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Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs
- 2005
West Virginia
Attachment A
2005 Annual Report on TANF Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b)
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?
• Unsubsidized employment - work with earnings provided by an employer
who does not receive a subsidy for the creation and maintenance of the employment
position.
• Subsidized employment - work with earnings provided by an employer who receives a subsidy for the creation and maintenance of the employment position. This can include both public and private sector employment which is primarily through direct hire or on-the-job contracts with a hire first provision. Information on the Welfare to Work (WtW) tax credits and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provided to private employers.
• Employer Incentive Program and On-the-Job Training (OJT) - provides individuals hired by either public or private employers with subsidized training and employment. This is structured skill training, the opportunity to improve skill level, and provides those who are marginally employable with an opportunity to become employed. Information on WtW tax credits and WOTC are provided to these employers.
• Community Work Experience (CWEP) - a work experience activity for parents and other caretaker relatives age 18 and older operated in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Placements are negotiated with employers for participants based on dividing the cash assistance check amount plus the food stamp coupon value divided by the minimum wage. The primary purpose is to provide work experience and training to assist an individual who has limited work experience, is under employed or who has not immediate employment opportunities. This is limited to public agencies.
• JOIN (Joint Opportunities for Independence Program) - a state operated employment program that provides individuals the opportunity to participate in a work program that closely resembles full time employment. This is a work experience and skill acquisition activity operated in primarily in the private sector and placements are for no more than 40 hours per week. The work obligation is calculated by dividing the cash assistance and food stamp coupon value by the federal minimum wage.
• Community and Personal Development Services - an activity that will include participation in parenting activities, structured mentoring activities, financial nutritional, emotional and other personal development counseling, substance abuse counseling, volunteer work with community-based agencies, and sheltered workshops. Specific hours of participation may vary but will be negotiated with each parent and service provider. A new program developed in association with the West Virginia Department of Education and regional Workforce Investment Boards is the SPOKES and a similar Program EXCEL. These are six week programs for job ready individuals that incorporate the above mentioned activities with computer training skills and resume writing training. Participants in these programs graduate with Work Keys certification that improves their employability.
• Job Readiness/Search Activities - a dual activity to provide the participant with classroom training and actual job search. This activity is limited to 6 weeks a year with no more than a 4 week consecutive week period. Hours of participation are at least 120 hours per month.
• Vocational Training - limited to courses that provide employment skills. Vocational education may be used to meet the participation requirement for no more than 12 months. Vocational education is expected to lead to employment. Up to 12 months at a college or community college may be considered vocational education if the classes are for a vocational related program.
• Secondary education - primary activity for teen parents. Parents over
the age of twenty who doe not have a high school diploma or General Equivalency
Diploma (GED) and for whom a work placement cannot be found may be required
to participate in adult basic education classes. Educational Activities include
literacy, high school, English as a second language, adult basic education,
and college.
• Post secondary education - activities such as work study, clinical,
practicum’s and student teaching activities.
• Provision of child care for a community services participant - a TANF/WV
WORKS recipient, who cares for the child of another TANF/WV WORKS recipient
who is participating in an approved work activity, is considered to be meeting
the federal work requirement under the definition of community service.
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 services to families no longer receiving cash assistance due to
employment are limited to one six consecutive months following WV WORKS closure,
this will be changed to two six month periods beginning January 2006. This change
will provide more support to families who may have left and then re-entered
the program. Prior to June 1, 2002, the length of time for eligibility for transitional
services was 12 months and there was not a limit on the number of times the
12 month eligibility period could be applied. The family income must be below
150% of the Federal Poverty Income Level. Former participants who maintain employment
for a six month period are eligible to receive a job retention bonus. With the
exception of the GED bonus, all support services available to active WV WORKS
recipients are available to those who receive continued services and these include
the following:
• Special clothing;
• Tools;
• Collateral expenses such as grooming expenses, testing fees, gasoline,
and other expenses necessary for employment;
• Driver’s or chauffeur’s license;
• CDL license;
• Professional license;
• Relocation expense;
• Transportation payments;
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) classes and equipment;
• Vehicle repair;
• Vehicle insurance;
• GED Bonus; and
• Job Retention Bonus.
Continued eligibility for the Food Stamp Program, the Medicaid Program, and
the children’s Health Insurance Program is evaluated when changes are
made to an active TANF/WV WORKS case and when the case closure occurs.
