Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
Pennsylvania

Appendix A

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.

(i) Work-Related Activities that clients can participate in during their first 24 months of receipt of cash assistance:

- Job search - the activity of seeking full-time or part-time employment with the required documentation of attempts to secure employment. A job search may be conducted through a contracted program or conducted independently without the benefits of the contracted program. The independent job search is available to individuals who have a high school diploma or its equivalent and an eighth grade reading level as determined through assessment.

- Job readiness or preparation activities - training that prepares the recipient for the workplace by teaching interviewing techniques, preparation of resumes and employer expectations. This activity may also include instruction in basic life skills and career exploration

- Subsidized employment - work in which all or a portion of the wages paid to the recipient are provided to the employer either as a reimbursement of the extra costs of training or as an incentive to hire the recipient

- Work experience - subsidized employment of not more than six months duration which is combined with classroom study or other training

- On-the-job-training - employment experience that combines a subsidized period of employment with instruction necessary to perform specific job functions in which the recipient is hired by the employer, who is reimbursed up to fifty percent of the wages paid during the contracted subsidy period. The training is to be provided to recipients who do not have the related education or specific work experience required for the job

- Workfare - unpaid work used to provide work experience for clients in the public or non-profit sector

- Community service - nonpaid work for a unit of Federal, State or local government or a nonprofit organization arranged by the cash assistance recipient. The organization receiving the work must agree to report to the appropriate County Assistance Office (CAO) regarding the number of hours worked per week by the cash assistance recipient.

- Job skills training - preparation that is designed to provide a recipient with the knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a specific job

- General education - education designed to qualify a client for a high school diploma or equivalency certificate

- Vocational education - a specific curriculum of training, including post secondary education provided by an accredited training organization, which is designed to prepare a recipient for a specific occupation

- English-as-a second language - any formal education specifically designed to improve proficiency in English

Except for unsubsidized employment, there is no hourly requirement of participation during the first 24 months that a client receives cash assistance.

(ii) Work Activities that clients can participate in after having received cash assistance for 24 or more months

- Work experience - subsidized employment of not more than six months duration which is combined with classroom study or other training

- Workfare - unpaid work used to provide work experience for clients in the public or non-profit sector

- Community service - nonpaid work for a unit of Federal, State or local government or a nonprofit organization arranged by the cash assistance recipient. The organization receiving the work must agree to report to the appropriate CAO regarding the number of hours worked per week by the cash assistance recipient.

After clients have received cash assistance for 24 or more months, their participation in one of the aforementioned work activities must be for an average of 20 hours per week.

(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.

Extended Medical Coverage (EMC) is sometimes referred to as Transitional Medical Assistance. A person may receive the categorically needy non-money payment (NMP) Medicaid benefit in the EMC program for up to 12 months if TANF or “NMP for the Family” Medicaid (1931 eligibility group) is discontinued due to new employment, increased hours of employment, or increased income from employment. EMC may be authorized up to four months if TANF or “NMP for the Family” Medicaid is discontinued due to income from support. To receive EMC, persons must have received TANF or “NMP for the Family” Medicaid in at least three of the six months immediately prior to the month TANF or “NMP for the Family” Medicaid is discontinued and have a TANF-aged child in the household.

DPW also provides transitional food stamp benefits under the Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) option. For DPW purposes, the Federal TBA provisions are known as Extended Food Stamp Benefits (EFS). The meaning of the term “TBA” is not understandable to the public and DPW has decided EFS is a more “client friendly” term. EFS provides households leaving TANF with up to five months of benefits by using the income the household received in the last month of TANF eligibility minus the TANF grant amount. EFS provides a continued support to meet the nutritional needs of families as they transition from TANF to self-sufficiency and allows a transitional period of time for the household circumstances to stabilize before reducing or removing support.

In addition, DPW incorporated 11 non-assistance initiatives included in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget that provide work supports and other services to eligible low-income families. Although these work supports and services are funded with TANF funds, they are excluded from the definition of “assistance” in 45 C.F.R. §260.31. As a result, these work supports and services do not count towards the 60-month TANF time limit. In addition, persons receiving these benefits are not subject to the TANF work requirement or to a Federally-imposed child support requirement. The term used by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to describe the TANF-funded work supports and services which do not count towards the 60-month TANF time limit is “non-assistance.” Pursuant to 45 CFR §260.31, the terms “assistance” and “non-assistance” are defined below:

Assistance – includes cash payments, vouchers, and other forms of benefits designed to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs (i.e., food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household goods, personal care items, and general incidental expenses). Assistance also includes supportive services such as transportation and TANF-funded child care provided to non-employed cash assistance recipients.

Non-Assistance – includes:
• Non-recurrent, short-term benefits that:
- Are designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need;
- Are not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and
- Will not extend beyond four months.
• Work subsidies (i.e., payments to employers or third parties to help cover the costs of employee wages, benefits, supervision, and training);
• Supportive services such as child care and transportation provided to families who are employed;
• Services such as counseling, case management, peer support, child care information and referral, transitional services, job retention, job advancement, and other employment-related services that do not provide basic income support;

In accordance with 45 CFR §260.31 and subject to the availability of resources, DPW provides funding for the following non-assistance initiatives to certain needy families, based on the program descriptions and eligibility criteria set forth in each of the following initiatives.

