TANF Seventh Annual Report to Congress - Specific Provisions of State Programs

Administration for Children and Families

	Search:

	Questions? \| Privacy \| Site Index \| Contact Us \| Download Reader™ \| Print

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
(TANF)

Seventh Annual Report to Congress

XII. Specific Provisions of State Programs

Basic Work Program
     Form of Administration
     Benefit Levels
     Time Frame for Work
     States Claiming Continuing Waiver Inconsistencies with Respect to Work Requirements
     Treatment of Earnings
     Resource Limits
Encouraging Personal Responsibility
     Individual Development Accounts
     Initial Sanctions for Not Complying with Work Requirements
     Applicant Cash Diversion Programs
Time Limiting Assistance
     Waiver Inconsistencies Related to Work Participation and/or Time Limit Assistance Requirements of TANF
Other Key Policies
     Child Support Enforcement
     Adoption of Family Violence Option
     Family Cap

Each State must submit a "State plan" to the Secretary that outlines how it intends to conduct a program in all political subdivisions of the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner) that provides cash aid to needy families with (or expecting) children and provides parents with job preparation, work, and support services. States may determine what benefit levels to set and what categories of families are eligible. States have the flexibility to design and operate a program that best matches their residents’ needs and helps families gain and maintain self-sufficiency.

The information in the tables in this chapter was based on State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) plans and amendments and has been reviewed by each State. The information reflects each State’s program as of June 2003.

In this chapter, program features are organized into some common themes: (1) basic work program; (2) encouraging personal responsibility; (3) time limiting assistance; and (4) other key policies.

Basic Work Program

Form of Administration

The chart below (Table 12:1) outlines how each State administers its TANF program.

**Table 12:1**

State TANF Implementation
State	Effective Date Of Plan as of June 2003	Form of Administration	State or County Discretion
State	Effective Date Of Plan as of June 2003	Form of Administration	Eligibility and Benefits	Available Services
Alabama	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	State
Alaska	January 1, 2002	State	State	State
Arizona	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Arkansas	December 28, 2001	State	State	State
California	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	State
Colorado	January 1, 2003	State Supervised/ County Administered	County	County
Connecticut	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Delaware	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
District of Columbia	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Florida	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Georgia	October 1, 2002	State	State	County
Guam	October 1, 2002	Territory	Territory	Territory
Hawaii	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Idaho	November 1, 2002	State	State	State
Illinois	October 1, 2001	State	State	State
Indiana	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Iowa	October 1, 2001	State	State	County
Kansas	January 1, 2002	State	State	County
Kentucky	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Louisiana	January 1, 2002	State	State	State
Maine	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Maryland	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	County
Massachusetts	October 1, 2001	State	State	State
Michigan	October 1, 2003	State	State	State
Minnesota	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	County	State or County

Mississippi	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Missouri	October 1, 2001	State	State	State
Montana	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	State
Nebraska	October 1, 2001	State	State	State
Nevada	November 1, 2002	State	State	State
New Hampshire	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
New Jersey	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	State

New Mexico	January 1, 2003	State	State	State
New York	November 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	County
North Carolina	October 1, 2002	County	County 1/	County
North Dakota	October 1, 2001	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	State
Ohio	October 1, 2002	State Supervised/ County Administered	State	County
Oklahoma	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Oregon	October 1, 2002	State	State	County
Pennsylvania	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Puerto Rico	October 1, 2002	Territory	Territory	Territory
Rhode Island	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
South Carolina	October 1, 2002	State	County	State
South Dakota	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Tennessee	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Texas	October 1, 2001	State	State	County
Utah	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
Vermont	October 1, 2001	State	State	State
Virginia	October 1, 2002	County	State	State
Virgin Islands	October 1, 2002	Territory	Territory	Territory
Washington	October 1, 2002	State	State	State
West Virginia	January 1, 2003	State	State	State
Wisconsin	October 1, 2001	County	State	County 2/
Wyoming	October 1, 2002	State	State	State

[1] In certain areas.
[2] Except for Milwaukee where the State provides direct contract approval for all TANF service provision.

Benefit Levels

tates are free to set the benefit levels that apply under their TANF programs. Since July 1995, 23 States (including Tennessee) have increased maximum grant amounts, 20 of which were increased between 2000 and 2003. Three States reduced their maximum grants amounts (see Table 12:2).