3. A description of how a State will reduce the amount of assistance payable
to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause
pursuant to 45 CFR 261.14 of this chapter.
When a member of the assistance group does not comply with requirements found
on her Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC), a sanction must be imposed unless
the Worker determines that good cause exists. After a determination of “good
cause” for participating, sanctions are applied to WV WORKS cases in the
form of check reductions and, for the 3rd or subsequent offense, termination
of benefits. The amount of the check reduction is a fixed amount and is determined
as follows:
• 1st offense - 1/3 reduction in the check amount, prior to recoupment
that the assistance group is currently eligible to receive, for 3 months.
• 2nd offense - 2/3 reduction in the check amount, prior to recoupment that the assistance group is currently eligible to receive, for 3 months. If the case has already incurred a 1/3 reduction when a second sanction is applied, the 2/3 reduction is applied to the original amount the household would have been eligible to receive, if no 1/3 sanction had been applied.
• 3rd offense and all subsequent offenses - ineligibility for cash assistance for 3 months or until compliance, whichever is later.
4. The average monthly number of payments for child care services made by the
State through the use of disregards, by the following types of child care providers;
i. Licensed/regulated in-home child care;
ii. Licensed/regulated family child care;
iii. Licensed/regulated group home child care;
iv. Licensed/regulated center-based child care;
v. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in state or locality)
in-home child care provided by a non-relative;
vi. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
in-home child care provided by a relative;
vii. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
family child care provided by a non-relative;
viii. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
family child care provided by a relative;
ix. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
group child care provided by a non-relative;
x. Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
group child care provided by a relative; and
xi. Legally operated (i.e., no license category available in State or locality)
center-based child care.
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.
The State adopted the Family Violence Option and all applicants and recipients
of cash assistance are informed that information is available concerning domestic
violence. This is discussed with all clients. No individual is specifically
targeted to receive the information. Disclosure of domestic violence may have
an affect on the Personal Responsibility Contract, work requirements or time
limits the client is expected to meet while a recipient of cash assistance.
A referral to the appropriate community resource or domestic violence program
must be made to develop a plan to assist the client with meeting the requirements
of WV WORKS.
When an individual discloses domestic violence which is a barrier to participation
in WV WORKS activities, the individual may receive a temporary exemption from
the requirements for up to 6 months as long as the individual:
• Accepts a referral to a local domestic violence agency, and
• Completes a time-limited service plan with the domestic violence agency which will enable him to gain self-sufficiency, and
• Complies with the requirements of the domestic violence agency plan.
If the client refuses the referral to an appropriate agency, he cannot receive
this temporary exemption. A code is entered into the eligibility determination
system to indicate that domestic violence is an indicator.
The Worker monitors the plan regularly in order to ensure compliance and to
continue the exemption. If, at the end of the plan period, barriers to self-sufficiency
still exist, the temporary exemption may be continued on a month-to-month basis
until the barriers no longer exist, as long as the client continues to comply
with the domestic violence agency’s plan. Plans may be extended after
the 6-month limit when extenuating circumstances exist and counseling continues
at the recommendation of the domestic violence counselor.
The Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Children and
Families has established policy and procedures for extensions to the 60 month
lifetime limit on the receipt of cash assistance for domestic violence situations.
When the assistance group meets the definition of battered or subjected to extreme
cruelty, an extension based solely or in part on this criterion may be approved
multiple times and may exceed the 6 month limit which is imposed on all other
types of extensions to the 60 month lifetime limit. The individual who meets
the criteria for battered or subjected to extreme cruelty must accept a referral
to a domestic violence program that operates under a West Virginia state license
or through an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Resources. In
addition, the client must participate in and follow any plans developed with
the program. Extensions must be reconsidered each 6 months, or according to
the Department’s extension committee’s instruction, whichever is
earlier.
6. A description of any nonrecurring, 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.
Diversionary Cash Assistance (DCA) is a payment method that allows a maximum
lump sum benefit of an amount equal to the maximum cash assistance benefit amount
based on family size multiplied by 3 (prior to June 1, 2002, the number of months
was 4). This type of assistance is an opportunity to relieve temporary financial
needs as an alternative to receipt of ongoing cash assistance through TANF.