The Community College Component

Since December 2003, the Workforce Investment Act fiscal agent has provided subcontracts to the community college to purchase slots in various education and training programs offered by the college. The funding is also used to support the costs incurred by the college for intensive case management offered to these clients. The Community College initiative encourages individuals who may be new to the welfare rolls to engage early in training activities that lead to permanent employment. In addition, DPW has set aside funding for community colleges to design and develop remedial curricula for working TANF or former TANF families.

Eligibility for this initiative is limited to needy families who receive TANF when they are enrolled. Families who leave TANF while still participating in this program must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs.

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, and is funded with commingled funds.

Child Care Provided to Employed Families

Effective July 2000, this initiative provides subsidized child care benefits to eligible employed families who need child care to participate in unsubsidized employment, subsidized employment and/or education/training activities.

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must meet the definition of a needy family, and
• Must be working, and
• Must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs, and
• Must be a current or former TANF recipient

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, and is funded with commingled funds.

Workforce Investment Board’s (WIBs) Transportation Grant Initiative
Effective July 2000, this initiative funds additional transportation services to employed families in an effort to resolve specific public transportation-related barriers, such as linkages to child care and second and third shift employment for those transitioning to self-sufficiency. Services contracted through the WIBs may include:

• Reverse commutes
• Guaranteed ride home program services
• Vanpooling
• Carpooling
• Shared taxi service
• Automobile acquisition

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must meet the definition of a needy family, and
• Must be working, and
• Must reside in certain rural or semi-urban WIB areas, and
• Must be in a DPW-funded employment and training program through the local WIB, and
• Must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, and is funded with commingled funds.

Eyeglass and Hearing Device Initiative – Non-Medical

Effective July 2000, this initiative provides a cost-limited non-recurring, short-term benefit towards the actual cost of eyeglasses and/or hearing exams and devices to help clients seek and maintain employment. These benefits are available to eligible clients through DPW’s Road to Economic Self-Sufficiency through Employment and Training (RESET) Program-contracted provider in whose program they are participating. Services provided under this initiative include:
• Eye exam and the purchase of eye glasses (once per year per individual and actual cost up to a maximum of $200)
• Hearing exams and hearing devices (once per year per individual and actual cost up to a maximum of $1000)

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must meet the definition of a needy family or be a non-custodial parent of a minor child who is a participant in the ELECT initiative, and
• Must demonstrate the need for eye glasses through an eye exam, or
• Must demonstrate the need for an exam with an audiologist and hearing devices through referral by an M.D., and
• Must be enrolled with a DPW-contracted program provider funded through DPW’s RESET program, and
• Must need the eye glasses or hearing devices for participation in pre-employment, education, training or other approved activities related to job search and placement in employment, and
• Must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, and is funded with commingled funds.

The ELECT Initiative

Effective April 2001, this initiative is designed to assist parents of minor children, including expectant parents, to return to or remain in school, obtain their high school diploma or GEDs, develop responsible parenting skills, become positive role models for their children and become productive members of their communities. Acknowledging paternity is not required to participate. Services provided under this initiative may include:
• Intensive case management
• Parenting and child development education
• Health care and nutritional education
• Year-round programming

Primary goals of the program are to assist students to:
• Remain in school
• Maintain attendance
• Obtain high school diploma or GED

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must be under 22, and
• Must be parents of minor children, including expectant parents, and
• Must be a current TANF or food stamp recipient, or
• Must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235% of the FPIGs

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage; purpose three, to 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 purpose four, to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. This initiative is funded with commingled funds.

ELECT After School Component

This component was developed to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in developing comprehensive after school activities for expectant, parenting and other high-risk youth in grades 3 through 8. Services or activities include:
• Academic Enhancement – Helping students improve academic interest and performance
• Personal Development – Helping students recognize their own value, their strengths and the importance of assuming responsibility for their behavior
• Prevention of High Risk Behaviors – Providing age appropriate information and skills that will enhance the student’s ability to avoid risky behavior and to engage in positive, constructive relationships.
• Parental Involvement Activities – Maintaining an open door policy where parents are encouraged to drop in, support and participate in their children’s activities. Additionally, programs hold quarterly Open House Meetings.

All programs must provide fun activities intended to improve the participant’s personal development while helping to keep his or her interest in the program.

This pilot is currently being offered in four LEAs in which 50 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced school lunch. Children in grades 3 through 8 who are expectant, parenting or have demonstrated at risk behavior are eligible to participate.

This initiative meets TANF purpose number one , to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; purpose three, to 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 purpose number four, to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. This initiative is funded with 100 percent segregated Federal funds.

Nurse-Family Partnership

Effective October 2001, this initiative provides home visitation management services to eligible low-income, first-time mothers only. The home visitors are nurses who follow guidelines that focus on the mother’s personal health, quality of care provided to the child and the parents’ own life-course development.

The purposes of this initiative are as follows:
• To improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women practice sound health-related behaviors, including obtaining good prenatal care from their physicians, improving diet and reducing use of cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drugs.
• To improve child health and development by helping parents provide more responsible and competent care for their children.
• To improve families’ economic self-sufficiency by helping parents develop a vision for their own future, plan future pregnancies, continue their education and find jobs.

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must be a first-time mother with a dependent child, or be pregnant with the first child, and
• Must have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs

This initiative meets TANF purpose number three, to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies. This initiative is funded with 100 percent segregated Federal funds.

Head-Start Collaboration Project

Effective October 2001, this initiative focuses on the priority of child care, education and job training for families as they make the transition from welfare to work. The strategy has been to create awareness and provide resources and technical assistance to support the development of services through local Head Start child care partnerships.