**Table 12:2**

Benefit Levels for a Family of Three (1 adult, 2 children) with No Income July 1995-June 2003 1/
State	Jul-95	Mar-98	Mar-99	Jan-00	Jun-08	Jun-08	Jun-08	June 2003/ July 1995 2/
Alabama	$164	$164	$164	$164	$164	$164	$215	1.31
Alaska	$923	$923	$923	$923	$923	$923	$923	1.00
Arizona	$347	$347	$347	$347	$347	$347	$347	1.00
Arkansas	$204	$204	$204	$204	$204	$204	$204	1.00
California 3/	$607	$565/ $538	$611/ $582	$626/ $596	$645/ $614	$679/ $647	$679/ $647	1.12/ 1.07
Colorado	$356	$356	$356	$356	$356	$356	$356	1.00
Connecticut	$543	$543	$543	$543	$543	$543	$543	1.00
Delaware	$338	$338	$338	$338	$338	$338	$338	1.00
District of Columbia	$420	$379	$379	$379	$379	$379	$379	0.90
Florida	$303	$303	$303	$303	$303	$303	$303	1.00
Georgia	$280	$280	$280	$280	$280	$280	$280	1.00
Hawaii 4/	$712	$712/ $570	$712/ $570	$712/ $570	$712/ $570	$712/ $570	$712/ $570	1.00/ 0.80
Idaho	$317	$276	$276	$293	$293	$293	$309	0.97
Illinois	$377	$377	$377	$377	$377	$377	$396	1.05
Indiana	$288	$288	$288	$288	$288	$288	$288	1.00
Iowa	$426	$426	$426	$426	$426	$426	$426	1.00
Kansas	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	1.00
Kentucky	$228	$262	$262	$262	$262	$262	$262	1.15
Louisiana	$190	$190	$190	$190	$240	$240	$240	1.26
Maine	$418	$418	$439	$461	$461	$485	$485	1.16
Maryland	$373	$388	$399	$417	$439	$472	$473	1.27
Massachusetts 5/	$579/ $539	$579/ $539	$579/ $539	$579/ $539	$633/ $593	$633/ $593	$633/ $593	1.09/ 1.10
Michigan	$459	$459	$459	$459	$459	$459	$459	1.00
Minnesota	$532	$532	$532	$532	$532	$532	$532	1.00
Mississippi	$120	$120	$120	$170	$170	$170	$170	1.42
Missouri	$292	$292	$292	$292	$292	$292	$292	1.00
Montana	$401	$450	$461	$469	$494	$494	$507	1.26
Nebraska	$364	$364	$364	$364	$364	$364	$364	1.00
Nevada 6/	$348	$348	$348	$348	$348	$348	$348	1.00
New Hampshire 7/	$550	$550	$550	$575	$600	$600	$625	1.09
New Jersey	$424	$424	$424	$424	$424	$424	$424	1.00
New Mexico 8/	$304	$389	$389	$389	$389	$389	$389	1.28
New York 9/	$577	$577	$577	$577	$577	$577	$577	1.00
North Carolina	$272	$272	$272	$272	$272	$272	$272	1.00
North Dakota	$431	$457	$457	$457	$457	$457	$477	1.11
Ohio	$341	$341	$362	$373	$373	$373	$373	1.09
Oklahoma	$307	$292	$292	$292	$292	$292	$292	0.95
Oregon	$460	$460	$460	$460	$460	$460	$460	1.00
Pennsylvania	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	$403	1.00
Rhode Island	$554	$554	$554	$554	$554	$554	$554	1.00
South Carolina	$200	$200	$201	$203	$203	$204	$204	1.02
South Dakota	$430	$430	$430	$430	$430	$469	$483	1.12
Tennessee 10/	$185	$185	$185	$232/ $185	$232/ $185	$232/ $185	$232/ 185	1.25/ 1.00
Texas	$188	$188	$188	$201	$201	$208	$213	1.13
Utah	$426	$426	$451	$451	$451	$474	$474	1.11
Vermont	$616	$611	$617	$622	$629	$638	$639	1.04
Virginia	$291	$291	$291	$291	$320	$320	$320	1.10
Washington	$546	$546	$546	$546	$546	$546	$546	1.00
West Virginia	$253	$253	$278	$328	$453	$453	$453	1.79
Wisconsin 11/	$518	$673	$673	$673	$673	$673	$673	1.30
Wyoming	$340	$340	$340	$340	$340	$340	$340	1.00

[1] In some States, benefits vary by regions. Benefits are shown for the region with the largest TANF caseload.
[2] This column presents the ratio between the two benefit levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Consumers increased 20.5 percent over this time period. Thus, a State's benefit levels kept up with inflation only if the number in this column is 1.20 or higher.
[3] California has a multi-tiered benefit system for exempt and non-exempt recipients and for urban and rural areas. Entries with two figures are for non-exempt recipients in urban and rural areas.
[4] In December 1996, Hawaii implemented a policy that provides the higher benefit amount to all families for two months and to exempt families (e.g. child-only cases) on an ongoing basis. Non-exempt families face a lower benefit amount after two months on assistance.
[5] Massachusetts provides the lower amount to those with a rent allowance and the higher amount to those without.
[6] Effective July 1, 2001, Nevada implemented a policy change that pays $187 more for non-needy caretaker (NNCT) cases. A family of three for a NNCT case gets $535.
[7] New Hampshire provides $625 to unsubsidized housing residents and $600 subsidized housing residents.
[8] New Mexico provided a $100 housing subsidy for TANF recipients beginning April 1, 1998. The receipt of the housing subsidy was based on whether the TANF family received any type of government-subsidized housing. This subsidy was eliminated on June 1, 2001.
[9] New York has a benefit of $703 in Suffolk County.
[10] As of July 1, 1999, Tennessee provides $232 for time-exempt cases and $185 for time-limited cases.
[11] Wisconsin has a benefit of $628 for a family in its transition program (primarily adults with disabilities).