Eligibility for WV WORKS must be established and an initial assessment by the
Family Support Specialist is conducted before DCA is considered. DCA is available
only one time for an applicant family. Financial eligibility for DCA is determined
by comparing the gross, non-excluded, countable income of the assistance group
to 100% of the Standard of Need based upon the number of people in the assistance
group. If the income is equal to or less than the appropriate Standard of Need,
the assistance group is financially eligible for DCA. If the income exceeds
the appropriate Standard of Need, DCA must not be considered because the client
is not eligible for WV WORKS.
If the income is equal to or less than the appropriate Standard of Need (SON),
the Worker must determine the benefit group’s countable income. If the
countable income is less than the maximum WV WORKS benefit amount for the benefit
group’s size, the household is eligible for the DCA.
The amount of the DCA payment is determined by the maximum WV WORKS payable
to a family of the same size multiplied by 3 (prior to June 1, 2002 the number
of months was 4). The Worker determines the amount needed to meet the temporary
financial need. The payment amount must be equal to the temporary financial
need of the family or another outside community resource must be utilized to
make up the difference. The amount may include expenses related to future employment
needs and ongoing household expenses. DCA is limited to one-time-only and the
Worker must be certain to include all such needs in this determination. Supplemental
payments may not be issued even if the maximum amount was not used for the DCA.
Acceptance of the DCA does not count toward the 60-month lifetime limit or the
24-month limit.
The following guidelines are used to determine if DCA is appropriate:
o The assistance group must demonstrate a need which cannot be met with the
current or anticipated family resources;
o A member of the assistance group must be employed or have a verified promise of employment or other verified source of income within 2 months of application for assistance;
o The assistance group must be eligible for a WV WORKS check based on the applicant’s declaration and the best judgment of the worker;
o The applicant must agree to accept DCA by signing the appropriate form which lists the conditions and expectations;
o Child support received by the parent/caretaker relative or the Department of Health and Human Resources belongs to the family and is not used to reimburse the Department for DCA;
o The applicant must agree to have the WV WORKS application withdrawn. When a DCA payment is accepted, the assistance group is ineligible for cash assistance for 3 months (4 months prior to June 1, 2002) regardless of the amount of the DCA or the number of months the payment represents; and
o DCA payments are not subject to repayment unless fraud is established.
All information about applicants for TANF is processed through the eligibility
determination system in West Virginia named RAPIDS. Through RAPIDS the application
processing includes issuing the check for Diversionary Cash Assistance and the
system also determines other programs and benefits for which the family may
be eligible such as, the Food Stamp Program, the various Medicaid coverage groups,
and when this determination is made the Family Support Specialist informs the
applicant of their eligibility for these programs and the applicant can make
the decision about accepting these programs. It is not necessary for the applicant
to see another worker to make application for these programs.
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.
West Virginia acknowledges that community Work Experience Program (CWEP), Joint
Opportunities for Independence (JOIN) and Employer Incentive Program (EIP) work
assignments shall not:
• Result in the displacement of currently employed workers including partial
displacement such as a reduction in hours of non-overtime work, wages, or employment
benefits;
• Shall not infringe in any way upon the promotional opportunities of
person(s) currently in jobs not funded under these programs; and
• Shall not result in the filling of any established unfilled position
vacancy by a participant assigned to CWEP or JOIN.
To resolve regular employee grievances the grievance must be filed within 90
days of the date that the perceived displacement occurred, each worksite must
be provided with the Employee Grievance Posters and grievance procedures and
forms. The posters shall be placed in locations conspicuous to employees, the
procedures for resolving complaints by regular employees or their representatives
that a work assignment of a CWEP, JOIN, or EIP participant violates the above
probation are as follows:
• The grievant attempts to resolve the complaint with his immediate supervisor
within 2 days of the alleged occurrence. A conference or hearing can be held.
The Supervisor shall give a written response to the grievant within 3 days.
The grievant may accept the decision or proceed to the next step;
• The grievant requests a review from the employer within 2 days. The
employer gives a written response to the grievant within 5 days. Grievant accepts
the decision or proceeds to the next step;
• The written grievance form is forwarded by the employee within 2 days
to the local Family Support Supervisor. The Family Support Supervisor will forward
the grievance form to the DHHR Hearings Officer within 2 days of receipt of
the form from the employer. The Hearings Officer will generally render a decision
within 15 days.
• The decision of the Hearings Officer may be appealed by the grievant
within 30 days after receipt of the Hearings Officer’s decision. The appeal
must be sent to the:
Office of Administrative Law Judges
U. S. Department of Labor
Vanguard Building, Room 600
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
The appeal must contain: The full name, address, and telephone number of the
appellant; the provisions of the Statute or regulation believed to have been
violated; a copy of the original complaint filed by the appellant, with the
States; and a copy of the State’s finding and decision regarding the appellant’s
complaint.