In addition to early care and education services, Head Start provides comprehensive family-oriented services including parent education, early education enrichment, literacy and intervention programs which pattern the child into becoming a responsible youth who can make educated decisions.

Eligibility requirements for this initiative are as follows:
• Must be a Head Start grantee, and
• Must use the grant to provide Head Start child care services to children from low-income families who meet the Head Start eligibility criteria and whose incomes do not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs

Women in Need – Alternatives to Abortion

Effective July 2002, this initiative provides pregnancy and parenting support to women in need. The program primarily provides information and counseling that promote childbirth instead of abortion and assists pregnant women in their decisions regarding adoption or parenting. Services are free to women participating in the program.

• A woman must be pregnant, or suspect she is pregnant, or be the parent of an infant less than 12 months of age, and
• have a gross annual earned income that does not exceed 185 percent of the FPIGs

This initiative meets all four TANF purposes and is funded with 100 percent segregated funds.

Transportation Assistance
Effective July 1997, the Welfare to Work (w2w) Transportation Demonstration project pools the resources and experience of the Departments of Public Welfare, Transportation, Labor & Industry and Community and Economic Development to allocate TANF dollars to organized transportation providers for the purpose of making transportation to and from employment available and affordable to eligible working individuals. The program is directly administered by the Department of Transportation and the TANF dollars match funds from the Job Access and Reverse Commute program.

• Public transit at no cost or modified cost
• Organized transit pools at no cost or modified cost
• Assistance with the purchase or repair of a motor vehicle.

• the family must include an adult who is employed.
• The family must be receiving TANF cash assistance or must have received TANF cash assistance on or after March 3, 1997 or
• the family must meet the definition of a needy family and have gross annual earned income that does not exceed 235 percent of the FPIGs

This initiative meets TANF purpose number two, to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, and is funded with commingled funds.

This initiative provides a one-time non-assistance payment to eligible families as an alternative to ongoing TANF cash assistance. The adult in the family must be employed or have a recent work history. A recent work history is defined as having worked within the 90-day period immediately preceding the date of application.

The purpose of this payment is to meet a specific crisis situation or episode of need that is expected to eliminate a family’s need for ongoing cash assistance. A Diversion payment is equal to the Family Size Allowance (FSA) for one, two or a maximum of three months, depending upon a family’s need. A family will be eligible for only one payment in a 12-month period. Services and/or items that may be purchased with this payment include, but are not limited to:

• Work expenses such as uniforms and tools
• Mortgage, rent, or other housing expenses
• Car repairs, inspections, payments, insurance premium payments and other transportation costs
• Child care
• Costs to relocate to secure employment

• Meet income/resource requirements and definitive conditions (minor child, specified relative and deprivation) for receipt of TANF;
• Be employed or have a recent work history;
• Have a financial need that, if met, eliminates the family’s need for ongoing TANF cash assistance; and
• Have a verified plan for ongoing self-support from earned or unearned income.

This initiative meets TANF purpose number one to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives and number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. This initiative is funded with commingled funds.

(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.

Pennsylvania has the following policy regarding reducing the amount of assistance payable to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause pursuant to §261.14:

A mandatory participant who fails to cooperate with the work or work-related activity requirement, participate in RESET (Pennsylvania's employment and training program) or accept a bona fide offer of employment, or who terminates employment, or fails to apply for work, without good cause, is ineligible for cash assistance.

First occurrence - 30 days or until the failure to comply ceases, whichever is longer.

Second occurrence - 60 days or until the failure to comply ceases, whichever is longer.

If the reason for the sanction occurs in the first 24 months, the sanction applies only to the individual.

If the reason for the sanction occurs after the first 24 months, the sanction applies to the entire budget group.

In lieu of the sanctions set forth above, if an employed individual voluntarily, without good cause, reduces his earnings by not fulfilling the 20-hour weekly work requirement, the cash grant is reduced by the dollar value of the income that would have been earned if the recipient would have fulfilled his 20-hour weekly work requirement, until the 20-hour requirement is met.

DPW has opted not to impose a sanction on medical assistance benefits for recipients who fail to comply with employment and work-related activity requirements.

(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:

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

(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 nonrelative;

(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 nonrelative;

(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;

Pennsylvania discontinued the use of disregards in lieu of making cash payments for child care effective February 1, 1999.

(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.

Information regarding Pennsylvania's strategies for implementing the Family Violence Option are included in the TANF State Plan in Section VI at number 18. DPW published its revised policy governing good cause for failing to cooperate with child/spousal support requirements based on a claim of domestic violence in the TANF regulations published on October 12, 2002, in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. These revised requirements became effective July 3, 2000. A significant revision permits applicants/recipients to affirm in writing that they are unable to safely provide documentation of good cause within the established time frames for providing verification. Good cause may be granted for a period not to exceed six months pending appropriate documentation.

Recipients who are granted temporary good cause waivers of work requirements must participate in the completion of a services plan. This mutual plan is developed by a specialist with a domestic violence service provider or a CAO worker who is trained in domestic violence. The services plan is used to assess the individualized needs and circumstances of the victim of domestic violence and his/her family. Factors that enter into the development of the plan are family safety, stability and self-sufficiency. The goal of self-sufficiency through employment is pursued only insofar as it does not compromise the safety of the family. The services plan includes a review of the individual's circumstances such as shelter allowances, medical care, child care, transportation, child support and referrals to the appropriate agencies for safety planning or a discussion of legal options. The plan is reviewed and updated as necessary, but no less often than every six months. Compliance with the plan is required for the waiver to continue.