Time Frame for Work

Under TANF, parents or caretakers must engage in work (as defined by the State) when determined ready or no later than 24 months, whichever is earlier (see Table 12:3).

States have the option to exempt single parents with children up to one year of age from work requirements and to disregard them from the calculation of the work participation rates for a cumulative lifetime total of 12 months. States have the flexibility to provide exemptions to other families. However, all other families with an adult or minor head of household are included in the State's participation rate calculations. States that received waivers prior to enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) may continue exemption policies approved under those waivers for the duration of the waiver period. Such States are indicated with an asterisk in Table 12:3.

**Table 12:3**

Work Requirements
State	Number of Months before Required to Work	Caring for a Young Child 1/ (Age of Child for Exemption)
Alabama	Immediate	3 months
Alaska	24	1 year
Arizona	Immediate	1 year
Arkansas	Immediate	3 months
California	Immediate	12 weeks to 1 year 2/
Colorado	24 months or when determined work ready, whichever comes first.	No automatic exemption 3/
Connecticut	Immediate	1 year
Delaware	Immediate	13 weeks
District of Columbia	Immediate	1 year
Florida	Immediate	3 months
Georgia	24	1 year
Guam	24	1 year
Hawaii *	24	6 months
Idaho	Immediate	12 weeks
Illinois	Immediate	1 year
Indiana	Immediate	1 year
Iowa	Immediate	No automatic exemption
Kansas *	24 months or when determined work ready, whichever comes first.	1 year
Kentucky	24	1 year
Louisiana	24	1 year
Maine	Immediate	1 year
Maryland	Immediate	1 year
Massachusetts *	2	6 years
Michigan	Immediate	3 months
Minnesota	Immediate	1 year
Mississippi	Immediate	1 year
Missouri	24	1 year 4/
Montana *	Immediate	No automatic exemption
Nebraska 5/	Immediate	12 weeks
Nevada	Immediate	1 year
New Hampshire	Immediate	2 years 6/
New Jersey	Immediate	12 weeks
New Mexico	3	1 year
New York	Immediate	3 months 7/
North Carolina	3	1 year
North Dakota	Immediate	4 months
Ohio *	Immediate	N/A 8/
Oklahoma	Immediate	3 months
Oregon 5/	Immediate	3 months 9/
Pennsylvania	Immediate	1 year 10/
Puerto Rico	No later than 24 months	12 months
Rhode Island	24 months	1 year
South Carolina *	Immediate	1 year
South Dakota	Immediate	12 weeks
Tennessee *	Immediate	4 months
Texas	Immediate	1 year
Utah	Immediate	No automatic exemption
Vermont	No later than 18 months	24 months 11/
Virginia 5/	3	18 months
Virgin Islands	24 months	6 months
Washington	Immediate	3 months
West Virginia	Immediate	1 year
Wisconsin	Immediate	12 weeks
Wyoming	Immediate	3 months

[*] State has a work requirement waiver.
[1] A sanction cannot be imposed on a single custodial parent caring for a child who has not attained 6 years of age if child care is unavailable.
[2] California counties have discretion to set the age of the exemption for caring for a young child, between the ages of 12 weeks and 1 year on a case-by-case basis.
[3] Colorado allows this to be determined by county discretion.
[4] In Missouri, the child must be under 12 months of age, but there is no limit on the length of the exemption if more than one birth is involved. After 12 months, the cash grant is paid out of Maintenance of Effort.
[5] State work requirement waiver expired June 30, 2003.
[6] In New Hampshire, the age is 1 year if a child is conceived while on assistance.
[7] New York counties have discretion to increase the age of the exemption for caring for a young child up to 1 year.
[8] Ohio counties have discretion to provide exemptions from work requirements.
[9] Oregon's exemption is for a parent caring for a child for 90 days after giving birth.
[10] Pennsylvania only allows this exemption once in a parent's lifetime.
[11] Within 2 months of reaching the time limit, Vermont only exempts from work requirements families with a child under age 6 months and families where needed support services are unavailable.

States Claiming Continuing Waiver Inconsistencies with Respect to Work Requirements

A State may have received a waiver to modify its work requirements under the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (AFDC) program. To the extent that the Federal TANF work requirements are inconsistent with the State's waiver work requirements, the State may be allowed to follow its approved waiver policy rather than the Federal TANF policy, until expiration of the waiver. The TANF final rules required States to file a certification with HHS by October 1, 1999, if they intended to follow inconsistent waiver policies (see Table 12:4).