The Office of Administrative Law Judges will request the information from the
State hearings Officer and the State shall within 30 days of the request, certify
and file with the Office of the Administrative Law Judges the entire administrative
record of the matter under appeal. The decision of the Office of Administrative
Law Judges shall be the final decision of the Secretary Labor on the appeal.
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):
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public
Health, Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health (OMCFH) is responsible for
developing, coordinating, and operating health prevention programs for women
and children, including family planning and adolescent pregnancy. Administered
under OMCFH, the Family Planning Program has been providing contraceptive and
health education services to the West Virginia population at risk of unintended
pregnancy or in need of subsidized care since 1970. Under this is the Adolescent
Pregnancy Prevention Projects which includes a broader array of adolescent health
issues. Activities currently under development by the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
Initiative include:
o Design and conduct community education and outreach activities to promote
the public awareness of adolescent pregnancy prevention and related issues for
community groups, schools, health care professionals, parent groups, or businesses:
- Media campaign
- Displays
- Parenting workshops
- Training models
o Coordinate professional continuing education opportunities related to adolescent pregnancy prevention:
o The statewide Family Planning Program provides comprehensive reproductive health care for low-income women, men, and adolescents by providing services and education to prevent unintended pregnancies. The Family Planning Program provides financial support for 130 community-based health care facilities throughout West Virginia to offer services which include:- Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Conference (statewide participation)
- Teen Issues Forums
o Family Planning activities in progress targeted to TANF/WV WORKS recipients include:- Medical, reproductive and family health histories;
- Education and counseling;
- Gynecological, breast and testicular examinations;
-Cervical cancer screening
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling;
- Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases;
- Provision of contraceptive supplies.
The Adolescent Health Initiative is a statewide preventive education program, focused on reducing high risk behaviors among teenagers aged 10 - 17. This initiative is designed to create acceptability and availability of health services specifically directed toward adolescents. Community-based program staff works with local schools, churches, youth groups and community organizations to promote preventive education and jointly design programs that reflect the values and concerns of the local community.- Provide Family Planning Program information for distribution when developing each Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC) and Self-Sufficiency Plan;
- Provide educational workshops for Family Support Specialists or other staff involved in TANF/WV WORKS orientation programs;
- Development and distribution of educational materials for Family Support Specialists and other staff involved with TANF/WV WORKS;
- Family Planning Program brochures; and
-Family Planning program Provider Directory (statewide).
• The Right From The Start Project will:
Prevent subsequent teen pregnancies and/or illegitimate pregnancies by 2% of
the total births from 1996 - 2005 by offering education throughout the first
or subsequent pregnancy and postpartum periods to encourage planned behavior,
thus decreasing teen pregnancy and illegitimate pregnancy rates.
b. Summarize below, the State programs and activities directed at encouraging
the formation and maintenance of two-parent families (TANF purpose 4):
West Virginia continues to work on developing a statewide Healthy Marriage/Healthy Families Initiative. A state plan has been developed to provide marriage and relationship trainings to improve relationships between parents and between parents and children. A steering committee for the project has been identified and includes representatives from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, WV WORKS Workers and Supervisors, representatives from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement, West Virginia University Extension Department, West Virginia State University Extension Service, and other private and faith-based groups within the state. Currently, six counties are actively involved in the initiative and West Virginia plans to expand the program to provide services to families throughout the state.
9. An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in
subsidized employment under §261.30(b) or (c) of this chapter.
An estimated 250 individuals participated in subsidized employment.
Attachment B-1
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.
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:
State’s MOE for WV WORKS Program
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Monthly cash assistance payments, support payments and services, and related administrative costs.
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Payments designed to meet ongoing basic needs which include shelter, utilities, food, and incidental expenses families who met the program guidelines, and to provide support services to assist families in obtaining and retaining employment as they move to self-sufficiency.
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):
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$ 21,969,096
7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$ 21,969,096
8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
16,604
This last figure represents (check one):
__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:
WV WORKS Primary Eligibility Requirements:
A. Assets
The allowable family asset level is $2,000.
The value of one vehicle is excluded regardless of the value of the vehicle.