Numbers of good cause waivers
Employment-related waivers – 2,601
Child Support waivers – 3,565

(6) A description of any nonrecurrent, short-term benefits (as defined in 45 CFR 260.13(b)(1)) provided, including:

• Emergency Shelter Allowances are available to assist families and individuals who are homeless or near homeless and who need financial assistance in order to prevent eviction or foreclosure or obtain permanent or temporary shelter. The amount of the emergency shelter allowance alone or when added to other sources of housing assistance or resources available to the applicant must be sufficient to prevent eviction/foreclosure or to provide permanent or temporary shelter and the applicant must have sufficient anticipated income to pay future rent.

• Employment and Training Special Allowances for Supportive Services are provided to eligible persons who participate in work-related and education and training activities specified in their Agreement of Mutual Responsibility. Payment for supportive services include the following:
- Child care
- Care of incapacitated adults
- Transportation
- Motor vehicle purchase
- Motor vehicle repairs
- Motor vehicle related expenses
- Moving relocation costs
- Lodging
- Food
- Clothing
- Tools and equipment
- Books and supplies
- Union dues and professional fees
- Registration fees

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

• Emergency Shelter Allowances eligibility criteria are as follows:
- The gross annual income limit is established as 80 percent of the current FPIGs for individuals under age 21 or families with a child under age 21. Families receiving TANF cash assistance and who have no other income except for support pass-through payments are automatically income eligible.
- The individual or family intends to remain a resident of Pennsylvania.
- The housing emergency is not a result of a refusal to accept employment or training without good cause.

Frequency of Emergency Shelter Allowance Payments - An emergency shelter allowance may be granted only during one consecutive 30 calendar day period every 12 consecutive months, and is limited to a maximum benefit amount based on the type of allowance in the 30 consecutive days.

- To provide permanent living quarters
° Individual under age 21 or family with a child under age 21, a maximum of $300.
° Individual age 21 or over or family with all individuals age 21 or over, a maximum of $100.
- To prevent eviction or foreclosure
°Individual under age 21 or family with a child under age 21, a maximum of $400.
° Individual age 21 or over or family with all individuals age 21 or over, a maximum of $300.

- To provide temporary shelter including when a dwelling is uninhabitable, when a dwelling has been condemned as a result of a disaster, or when the family had to leave a permanent residence because of a domestic violence situation.
° A maximum of $100.

• Employment and Training Special Allowances for Supportive Services eligibility criteria are as follows:

- Child care is authorized as required for education, training, job application or job interview and employment. Payment for child care is limited to the lower of the actual cost or the Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) established by DPW.

- Care of incapacitated adults is authorized as required for education, training, job application or job interview. The maximum allowance is the actual cost of non-medical care up to the maximum rates established for infant care.

- Transportation is authorized for both public and private carriers up to $250 total per month. Allowances to cover the cost of public and private transportation carriers may be issued with no limit on the number of trips for job interviews, education or training activities. Allowances for employment-related costs may be authorized for the period up to first pay. The maximum allowance for public transportation is actual cost except for air and long distance rail travel, which are covered at actual cost at the lowest available rate. The maximum allowance for private transportation (i.e., privately owned vehicle or volunteer car and driver) is $.12 per mile plus the actual cost of parking and highway and bridge tolls.

- Motor vehicle purchase is authorized once per job or as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is actual cost up to $750.

- Motor vehicle repairs are authorized once per job or as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is actual cost up to $400.

- Motor vehicle-related expenses such as driver's license fees, state inspection fees, emission control inspection fees, license plates, or vehicle registration fees are authorized once per job or as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $200.

- Moving relocation costs to accept employment are authorized no more than once in a 12-month period. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $200.

- Lodging is authorized once for each application or interview for a job or as required for education or training activities. The allowance is the actual cost subject to the maximum rate established for Commonwealth employees by the Office of Administration.

- Food is authorized once for each application or interview for a job or as required for education or training activities. The allowance is the actual cost subject to the maximum rate established for Commonwealth employees by the Office of Administration and the Office of the Budget.

- Clothing is authorized once per job or as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $150.

- Tools and equipment are authorized once per job or as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $2000.

- Books and supplies are authorized as required for education or training activities. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $500.

- Union dues and professional fees are authorized once per job. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $250.

- Registration fees are authorized as required for education and training activities. The maximum allowance is the actual cost up to $250.

(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

In August 2005, Pennsylvania began a Diversion program for TANF-eligible applicants who meet certain Diversion criteria. Diversion is designed to provide aid to families whose earned income has been reduced and who are in need of short-term assistance to provide for financial needs until self-sustaining income begins again. Diversion is designed to be an alternative to receiving ongoing TANF cash assistance.

(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.

To insure individuals receiving Diversion benefits have access to other program benefits, Operations Memorandum, OPS050605, directs CAO staff to evaluate and authorize Food Stamps and Medicaid as appropriate. The Diversion benefit is excluded from Food Stamp and Medicaid income and resource computations, including Expedited Food Stamps.

Information regarding Medicaid outreach is included in the TANF State Plan in Section VI at number 19. DPW has continued to engage in outreach efforts to ensure that individuals diverted from assistance receive Medicaid benefits to aid them in making the transition from welfare to work. DPW continued to mail flyers to families with children who had their TANF case closed since July 1, 1997, and had received Medicaid but who were not currently receiving Medicaid, had not responded to an initial mailing, or who were currently receiving food stamps only. In July 1999, telephone contact was attempted to 9,500 individuals whose TANF was closed for failure to keep an appointment, failure to monthly report, failure to furnish information or voluntary withdrawal, using a pre-designed script informing individuals what they must do to regain eligibility.

