needs of "at risk" youth in the state. The programs are designed to:

• provide assistance to needy families so that the children may be cared for in their homes or in the homes of relatives,
• end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. These programs provide safe and stable environments which help children succeed and allow their parents to work, and
• prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

State Coalition of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) At-Risk Youth Program

TANF funds were made available to the State Coalition of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) for the purpose of developing and implementing statewide programs that serve the unmet needs of youth by way of Adolescent Offenders and Teen Leadership programs. The program is designed to ensure that children remain in the home , prevents and reduces out-of-wedlock pregnancies, improve school attendance, and facilitates goal development that will lead to gainful employment. Individuals eligible for this program are not required to be TANF eligible, but must be at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

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

Expansion of Family First Resource Centers

TANF funds were used to provide family preservation services to families, with dependent children, earning at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Social workers and homemakers provide supportive services to promote safety and well-being of children and their families, promote stability and permanency, preserve family unity. The goal of the program is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
Responsible Fatherhood Initiative

To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families and prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, MDHS provides comprehensive services that support and educate fathers on the importance of responsible parenthood. Services include, but are not limited to:

Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges

Funds were made available to the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges for the assessment, enrollment, certification, follow-up and performance standards as they relate to career-related training of TANF Work Program (TWP) participants and/or former TANF working families who fall at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Training may be established based on employer needs in a particular area of the State. Training may also be established on an individual basis based on the individual's career goal(s)/objective(s) and training needs in conjunction with employer needs. The goal of the program is to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. The program ended effective July 1, 2005.

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

NA. Subsidized employment program was discontinued in July 1999.

Attachment B

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

State: Mississippi Fiscal Year: 2005

Date Submitted: December 31, 2005

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.

37. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Basic Assistance

38. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Mississippi provides financial assistance to families determined eligible based on the current standard of need, resources and maximum payment level for that size family. Maximum grants are $110 per month for the first person, $36 for the second person and $24 for each additional person. TANF monthly benefits in Mississippi are provided by means of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system to the recipient family.

39. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

40. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

_____ This Program is a separate State program.

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

42. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,160.00

7. Total MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 1,160.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 5

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

____ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

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

Yes __X_ No ____

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

43. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Transportation and Other Supportive Services

44. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Transportation assistance and participation stipends to TANF recipients in TWP activities (i.e., AWEP, Community Services, Job Readiness, etc.)

45. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

46. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

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

48. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $9,320,000.00

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $9,320,000.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 18,421

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

Families, residing in the state, with dependent children (under the age of 18 years) who meet the TANF criteria for income, resources and deprivation; and TANF Work Program requirements. The funds were used to provide supportive services to individuals participating in the TANF Work Program.

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

Yes __X_ No ____

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

49. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Other Work Activities/Expenses

50. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: To assist the TANF Work Program participant in finding and keeping a job, MDHS will pay fees for: Driver’s Licenses, Safety Equipment, Tools, Work Permits, Birth Certificates, Uniforms, ID cards, GED tests, and other approved items.

51. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

52. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

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

54. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $5,758,848.00

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $5,758,848.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 11,383

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

Families, residing in the state, with dependent children (under the age of 18 years) who meet the TANF criteria for income, resources and deprivation, and TANF Work Program requirements.

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

Yes __X_ No ____

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

55. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Child Care MOE

56. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Child Care MOE

57. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

58. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

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

60. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,135,430.00

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,135,430.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 6197

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

Families, residing in the state, with dependent children (under the age of 18 years) who meet the TANF criteria for income, resources and deprivation, and TANF Work Program requirements.

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

Yes____ No __X_

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Program did not exist prior to TANF.
(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

61. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Administration

62. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Case Management, social work, providers services, work program placement activities, etc.

63. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: Administrative cost to operate TANF program.

64. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

65. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (i.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program).

66. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,764,846.00

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,764,846.00 (administrative cost only)

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 3488

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

____ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

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

Yes __X_ No ____

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

67. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Systems

68. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

69. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: To operate TANF program, issue TANF benefits and track activities.

70. Program Type. (Check one)

__X_ This program is operated under the TANF program.

____ This Program is a separate State program.

71. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (i.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program).

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $239,621.00

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $239,621.00 (Advance Planning Document cost only)

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 474

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

____ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

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

Yes __X_ No ____

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

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program: Education and Training - State Funded Scholarship Program

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

State funded scholarship programs for needy families with dependent children that began after 1995.[Mississippi Code of 1972 Sections 37-106-29, 37-106-31 and 37-157-1 amended by Senate Bill 2231(1997) and House Bill 1273(1998)] Eligible population: A needy family is defined as a family with a dependent child(ren) and an average annual income at or below 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The eligible child is defined as anyone who has not yet attained their 24th birthday, continuously enrolled in a program of post-secondary education [Attorney General's Opinion (September 6, 2002)]. The eligible child is not a veteran, not a graduate or professional student, not married, not an orphan or ward of the court, and does not have legal dependents. The eligible child is living in the home; however, he/she may be absent from the home for periods while attending the post-secondary program.

The cost of a scholarship provided to the head of household and/or his/her spouse in an income eligible family shall also count toward the State's MOE requirement.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

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

- End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. These programs provide safe and stable environments which help children succeed and allow their parents to work; and

- Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

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 program is a separate State program):

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,506,754.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,506,754.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 2978
This last figure represents (check one):

_____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

A needy family is defined as a family with a dependent child(ren) and an average annual income at or below 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one) Yes ___ No __X_

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: Program did not exist prior to 1995.
(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."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________

NAME: _________________________________________________

TITLE: _________________________________________________

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This is a Historical Document.