B. Income
All income is counted with the following exceptions:
$ Earnings of minor dependent children;
$ Tax refunds;
$ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC);
$ Monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for children and adults.
C. Orientation
Applicants are required to attend a WV WORKS orientation session, and
Families who meet the eligible child, income, and asset tests and attend an
Orientation Program are required to negotiate and sign a Personal Responsibility
contract.
D. Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC)
A Personal Responsibility contract (PRC) is developed by the adult family members who are included in the assistance payment, and case manager which outlines the activities which must take place for the family to achieve self-sufficiency.
Failure to meet the terms of the PRC will result in the following penalties: 1) first offense is a 1/3 reduction in cash assistance benefits for 3 months; 2) second offense is a 2/3 reduction in cash assistance benefits for 3 months; and 3) third offense is case closure for at least 3 months.
Applicants, as well as recipients, are informed at application, redeterminations, and case maintenance of the need to report changes and the penalties for failure to do so. The PRC and the required Orientation further stress the importance of cooperation and the penalties associated with not reporting changes on a timely basis.
E. Other Requirements:
Minor parents are required to live with their parents or in an adult supervised setting. Teen parents are required to attend school of they do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Families will receive an earned income disregard of 40% (prior to June 1, 2002 the disregard was 60%).
A WV WORKS family that lives with others not included in the benefit group will receive a reduction of 25% in the cash benefit they receive.
Families who receive child support will receive a Child Support Incentive of $25 monthly for each month the support is redirected to the Bureau for child Support Enforcement.
Diversionary cash assistance is available to applicants in an amount up to three months of regular cash assistance (prior to June 1, 2002, it was four months) if the family can demonstrate a need which cannot be met with current or anticipated family resources and there is verified employment or another specific source of income with a month and the family meets the income, asset, and dependent minor child provisions of WV WORKS.
Cooperation with the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement is required.
Redeterminations of eligibility are conducted at periodic intervals at a minimum of once each 12 months.
Lifetime family benefits will not exceed 60 months.
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 response on question 10 is No)
Attachment B-2
1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Separate State Program (SSP) for WV WORKS Two-Parent Customers.
2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Monthly cash assistance payments, support payments and services, and related administrative costs for Two-Parent Households.
3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Payments designed to meet ongoing basic needs which include shelter, utilities, food, and incidental expenses families who met the program guidelines, and to provide support services to assist families in obtaining and retaining employment as they move to self-sufficiency.
4. Program Type. (Check one):
____ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
__X_ This Program is a separate State program.
5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
• Unsubsidized employment - work with earnings provided by an employer who does not receive a subsidy for the creation and maintenance of the employment position.
• Subsidized employment - work with earnings provided by an employer who receives a subsidy for the creation and maintenance of the employment position. This can include both public and private sector employment which is primarily through direct hire or on-the-job contracts with a hire first provision.
• Employer Incentive Program and On-the-Job Training (OJT) - provides individuals hired by either public or private employers with subsidized training and employment. This is structured skill training, the opportunity to improve skill level, and provides those who are marginally employable with an opportunity to become employed.
• Community Work Experience (CWEP) - a work experience activity for parents and other caretaker relatives age 18 and older operated in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Placements are negotiated with employers for participants based on dividing the cash assistance check amount plus the food stamp coupon value divided by the minimum wage. The primary purpose is to provide work experience and training to assist an individual who has limited work experience, is under employed or who has not immediate employment opportunities. This is limited to public agencies.
• JOIN (Joint Opportunities for Independence Program) - a state operated employment program that provides individuals the opportunity to participate in a work program that closely resembles full time employment. This is a work experience and skill acquisition activity operated in primarily in the private sector and placements are for no more than 40 hours per week. The work obligation is calculated by dividing the cash assistance and food stamp coupon value by the federal minimum wage.
• Community and Personal Development Services - an activity that will include participation in parenting activities, structured mentoring activities, financial nutritional, emotional and other personal development counseling, substance abuse counseling, volunteer work with community-based agencies, and sheltered workshops. Specific hours of participation may vary but will be negotiated with each parent and service provider. A new program developed in association with the West Virginia Department of Education and regional Workforce Investment Boards is the SPOKES and a similar Program EXCEL. These are six week programs for job ready individuals that incorporate the above mentioned activities with computer training skills and resume writing training. Participants in these programs graduate with Work Keys certification that improves their employability.