Pennsylvania went a step further in demonstrating commitment to providing families with Medicaid coverage by authorizing 60 days of fee-for-service Medicaid for 32,000 individuals for whom Medicaid was not authorized when TANF was closed. This was done based on the possibility that they may have been eligible. During the 60-day Medicaid eligibility period, exparte redeterminations were completed for approximately 2,000 individuals based on receipt of other benefits since July 1, 1997. Later, an additional 120 days of Medicaid was authorized for some of the original 32,000 if their Medicaid benefits were closed for income-related reasons and they had not been determined prospectively eligible.

DPW continues to revise operations to ensure individuals receive all Medicaid benefits for which they are eligible. A videoconference for CAO staff discussing proposed Medicaid policy and procedural changes was conducted to 12 down-link sites across the State through the local public television station. This was followed with Statewide training for all eligibility workers outlining revised Medicaid policies and procedures to reduce barriers to receiving and maintaining Medicaid. Computer programming changes have been made to continue Medicaid automatically when TANF is discontinued for a reason that does not affect Medicaid eligibility. A Medicaid eligibility computational tool, Medicaid Scratchpad, was implemented to aid staff in benefit determination.

DPW also created a new Medicaid eligibility group, “NMP for the Family”, based on Section 1931 of the Social Security Act and abolished the 100-hour and Principal Wage Earner rules for Medicaid based on unemployment.

The number of children on Medicaid when TANF was implemented was 720,308. Despite the initial enrollment decline just after implementation, the number of children in Medicaid now exceeds 918,000.

Food Stamp Outreach information is included in the TANF State Plan in Section VI at number 20. In addition to the outreach initiatives described in the State Plan, DPW has renewed 19 grants for the outreach initiative known as the Food Stamp Participation Project (FSPP).

The FSPP provided funds to community and faith-based organizations and local health and human services to support development and expansion of DPW’s goal which is to increase participation in the Food Stamp Program. The FSPP provided mini-grants of up to $50,000 to 19 selected bidders with a total budget of $883,740. The initial contract period covered April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003. The FSPP was renewed for a third year and that contract period covers April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006.

The workgroup monitored the development and design of the shortened and simplified Food Stamp Only application that is available in English and Spanish.

There were 14,099 quarterly mailings mailed to TANF households closed and not receiving food stamps from July through December of 2004 and another 2,831 from January through June 2005. These mailings to former TANF recipients not receiving food stamps inform them that they may be eligible to receive food stamps, Medicaid, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Child Care Works benefits, and how to apply if interested.

DPW also elected to provide Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) effective May 23, 2002, which was expanded as allowed by the Farm Bill, effective October 15, 2002.

For DPW purposes, the Federal TBA provisions are known as Extended Food Stamp Benefits (EFS). The meaning of the term “TBA” is not understandable to the public and DPW has decided EFS is a more “client friendly” term. EFS provides households leaving TANF with up to five months of benefits by using the income the household received in the last month of TANF eligibility minus the TANF grant amount. EFS provides a continued support to meet the nutritional needs of families as they transition from TANF to self-sufficiency and allows a transitional period of time for the household circumstances to stabilize before reducing or removing support.

(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.

DPW has the responsibility of handling complaints regarding the displacement of employees as a result of a placement of a TANF client in the workplace.

DPW requires its employment and training contractors to develop a Work Site Agreement, which requires an assurance that the work site will not displace its regular workforce with welfare recipients. Further, the work site may not substitute work experience participants for individuals on layoff from the same or substantially equivalent positions.

DPW notified Pennsylvania citizens of the displacement procedures by publishing a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 12, 2002 and by requiring that all employment and training contracts entered into with DPW include language prohibiting such displacement.

Individuals alleging displacement by a welfare recipient may contact DPW’s Bureau of Employment and Training Programs.

(8) A summary of State programs and activities directed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF (as specified at §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).

Information regarding Pennsylvania's strategies for implementing the third and forth purposes of TANF (as specified at §260.20(c) and (d) are included in the TANF State Plan in Section VI at numbers 16 and 17.

Transfers of TANF Block Grant Funds
Pennsylvania continues to provide supportive and emergency assistance through TANF or other State programs as follows:
- Pennsylvania reserves the option to transfer TANF funds to the Child Care and Social Services Block Grant

Reductions of Out-of-Wedlock Births
Pennsylvania addresses out-of-wedlock births from two perspectives:
- Provision of family planning services for low-income families and without regard to income for those who are 16 and 17 years old; additionally, within Department of Health under Federal funding through Title V of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant to teens under age 16; and without regard to income.

Abstinence education for adolescents with family incomes less than 185 percent of the FPIGs. As part of a five year plan to address teen pregnancy and out-of-wedlock births, DPW implemented the Abstinence Education and Related Services (AERS) Initiative. Through the AERS Initiative, DPW funded 28 community-based AERS projects in selected areas of the Commonwealth with youth at high risk for teen pregnancy and other risk behaviors. The primary target population were youth, both males and females, aged 9-14. These projects were funded through a Federal abstinence education grant award that required a State match.