**Table 12:4**

Work-Related Waivers
State	Waiver Duration	Waiver Content
Connecticut	September 30, 2001	JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours
Delaware	September 30, 2002	Sanctions, Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours--subset of Cases), Job Search, Education, All Hours
Hawaii	September 30, 2004	Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours--subset of Cases), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
Indiana	March 31, 2002	JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours
Kansas	September 30, 2003	Job Search
Massachusetts	September 30, 2005	Sanctions, Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours), JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours
Minnesota	September 30, 2002	JOBS, Job Search, Education, All Hours of work are approved;education are counted
Montana	December 31, 2003	Sanctions (subset of cases, JOBS, Job Search, Education,All Hours (subset of cases)
Nebraska	June 30, 2003	Work Participation Rate (Exemption), Job Search, Education, All Hours
New Hampshire	March 31, 2002	JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
Ohio	December 31, 2003	Sanctions and Work Participation Rate (Exemption) -- All Waiver Conditions Limited to Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Oregon	June 30, 2003	Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
South Carolina	September 30, 2003	Work Participation Rate (Exemption), JOBS, Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
Tennessee	June 30, 2007	Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours--subset of cases), Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
Texas	March 31, 2002	Additional Job Search, Education, All Hours
Virginia	June 30, 2003	Work Participation Rate (Exemption) and (Hours—subset of cases), JOBS, Job Search, Education, All-Hours

Treatment of Earnings

PRWORA does not specify how States should treat earnings in determining families’ eligibility for TANF assistance. Thus, States have the flexibility to establish the income eligibility rules that best meet their residents' needs. However, as a means to help families transition from welfare to work and to help make work pay, all States (except Wisconsin) disregard a portion of a family's earned income when determining benefit levels, and most States also disregard a portion of earned income in determining eligibility (see Table 12:5).

**Table 12:5**

Treatment of Earnings
State	Portion of Applicant's Earnings That Is Disregarded in Eligibility Determination	Portion of Recipient's Earnings That Is Disregarded in Benefit Determination
Alabama	20%	100% for 3 months
Alabama		20% in subsequent months
Alaska 1/	$90	$150 and 33% of the remainder for 12 months
		$150 and 25% of the remainder for 12 months
		$150 and 20% of the remainder for 12 months
		$150 and 15% of the remainder for 12 months
		$150 and 10% of the remainder for 12 months
Arizona	$90 and 30% of the remainder	$90 and 30% of the remainder
Arkansas	20%	20% and 60% of the remainder
California	$90	$225 and 50% of the remainder
Colorado	$90	66.7% for 12 months
		$120 + 33.3% for four months
		$120 for eight additional months
		$90 in subsequent months
Connecticut	$90	100% until earnings exceed Federal poverty level
Delaware	$90	$120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months
		$120 for the next 8 months
		$90 in subsequent months
District of Columbia	$160	$160 and 66.7% of the remainder
Florida	$90	$200 and 50% of the remainder
Georgia	$90	$120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months
		$120 for the next 8 months
		$90 in subsequent months
Guam	$90+$30 and 1/3 for 4 months; $90+$30 for eight months; $90 only after 12 months	$90+$30 and 1/3 for 4 months; $90+30 for eight months; $90 only after 12 months
Hawaii	20%	20%, then $200, then 36% of the remainder
Idaho	40%	40%
Illinois	$90	67%
Indiana	$90	75%
Iowa	20%	20% and 50% of the remainder
Kansas	$90	$90 and 40% of the remainder
Kentucky	$90	100% for 2 months, (one time only)
		$120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months
		$120 for the next 8 months
		$90 in subsequent months
Louisiana	$120	$120 plus $900 for 6 months
Louisiana		$120 in subsequent months
Maine	$108 and 50% of the remainder	$108 and 50% of the remainder
Maryland	20%	40%
Massachusetts	$90	$120 and 50% of remainder for non-exempt, $120 and 33.3% of remainder for exempt
Michigan	$200 and 20% of the remainder	$200 and 20% of the remainder
Minnesota	18%	38%
Mississippi	$90	100% for 3 or 6 months for some families 2/
Mississippi		$90 in other months
Missouri	$90	$90, plus 33.3% of remainder if employed when approved for assistance
		67% and $90 of the remainder for 12 months
		$90 in subsequent months
Montana	$200 and 25% of remainder	$200 and 25% of remainder
Nebraska	20%	20%
Nevada	$90 or 20%, whichever is greater	100% for 3 months 3/
		50% for the next 9 months 3/
		Greater of $90 or 20% in subsequent months
New Hampshire	20%	50%
New Jersey	None	100% for the first month of employment
New Jersey		50% in subsequent months
New Mexico 4/	$125 and 50% of the remainder for single parent household	$125 and 50% of the remainder for single parent households
New Mexico 4/	$225/each parent and 50% of the remainder for two parent household	$225/each parent and 50% of the remainder for two parent households
New York	$90	$90 and 51% of the remainder
North Carolina	27.50%	100% for 3 months
North Carolina		27.5% in subsequent months
North Dakota	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 50% of the "employment incentive limit" for 6 months 5/	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 50% of the "employment incentive limit" for 6 months 5/
	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 35% of the "employment incentive limit" for 3 months	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 35% of the "employment incentive limit" for 3 months
	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 25% of the "employment incentive limit" for 4 months	Greater of $180 or 27%, and 25% of the "employment incentive limit" for 4 months
	Greater of $180 or 27% in subsequent months	Greater of $180 or 27% in subsequent months
Ohio 6/	$250 & 50%	$250 and 50% of the remainder
Oklahoma	$120 and 50% of the remainder	$120 and 50% of the remainder
Oregon	50%	50%
Pennsylvania	$90/50% 7/	50%
Puerto Rico	$30+1/3 and $30 disregard are applied to determine payment	$30+1/3 and $30 disregard are applied to determine payment
Rhode Island	$170 and 50% of the remainder	$170 and 50% of the remainder
South Carolina	50%	50% for 4 months
South Carolina		$100 in subsequent months
South Dakota	$90 and 20% of the remainder	$90 and 20% of the remainder
Tennessee	$150	$150
Texas	$120 and 33.3% of the remainder	$120 and 90% of the remainder for 4 months 8/
Texas		$120 in subsequent months
Utah	$100	$100 and 50% of the remainder
Vermont	$90	$150 and 25% of the remainder
Virginia 9/	$90	$120 and 33.3% of the remainder for 4 months 10/
	$90	$120 for the next 8 months
		$90 in subsequent months
Virgin Islands	185% State Standard of Need	185% State Standard of Need
Washington	50%	50%
West Virginia	40%	40%
Wisconsin	None	None
Wyoming	$200	$200