• Job Readiness/Search Activities - a dual activity to provide the participant with classroom training and actual job search. This activity is limited to 6 weeks a year with no more than a 4 week consecutive week period. Hours of participation are at least 120 hours per month.
• Vocational Training - limited to courses that provide employment skills. Vocational education may be used to meet the participation requirement for no more than 12 months. Vocational education is expected to lead to employment. Up to 12 months at a college or community college may be considered vocational education if the classes are for a vocational related program.
• Secondary education - primary activity for teen parents. Parents over the age of twenty who doe not have a high school diploma or GED and for whom a work placement cannot be found may be required to participate in adult basic education classes. Educational Activities include literacy, high school, English as a second language, adult basic education, and college.
• Post secondary education - activities such as work study, clinical, practicum’s and student teaching activities.
• Provision of child care for a community services participant - a TANF/WV WORKS recipient, who cares for the child of another TANF/WV WORKS recipient who is participating in an approved work activity, is considered to be meeting the federal work requirement under the definition of community service.
6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$ 7,568,413
7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$ 7,568,413
8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
1,532
This last figure represents (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.
9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:
All service that is available to other WV WORKS participants, available to two parent households.
SSP WV WORKS Primary Eligibility Requirements:
A. Assets
The allowable family asset level is $2,000.
The value of one vehicle is excluded regardless of the value of the vehicle.
B. Income
All income is counted with the following exceptions:
$ Earnings of minor dependent children;
$ Tax refunds;
$ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC);
$ Monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for children and adults.
C. Orientation
Applicants are required to attend a WV WORKS orientation session, and Families who meet the eligible child, income, and asset tests and attend an Orientation Program are required to negotiate and sign a Personal Responsibility contract.
D. Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC)
A Personal Responsibility contract (PRC) is developed by the adult family members who are included in the assistance payment, and case manager which outlines the activities which must take place for the family to achieve self-sufficiency.
Failure to meet the terms of the PRC will result in the following penalties: 1) first offense is a 1/3 reduction in cash assistance benefits for 3 months; 2) second offense is a 2/3 reduction in cash assistance benefits for 3 months; and 3) third offense is case closure for at least 3 months.
Applicants, as well as recipients, are informed at application, redeterminations, and case maintenance of the need to report changes and the penalties for failure to do so. The PRC and the required Orientation further stress the importance of cooperation and the penalties associated with not reporting changes on a timely basis.
E. Other Requirements:
Minor parents are required to live with their parents or in an adult supervised setting. Teen parents are required to attend school of they do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Families will receive an earned income disregard of 40% (prior to June 1, 2002 the disregard was 60%).
A $100 marriage incentive was added to the family=s benefits prior to August 1, 2004. Effective August 1, 2004, the marriage incentive was discontinued.
A WV WORKS family that lives with others not included in the benefit group will receive a reduction of 25% in the cash benefit they receive.
Families who receive child support will receive a Child Support Incentive of $25 monthly for each month the support is redirected to the Bureau for child Support Enforcement.
Diversionary cash assistance is available to applicants in an amount up to three months of regular cash assistance (prior to June 1, 2002, it was four months) if the family can demonstrate a need which cannot be met with current or anticipated family resources and there is verified employment or another specific source of income with a month and the family meets the income, asset, and dependent minor child provisions of WV WORKS.
Cooperation with the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement is required.
Redeterminations of eligibility are conducted at periodic intervals at a minimum of once each 12 months.
Lifetime family benefits will not exceed 60 months.