Additionally, using TANF dollars, DPW targeted abstinence education programs and services for Hispanic youth and their families. DPW in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association of Latino Organizations supported the design and implementation of an abstinence education curriculum that is culturally and linguistically sensitive for Hispanic youth. The abstinence education curriculum was implemented in eight bi-lingual learning centers located in Pennsylvania. The bi-lingual learning centers were located in communities with large populations of Hispanic youth who were at risk for teen pregnancy and other risk behaviors (e.g., substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases).

During the last three fiscal years, DPW has collaborated with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and the Department of Education, Bureau of Community and Student Services to plan and implement the “Breaking the Cycle” Conference. This conference provided youth with the opportunity to discuss and develop strategies to address issues of drugs, alcohol abuse and violence affecting their community.

For TANF, services are focused on adolescents and provided by current contractors.

In 2003, there were 145,485 births in Pennsylvania, of which 48,985 or 33.9% were out-of-wedlock. Of the out-of-wedlock births, 11,833 or 24.2% were to women 19 years of age or younger. As outlined in the table below, even as the number of out-of-wedlock births increased or decreased, the total number of out-of-wedlock births to women 19 years of age or younger decreased gradually, but consistently, from 1999 to 2003.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) sustains statewide sexual violence prevention/education media campaigns designed to reach, as the primary audience, middle and high school-aged teens (males and females) with contemporary messages about self esteem, healthy relationships and statutory rape/sexual violence awareness and prevention. PCAR utilizes innovative strategies and materials that incorporate popular culture and active teen feedback. In addition, the campaign further incorporates strategies that are designated to reach targeted adult populations (parents, teachers, guidance counselors, school nurses, rape crisis counselors, advocates, youth leaders, etc.) as secondary audiences who have access and influence in the lives of teens. The 52 sub-grantees utilize PCAR’s materials to enhance prevention education programming within their respective communities. Towards this end, funding has enabled and sustained the following activities:

Year	Births	Out-of-Wedlock	Out-of-Wedlock - 19 years of age or younger
2003	145,485	48,985 (33.9%)	11,833 (24.2%)
2002	142,380	47,519 (33.5%)	11,879 (25%)
2001	143,404	48,403 (33.75%)	12,389 (25.6%)
2000	145,874	47,593 (32.6%)	12,925 (27.2%)
1999	144,828	47,596 (32.9%)	13,311 (27.97%)

•Final production and dissemination of Survival Story, a music video which raises awareness of sexual victimization as it occurs against teen males. Since its release in December 2004-June 30, 2005, 432 copies have been distributed to rape crisis centers, and as requested, to schools, juvenile detention centers and other youth-oriented organizations.

• Building, engaging and organizing RYOT (Rallying Youth Organizers Together) Against Rape, a network of teen activism groups formed by PCAR who work with their local rape crisis centers, schools and communities to promote understanding of rights in relationships and to stop sexual violence. Over the course of the year, RYOT members were actively involved in numerous statewide and national trainings to teach participants about socio-drama and youth infusion. The RYOT Against Rape Advisory Board, formerly the Teen Advisory Board, also met quarterly to provide insight and direction in framing PCAR’s teen educational campaigns.

• Development of “It Stops With Us”, a music single by a hip hop artist and 10-panel accordion style education piece containing information for teens (males and females) about sexual health, sexual responsibility and sexual violence prevention. Release/distribution date is scheduled for Fall 2005.

• Development of a parent campaign (my teen thinks what?), a campaign that provides parents, guardians and adults with tools and resources to promote healthy dialogue between them and their teen(s) on issues related to healthy relationships, date rape drugs, statutory rape, sexual harassment, et al. To facilitate this process and bring in authentic voices and situations relevant to teens, focus groups were conducted in Fiscal Year 2004-2005 with youth representing urban, suburban and rural communities.

• Distribution of 19,171 “Xpose the Truth” CDs, a compilation of music by young Pennsylvania musicians whose songs educate teens about statutory rape/sexual violence awareness, self-esteem and healthy relationships. (Since its launch in November 2001, a total of 130,014 CDs have been distributed).

• Distribution of 12,251 TEENesteem magazines for girls (11-14) featured articles about the dangers of club drugs, the risks associated with online dating, acquaintance rape, how to talk to parents about sex, and what to do if a rape has occurred. (Since its launch in November 2001, a total of 133,060 magazines have been distributed).

• Continuance and maintenance of the website, teenpcar, which provides information to teens about healthy relationships and sexual violence awareness and prevention, in addition to providing resources for teens to seek help.

• Major overhaul of the teenpcar website (as based on teen/RYOT feedback). The first phase to occur during the first quarter, includes the addition of a RYOT Page and bulletin board (password protected for PA RYOT members only), the streaming of Gonna Make It and Survival Story music videos, articles, expanded links to other sites, addition of Spotlight, Poems, Calendar of Events pages. As the year progresses, enhancements will continue and include stories that give hope, tools and resources for getting involved, and what’s new (laws, projects, etc.)

• Estimated statewide distribution of 65,000 copies of “It Stops With Us” CD.

• Launch of the parent campaign (my teen thinks what?) which involves website, 500 press kits, 3 radio broadcast commercials containing messages ranging from 15 to 30 to 60 seconds, and a 10-panel brochure that arms parents with information and resources to provide support and education to teens regarding sexual assault and related topics.

• Continuation and maintenance of RYOT Against Rape at the state and regional levels.

• Development of poster campaign for schools to promote healthy relationships and sexual violence awareness and prevention among middle and high school students. RYOT Against Rape members will be actively involved in campaign development.

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

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

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.