[1] In Alaska, eligibility determination is used for applicants and new assistance unit members who have not received TANF in one of four previous months. Benefit determination is used for recipients who have received TANF in one of four previous months.
[2] The 100% disregard in Mississippi is available only if families obtain full-time employment within 30 days of initial TANF receipt or within 30 days following the start of participation in work activities.
[3] In Nevada, stepparents whose income is deemed are not eligible for the 100% and 50% earned income disregards, but are allowed the $90/20% standard work expense.
[4] New Mexico has a deduction for excess hours of work for the first 24 months of TANF cash assistance. This deduction excludes all the earned income in excess of the required number of hours in calculating benefit amount.
[5] The maximum "Employment incentive limit" in North Dakota is $184.
[6] In Ohio, if the applicant did not receive TANF in the last four months, there is a gross income test. The gross income maximum for a family of three persons is $630.
[7] In Pennsylvania, an applicant who has not received TANF in 1 of the 4 prior calendar months must pass an eligibility test before the 50% income disregard is allowed. The test allows for a $90 income disregard from gross income. If the net income (after the $90 disregard) is less than the standard of need for the budget group, the client passes the test and is entitled to receive a continuous 50% income disregard. An applicant who has received TANF in 1of the 4 calendar months prior to application is eligible to receive a continuous 50% income disregard.
[8] Texas has a $1,400 cap on the earned income that can be subject to the 90 percent disregard in the first four months.
[9] Participants in Virginia VIEW can earn up to the poverty level and still receive TANF. Two-parent families that participate in VIEW can earn up to 150% of the poverty limit and still receive TANF.
[10] The benefit rules for participants in Virginia's welfare program (i.e. those subject to the State time limit) allow families to continue receiving benefits until countable earned income (after the work expense deduction and earned income disregard) reaches the Federal poverty line. This is done through "fill-the-gap" budgeting and not through an earned income disregard.

Resource Limits

PRWORA does not specify the total resource or the vehicle asset levels that States are to use to determine eligibility for families. States have the flexibility to set the resource level to determine eligibility that best meets the needs of their residents (see Table 12:6).