10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)
Yes _X_ No ___
12. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(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: Margaret G. Waybright______________________
TITLE: ____Commissioner_____________________________
Form ACF-202 -- TANF Caseload Reduction Report
State: West Virginia Fiscal Year: 2005
Part I – Implementation of All Eligibility Changes Made by the State Since FY 1995
Changes Required by Federal Law
| Eligibility Change | Implementation Date | Estimated Impact on Caseload Since Change (Positive or Negative Impact) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Teen parent required to live in adult supervised setting | 1/97 | -80 |
| #2 Closure due to expiration - 60 months of TANF eligibility | 12/01 | -1,327 |
| #3 Fugitive felons, probation violators, or parole violators | 1/97 | 0 |
| #4 10 years penalty for fraudulently misrepresenting residence in order to receive assistance in more than one state | 1/97 | 0 |
| #5 Convicted of drug-related felonies | 1/97 | 0 |
| #6 Non-qualified aliens | 1/97 | 0 |
State-Implemented Changes
Changes Related to Income and Resources
| Eligibility Change | Implementation Date | Estimated Impact on Caseload Since Change (Positive or Negative Impact) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 SSI counted as unearned income | 1/97- 10/97 | -304 |
| #2 60% earned income disregard | 1/00 | +3,527 |
| #3 SSI disregarded as income | 4/99 | +3,785 |
| #4 Earned income disregard reduced to 40% | 6/02 | -446 |
Changes Related to Behavioral Requirements
| Eligibility Change | Implementation Date | Estimated Impact on Caseload Since Change (Positive or Negative Impact) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Parent/Caretaker must work after 24 months | 1/97 | -105 |
Changes Due to Full-Family Sanctions
| Eligibility Change | Implementation Date | Estimated Impact on Caseload Since Change (Positive or Negative Impact) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Sanctions - 1st: 1/3 reduction for 3 months; 2nd;2/3 reduction for 3 months; and 3rd; case closure for at least 6 months. | 1/97 - 10/97 | -644 |
| #2 Sanctions - 3rd sanction closure reduced from 6 months to 3 months | 7/03 | +212 |
Other Eligibility Changes
| Eligibility Change | Implementation Date | Estimated Impact on Caseload Since Change (Positive or Negative Impact) |
|---|---|---|
| 25% reduction of cash assistance | 8/04 | -1 |
Estimated Total Net Impact on the Caseload of All Eligibility Changes: 4,617
Total Prior Year Caseload: 130,804 (10,900 average monthly)
Estimated Caseload Reduction Credit: 59.6%
Part II – Application Denials and Case Closures, By Reason
| Reason for Application Denials | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| No eligible child | 1,215 | 18.8% |
| Exceed resource limit | 260 | 4.0% |
| Income exceeds limit | 1,328 | 201.6% |
| Failure to comply with procedural requirements | 3,121 | 48.5% |
| Non resident | 510 | 7.9% |
| Procedural requirements for WORKS not met | 0 | 0% |
| Total Application Denials | 6,434 | 100% |
| Reason for Application Denials | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| No eligible child | 238 | 2.0% |
| Exceed resource limit | 218 | 1.8% |
| Income exceeds limit | 4,535 | 37.2% |
| Failure to comply with procedural requirements | 6,589 | 54.0% |
| Non resident | 616 | 5.0% |
| Procedural requirements for WORKS not met | 6 | 0% |
| Total Application Denials | 12,202 | 100% |
| Reason for Case Closures | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| No eligible child | -2,184 | 30% |
| Excessive resources | -120 | 1.6% |
| Excessive income | -2,462 | 33.7% |
| Moves out of state | -560 | 7.7% |
| Procedural requirements not met | -1,945 | 26.7% |
| Client request | -0 | 0% |
| Procedural requirements for WORKS not met | -0 | 0% |
| Total Case Closures | -7,271 | 100% |
| Reason for Case Closures | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| No eligible child | -88 | 0.7% |
| Excessive resources | -90 | 0.8% |
| Excessive income | -4,035 | 35.4% |
| Moves out of state | -506 | 4.5% |
| Procedural requirements not met | -4,056 | 35.6% |
| Client request | -2,612 | 23.0% |
| Procedural requirements for WORKS not met | -1 | 0% |
| Total Case Closures | -11,388 | 100% |
Part III - Description of the Methodology Used to Calculate the Caseload Reduction Estimates
(attach supporting data to this form)
_____________________________________________________________________
38,404 (average 1995 caseload – 10,900 (average 2005 caseloads) –
4617 / 38404 = 59.6%.
Caseload reduction for FFY 2005 was achieved using a total caseload figure of FFY 1995 (38,404 as per earlier submissions to ACF) and a total FFY 2005 average monthly caseload figure of 10,900 to derive a difference of 27,504 cases (22,887 plus 4,617). Based upon these caseload changes, the new caseload reduction is 59.6%.
PART IV -- Certification
I certify that we have provided the public an appropriate opportunity to comment
on the estimates and methodology used to complete this report and considered
those comments in completing it. Further, I certify that this report incorporates
all reductions in the caseload resulting from State eligibility changes and
changes in Federal requirements since Fiscal Year 1995. (A summary of public
comments is attached.)
Name: Margaret Waybright
Title: Commissioner
Signature: _________________________________
Date: November 14, 2005
OMB Approval No.: 0970-0199 Expiration Date: 06/30/2002