Provides cash assistance benefits to families and qualified aliens who meet deprivation criteria based on the absence, incapacity or unemployment of one or both parents. Cash assistance in this category is also provided in the form of child support pass-through payments to recipients. A child support pass-through is the state share of current support collected, after paying the Federal share to the Federal government, up to $50 per month.

Federal regulations allow states to establish programs subject to many TANF requirements such as work and child support but exempt from other requirements such as the 60-month time limit. These programs are funded with state funds and are known as segregated state programs. Pennsylvania has implemented one such program known as the Time-Out Initiative.

The Time-Out Initiative promotes work and personal responsibility by providing an incentive to families to do more than what is required of them in their progression toward self-sufficiency.

• Encourage early participation in work and/or work-related activities including education.

• Provide incentives to working families who exceed the minimum weekly work participation rates.

• Provide incentives to working families who take advantage of a combination of work and education that equals 30 hours per week.

• Provide incentives for persons who have exemptions from work requirements for medical reasons yet commit themselves to a program that maximizes their work participation by providing services that address their needs.

• Provide an exemption from the time limit for victims of domestic violence and kinship care families.

Of the State expenditures reported in question number 6, $22,125,230 of that amount funded Time-Out.

The purpose of Pennsylvania’s TANF program is to provide short-term assistance to families when the support of one or both parents is interrupted. It also provides supplemental support when family income from employment and other sources is insufficient to meet basic needs.

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s TANF program meet TANF purposes #1 and 2 found at 42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(1) and (2) and 45 CFR §260.20(a) and (b). These are 1) to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their homes or in the homes of relatives and 2) to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $215,424,566

__X_ 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:

The financial eligibility for TANF cash assistance is determined by comparing the net countable income for a calendar month to the budget group’s Family Size Allowance (FSA) plus any special needs allowances. If the income equals or exceeds the FSA plus any special needs allowances, the budget group is ineligible for TANF. Refer to 55 PA Code C. 183 Appendix B, Table 3 for the current FSA amounts. The resource limit for TANF eligibility is $1,000. Section VI., A., 7. of the TANF State Plan may also be referenced for information on TANF eligibility determination.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

Clients on cash assistance may need “special” allowances – such as clothing, books and tools to find, accept and maintain education, employment or training opportunities. Clients may receive special allowances from local CAOs for required items or services, up to pre-set maximum amounts.

The most frequently issued special allowance is for clothing. Clients may receive clothing allowances, capped at $150, once per job and as needed during their education or training. They may use this payment to buy work or school clothes, or specialized clothing, such as uniforms or safety shoes. Clothing allowances also cover the costs of purchasing toiletries and grooming items.

Basic transportation allowances are available for goods and/or services necessary to enable employment and training program participants to prepare for, seek, accept and maintain education, employment or training. CAO transportation allowance payments are provided at actual costs up to a pre-set maximum amount of $250 per month.

Allowances for tools and equipment necessary for job training or employment are also available. Such items may include carpentry or mechanical tools, a lawn mower and other items needed to start up a landscaping business. These allowances, capped at $2,000, are available once per job and as needed during education or training.

Clients may also receive help paying for books and supplies required for education or training activities. Practical items such as books, notebooks, pens, paper and knapsacks – up to $500 per request – are covered.

Other allowances with frequency and dollar amount limits include: union dues, GED and other test fees, organizations fees, licenses to practice, moving and relocation costs to accept employment, overnight lodging and meals.

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s TANF program meet TANF purpose #2 found at
42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(2) and 45 CFR §260.20 (b), which is to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $15,338,213

__X_ 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:

Individuals served must be eligible for TANF cash assistance. The financial eligibility for TANF is determined by comparing the net countable income for a calendar month to the budget group’s FSA plus any special needs allowances. If the income equals or exceeds the FSA plus any special needs allowances, the budget group is ineligible for TANF. Refer to 55 PA Code C. 183 Appendix B, Table 3 for the current FSA amounts. The resource limit for TANF eligibility is $1,000. Section VI., A., 7. of the TANF State Plan may also be referenced for information on the TANF eligibility determination.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

Several programs are covered under this expenditure. The Supported Work Program (SWP) is a joint venture between DPW and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Funds are transferred from DPW to DCED through a Memorandum of Understanding for the administration of this program. SWP provides TANF recipients with job search activities and on-site assistance to help participants obtain unsubsidized employment.

DPW provides funding to the Department of Labor and Industry through a Memorandum of Understanding. The Department of Labor and Industry contracts with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) fiscal agents to provide various RESET activities. This expenditure also includes special allowances (non-transportation) issued to attend the above programs and non-administrative costs for E&T functions in the CAOs.

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s TANF program meet TANF purpose #3 found at
42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(3) and 45 CFR §260.20 (c), which is to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $26,314,628

__X_ 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:

Individuals served must be eligible for TANF cash assistance. The financial eligibility for TANF is determined by comparing the net countable income for a calendar month to the budget group’s FSA plus any special needs allowances. If the income equals or exceeds the FSA plus any special needs allowances, the budget group is ineligible for TANF Cash. Refer to 55 PA Code C. 183 Appendix B, Table 3 for the current FSA amounts. The resource limit for TANF eligibility is $1,000. Section VI., A., 7. of the TANF State Plan may also be referenced for information on the TANF eligibility determination.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

Help with child care costs is available to persons receiving TANF cash assistance and participating in an approved activity in DPW’s employment and training program, the Road to Economic Self-Sufficiency through Employment and Training (RESET) Program. Approved activities include, but are not necessarily limited to, job search, education and training, community service, and paid work experience. Eligibility for and issuance of child care allowances are determined by the CAO.