**Table 12:6**

Resource Limits
State	Asset Level	Primary Vehicle Asset Level 1/
Alabama	$2,000; $3,000 if assistance unit contains a member age 60 or over.	Value excluded
Alaska	$2,000; $3,000 if household includes someone over age 60.	Value excluded
Arizona	$2,000	Value excluded
Arkansas	$3,000	Value excluded
California	$2,000; $3,000 if household includes someone over age 60.	Fair market value up to $4,650
Colorado	$2,000	Value excluded
Connecticut	$3,000	Equity value up to $9,500
Delaware	$1,000	Equity value up to $4,650
District of Columbia	$2,000; $3,000 if household includes someone over age 60.	Value excluded
Florida	$2,000	All cars cannot exceed a combined value of $8,500, plus any vehicle needed to transport disabled family member.
Georgia	$1,000	Equity value up to $4,650
Guam	$2,000	1 vehicle value excluded per adult, up to 2 vehicles
Hawaii	$5,000	Value excluded
Idaho	$2,000	Fair market value up to $4,650
Illinois	1 person: $2,000	Value excluded
Illinois	2 person: $3,000	Value excluded
Indiana	Applicant: $1,000	Equity value up to $5,000
Indiana	Recipient: $1,500	Equity value up to $5,000
Iowa	Applicant: $2,000	Value up to $4,042 excluded
Iowa	Recipient: $5,000	Value up to $4,042 excluded
Kansas	$2,000	Value excluded
Kentucky	$2,000	Value excluded
Louisiana	$2,000	Value excluded
Maine	$2,000	Value excluded
Maryland	$2,000	As of 10/1/01 Maryland excludes all vehicles for TCA family members
Massachusetts	$2,500	Fair market value up to $10,000, plus equity up to $5,000
Michigan	$3,000	Value excluded
Minnesota	Applicant: $2,000	Loan value up to $7,500 only for one individual vehicle
Minnesota	Recipient: $5,000	Loan value up to $7,500 only for one individual vehicle
Mississippi	$2,000	Value excluded
Missouri	Applicant: $1,000	Value excluded
Missouri	Recipient: $5,000	Value excluded
Montana	$3,000	Vehicle with highest equity value excluded
Nebraska	1 person: $4,000	Value excluded
Nebraska	2 or more: $6,000	Value excluded
Nevada	$2,000	Value excluded
New Hampshire	Applicant: $1,000	Value excluded
New Hampshire	Recipient: $2,000	Value excluded
New Jersey	$2,000	Value up to $9,500
New Mexico	$1,500 in liquid resources and $2,000 in non-liquid resources	The value of vehicles used for transportation of benefit group members to or from work or work activities, for daily living activities, or for transportation of goods or services shall not be considered in the determination of resources.
New York	$2,000	Equity value up to $4,650, or $9,300 if working
North Carolina	$3,000	Value excluded
North Dakota	1 person: $3,000, 2 persons: $6,000	Value excluded
North Dakota	2 or more: $8,000	Value excluded
Ohio	No limit.	Value excluded
Oklahoma	$1,000	Equity value up to $5,000
Oregon	Progressing in IRP: $10,000	Value up to $10,000
Oregon	All others: $2,500	Value up to $10,000
Pennsylvania	$1,000	Value excluded
Puerto Rico	$2,000	Value up to $4,000
Rhode Island	$1,000	Value Excluded
South Carolina	$2,500	Value excluded
South Dakota	$2,000	Value excluded
Tennessee	$2,000	Equity value up to $4,600
Texas	$2,000 or $3,000 if a family member is elderly or disabled.	Fair market value up to $4,650 2
Utah	$2,000	Equity value up to $8,000
Vermont	$1,000	1 vehicle per adult up to two vehicles
Virginia	$1,000	Fair market value up to $7,500
Virgin Islands	$1,000	$1,500
Washington	Applicant: $1,000	Value up to $5,000
Washington	Recipient: $4,000	Value up to $5,000
West Virginia	$2,000	Value excluded
Wisconsin	$2,500	Equity value up to $10,000
Wyoming	$2,500	Value up to $12,000

[1] Several States disregard automobiles if they are used to transport disabled family members or are used for work and training.
[2] Texas also exempts income-producing vehicles.

Encouraging Personal Responsibility

Individual Development Accounts

The TANF statute specifically authorizes States to fund Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) established by TANF-eligible individuals. IDAs are restricted savings accounts that allow individuals to accumulate savings that can be used for postsecondary educational expenses, first home purchase, or business capitalization. The IDA program in the TANF statute allows individuals to contribute to an IDA such amounts as are derived only from earned income (while other IDAs might allow contributions to come from any source of income). Funds in a TANF IDA (including earned interest) are disregarded in determining eligibility and benefits in any program that uses financial considerations in such determinations.

Because of the funding flexibility under TANF, States can also use Federal TANF or State MOE funds to fund IDAs established under another authority. The following data are not limited to IDAs authorized under the specific provision in the TANF statute (see Table 12:7).

**Table 12:7**

Individual Development Accounts
State	Individual Development Accounts (Limit)	Family’s IDA Contribution is Matched (Match Rate)	Post-Secondary Education	First Home Purchase	Business Capitalization	Medical Expense	Other
Alabama	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Alaska	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Arizona	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
Arizona	$9,000	NO	YES	YES	YES		YES 1/
Arkansas	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 2/
Arkansas	$2,000 per person up to $4,000 maximum	(3:1)	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 2/
California	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option
Colorado	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Colorado	(no limit)	(County Option)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Connecticut	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO
Connecticut	(no limit)	NO	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO
Delaware	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES, on a case by case basis 3/
Delaware	$5,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES, on a case by case basis 3/
District of Columbia	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Florida	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	(Limit: $1,000 per year; $3,000 lifetime)
Florida	YES	(1:1)	YES	YES	YES	NO	(Limit: $1,000 per year; $3,000 lifetime)
Georgia	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Georgia	$5,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Guam	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hawaii	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Idaho	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Illinois	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/, 2/
Illinois	Max matched $1,000	(1:1)	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/, 2/
Indiana	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
Indiana	(no limit)	(3:1 up to $300/year)	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
Iowa	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES 1/, 4/
Iowa	$50,000	15-25%	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES 1/, 4/
Kansas	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 5/
Kansas	(no Limit)	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 5/
Kentucky	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 6/
Kentucky	$5,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 6/
Louisiana	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
Louisiana	$6,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
Maine	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES 2/, 4/, 7/
Maine	$10,000 plus interest	(varies)	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES 2/, 4/, 7/
Maryland	YES 8/	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Massachusetts	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Michigan	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Michigan	$1,000	(up to 3:1 depending on purpose)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Minnesota	NO	YES	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Minnesota	$3,000	(3:1)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mississippi	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Missouri	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Montana	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Montana	(no limit)	(2:1 up to $4,000)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Nebraska	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Nevada	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
New Hampshire	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
New Jersey	YES 9/	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
New Jersey	YES 9/	(1:1)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
New Mexico	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES 10/
New Mexico	$1,500	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES 10/
New York	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
New York	(no limit)	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
North Carolina	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
North Carolina	$2,000	(1:1 up to $2,000)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
North Dakota	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ohio	NO	County Discretion	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Ohio	NO	(up to 2:1)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Oklahoma	YES	YES 11/	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
	$2,000
Oregon	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO
	(no limit)	($1.00 per hour worked)
Pennsylvania	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Puerto Rico	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rhode Island	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South Carolina	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
South Carolina	$10,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/
South Dakota	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tennessee	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 3/
Tennessee	$5,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 3/
Texas	YES	YES 12/	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Utah	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Vermont	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Vermont	($500) 13/	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Virginia	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/, 10/
Virginia	$5,000	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES 1/, 10/
Virgin Islands	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Washington	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Washington	Client $2,000, contractor $4,000--max $6,000	(2:1 up to $4,000)	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
West Virginia	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wisconsin	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Wisconsin	(county option)	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Wyoming	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