Help with child care costs is also available to working persons that previously received TANF cash assistance, or that have income below 235% of the FPIGs for their family size. Eligibility for and issuance of child care are determined by the Child Care Information Services (CCISs).

Information and education for parents on child care choices and the impact child care has on the early learning and school readiness of children is available to all families, regardless of income, through resource and referral services at the CCISs.

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s TANF program meet TANF purpose #1 and #2 found at
42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(1) and 45 CFR §260.20 (a):

• To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes and in the homes of relatives.
• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $100,817,510

__X_ 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:

Individuals must be receiving TANF cash assistance and be participating in an approved employment and training activity. Financial eligibility for TANF is determined by comparing the net countable income for a calendar month to the budget group’s Family Size Allowance (FSA) plus any special needs allowances. If the net countable income equals or exceeds the FSA plus any special needs allowances, the budget group is ineligible for TANF. Refer to 55 Pa. Code 183, Appendix B, Table 2 for the current FSA amounts. The resource limit for TANF eligibility is $1,000. Section VI., A., 7. of the TANF State Plan may also be referenced for information on the TANF eligibility requirements.

Individuals must either have previously receive TANF cash assistance or have income at or below 235% of the FPIG and be meeting the work requirement established by DPW.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

To provide special transportation allowances (up to set maximums) to pay for goods and/or services necessary to enable Employment and Training Program participants to prepare for, seek, accept and maintain education, employment or training.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,293,425

_X_ 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:

Individuals served must be eligible for TANF cash assistance. The financial eligibility for TANF is determined by comparing the net countable income for a calendar month to the budget group’s FSA plus any special needs allowances. If the income equals or exceeds the FSA plus any special needs allowances, the budget group is ineligible for TANF Cash. Refer to 55 PA Code C. 183 Appendix B, Table 3 for the current FSA amounts. The resource limit for TANF eligibility is $1,000. Section VI., A., 7. of the TANF State Plan may also be referenced for information on the TANF eligibility determination.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

ESA
DPW provides eligible families with funds to meet certain shelter needs. Families may receive up to $300 to provide permanent living quarters, $400 to prevent eviction or foreclosure or $100 to provide temporary shelter. Eligibility for temporary shelter is available when a dwelling is uninhabitable, when a dwelling has been condemned as a result of a disaster, or when the family had to leave a permanent residence because of a domestic violence situation.

Benefits issued to eligible families in the form of cash, vouchers, subsidies or similar form of payment to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need and excluded from the definition of assistance on that basis. These benefits do not include supportive services such as child care or transportation (including car repairs) or work activities and expenses (such as applicant job search) provided under a diversion program.

The purpose of Pennsylvania’s ESA program is to help families secure permanent housing or prevent eviction.

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s ESA and Other Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits program meet TANF purpose #1 found at 42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(1) and 45 CFR §260.20(a), which is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their homes or in the homes of relatives.

___ This Program is a separate State program.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $4,400,767

_X_ 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:

The financial eligibility for ESA requires that the annual income does not exceed 80% of the FPIGs. There is no resource limit for individuals (pregnant women) under age 21 or families with children under age 21.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

Funds in this category are used to administer various programs. These programs include State staff for Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) known in Pennsylvania as the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information System (PACWIS), Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program expenditures, Emergency Assistance, and Fraud Investigation.

The SAVE program verifies the immigration status of all aliens who receive cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid, except for emergency Medicaid. The verification is done through methods provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Expenditures within Pennsylvania’s TANF program meet TANF purpose #1 found at
42 U.S.C.A. §601(a)(1) and 45 CFR §260.20 (a), which is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $39,357,576

_X_ 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)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. N/A
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy

The Office of Information Systems (OIS) costs associated with program measure 11683 (included on Line 6K of the ACF-196part of) Maint. Assist. ADP Non-Admin. Cost Allocation are not specifically Client Information System (CIS) but have a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) component: These programs are Automated Data Processing (ADP) applications: Data Warehouse Production, Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) Client Appeals, Recovery Management System, DPW History Retention, Automated Restitution Recovery and Computation System (ARRC), Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) Decision Support Activity, Employment and Training (JOBS), Automated Information Management System, OIS Test Environment Project, Enterprise WEB Development, Enterprise Content Management, LAN/Network Support, Inter-Department Crossmatch Corrections, Inter-State Benefit Crossmatch Corrections.

The OIS costs associated with program measure 12605 (also included on Line 6K of the ACF-196) CIS Operating Non -ADM Cost Allocation are specific to CIS having a TANF component: CIS, CIS TANF/Med., Act 35 Welfare Reform, Geographical Information System.

However there are more than OIS costs being charged to these program measures. Both program measure 11683 and program measure 12605 are linked to the following account codes and appropriations:

Support for the entire TANF benefit delivery system in Pennsylvania – training, hardware, software and staff.

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

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $4,178,915

Account Code	Office
021-982-01-1100	OIS TANF BG (Block Grant)
021-981-01-1100	TANF BG-Administration
021-937-01-1100	TANF BG-Statewide
021-761-01-1100	TANF BG-County Assistance
021-705-01-1100	TANF BG-New Directions
021-182-01-1100	County Assistance Offices
021-181-01-1100	General Government Operations
021-159-01-1100	Office of Information Systems

____ 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)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. Not applicable
(NOTE: provide only if the response on 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 for "eligible families."

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________
NAME: Edward J. Zogby TITLE: Director, Bureau of Policy