[1] States allow individuals to use funds for training program expenses.
[2] States allow funds to be spent to purchase or repair an automobile.
[3] Approved reasons include funds to be used for self-sufficiency purposes.
[4] Funds can be used for work-related vehicle/transportation costs.
[5] Kansas allows Assistance Technology Savings.
[6] Kentucky allows funds to be used for emergency repairs to home.
[7] Maine allows spending for certain emergency expenses.
[8] Maryland has created IDAs in four counties.
[9] New Jersey allows contributions up to $1,500 per year for 3 years.
[10] New Mexico and Virginia allow funds to be used for the education expenses of dependents.
[11] Oklahoma varies contribution based on income. For current recipients or people who have been recipients at some time since October 1, 1996: For persons with income in the preceding year that is less than or equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level there is a $1.00 match from TANF funds not to exceed a $500 match per year for a period of up to 4 years. For persons with income that is more than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, then the match is 75 cents for each $1.00. For persons with income more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level the match is 50 cents for each $1.00
[12] Texas allows an IDA entity to use TANF funds to match up to $2,000 per year, per account, of earned income (excluding any portion of and Earned Income Tax Credit refund) deposited in an individual development account.
[13] Vermont allows savings of $500 for an individual for a calendar year and $1,000 for a family. The lifetime limit maximum is $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a family.

Initial Sanctions for Not Complying with Work Requirements

If an individual in a family receiving assistance refuses to engage in required work, a State has the option to either reduce or terminate the amount of assistance payable to the family, subject to good cause (see Table 12:8). (For subsequent sanctions, many progress to full-family sanctions).

**Table 12:8**

Initial Sanctions for Noncompliance with Work Requirements
State	First: Partial or Full Sanction	First: Minimum Length of Sanction
Alabama 1/	Partial/Full (varies)	1 month
Alaska	Full	1 month
Arizona	Partial	1 month
Arkansas	Partial	Until compliance
California	Partial	Until compliance
Colorado	Partial	1-3 months (county option)
Connecticut	Partial	3 months
Delaware	Partial	Until compliance or 2 months; then increments to next sanction level.
District of Columbia	Partial	1 month
Florida	Full	Until compliance
Georgia	Partial	Up to 3 months
Guam	Full	3 months
Hawaii	Full	Until compliance
Idaho	Full	1 month
Illinois	Full	Until compliance
Indiana	Partial	2 months
Iowa	Full	Until compliance
Kansas	Full	Until compliance
Kentucky	Partial	Until compliance
Louisiana	Partial	3 months
Maine	Partial	Until compliance
Maryland	Full	Until compliance
Massachusetts	Partial	Until compliance
Michigan	Full	1 month
Minnesota	Partial	1 month
Mississippi	Full	2 months
Missouri	Partial	Until compliance
Montana	Partial	1 month
Nebraska	Full	1 month
Nevada	Full	Until compliance
New Hampshire	Partial	1/2 month
New Jersey	Partial	1 month
New Mexico	Partial	1 month
New York	Partial	Until compliance
North Carolina	Partial	3 months
North Dakota	Partial	1 month
Ohio	Full	1 month
Oklahoma	Full	Until compliance
Oregon	Partial	Until compliance
Pennsylvania	Partial/Full (varies) 2/	30 days
Puerto Rico	Partial	Equivalent of the period that participant refuses to comply
Rhode Island	Partial	Until compliance
South Carolina	Full	1 month
South Dakota	Partial	1 month
Tennessee	Full	Until compliance
Texas	Partial	1 month
Utah	Partial/Full	Until compliance
Vermont	Partial	Until compliance
Virginia	Full	1 month
Virgin Islands	Partial	Until compliance
Washington	Partial	Until compliance
West Virginia	Partial	3 months
Wisconsin 3/	Partial	Until compliance
Wyoming	Full	1 month

[1] In Alabama, recipients receive a partial sanction (25% reduction for 3 months) if they have been on assistance less than 24 months. They receive a full sanction (1 month) if they voluntarily quit their job or if they have been on assistance for 24 months or more.
[2] In Pennsylvania, recipients receive a partial sanction if they have been on assistance up to 24 months. They receive a full family sanction if they have been on assistance more than 24 months.
[3] In Wisconsin, a sanction could be whole or partial. The cash benefit is based on the number of hours worked in the previous month.

Applicant Cash Diversion Programs

The majority of States (28) now offer applicant diversion to families as an alternative to ongoing TANF assistance. Generally, this support comes in the form of benefit payments designed to provide short-term financial aid to meet critical needs in order to secure or retain employment.

Typically, States provide several months of benefits in one lump sum. A few States provide a flat amount. By accepting the diversion payment, the family generally agrees not to re-apply for cash assistance for a specified period of time, e.g., receipt of a diversion payment equal to three months of benefits results in family agreeing to not re-apply for benefits for three months. A number of diversion programs provide applicant job search (12 States), other services, and/or referral to alternative assistance programs (10 States). (Table 12:9 highlights what cash diversion programs the States are providing).

**Table 12:9**

Applicant Cash Diversion Programs
State	Cash Diversion Program	Benefit Equivalent (in months)	Cash Limit	Referral to Job Search or Job Placement	Referral to Alternative Programs for Services or In-Kind Assistance
Alabama	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Alaska	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
Arizona	YES	3	N/A	YES	YES
Arkansas	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
California	YES	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option
Colorado	YES	County Option	County Option	County Option	County Option
Connecticut	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
Delaware	YES	N/A	$1,500	NO	NO
District of Columbia	YES	3	N/A	NO1	NO
Florida	YES2	N/A	$1,000	YES	YES
Georgia	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Guam	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hawaii	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Idaho	YES	3	$879	YES	YES
Illinois	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Indiana	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Iowa	YES	County Option	County Option	NO	YES
Kansas	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kentucky	YES	N/A	$1,300	YES	YES
Louisiana	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Maine	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
Maryland	YES	County Option (up to 12)	N/A	YES	NO
Massachusetts	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Michigan	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Minnesota	YES	Up to 4	Up to maximum MFIP Standard	NO	NO
Mississippi	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Missouri	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Montana	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Nebraska	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Nevada	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
New Hampshire	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
New Jersey	YES	1	$750	YES	YES
New Mexico	YES	N/A	$1,500	NO	YES
New York	NO3	N/A	N/A	NO	NO
North Carolina	YES	3	N/A	YES	YES
North Dakota	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ohio	YES	County Determined	County Determined	County Determined	County Determined
Oklahoma	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
Oregon	YES	N/A	None	YES	YES
Pennsylvania	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Puerto Rico	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rhode Island	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South Carolina	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South Dakota	YES	2	N/A	NO	YES
Tennessee	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Texas	YES	N/A	$1,000	YES	YES
Utah	YES	3	Limited to what the family would be eligible for a 3-month grant period. Amount varies as to family composition.	NO	NO
Vermont	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Virginia	YES	4	$1,164	NO	NO
Virgin Islands	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Washington	YES	N/A	$1,500	NO	NO
West Virginia	YES	3	N/A	NO	NO
Wisconsin	YES	N/A	$1,600	YES	YES
Wyoming	NO	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

[1] The District of Columbia requires employment or a job offer for diversion and therefore does not offer job referral services as part of its diversion program.
[2] Florida has three diversion programs: Up Front Cash Diversion for applicants (with a cash limit of $1,000), Relocation Assistance (with no statutory cash limit), and Cash Assistance Severance Program for recipients who are employed and wish to terminate assistance (with a cash limit of $1,000).
[3] New York makes diversion payments under its emergency programs, however, it does not have a specific "diversion program."

Time Limiting Assistance

States generally may not use Federal funds to provide assistance to a family that includes an adult head of household or a spouse of the head of household who has received assistance for 60 months (whether or not consecutive). However, States may extend federally-funded assistance beyond 60 months to 20 percent of the caseload, without penalty, based on hardship or domestic violence. States also have the option to set lower time limits on the receipt of TANF benefits.

State policies related to time limiting assistance to a family vary greatly. In a few cases, States had received waivers under Section 1115 of the Act to implement time limits before PRWORA. These States have the authority to continue their waiver policies for the duration of their waivers. Furthermore, the flexibility available in the use of State funds allows each State to structure its time limit policies in a variety of ways. For example, a State may use segregated or separate State-only funds to provide assistance to families that it wishes to exempt from the time limit or to families that have reached the 60-month Federal time limit, in excess of the 20 percent cap (see Table 12:10).

**Table 12:10**

State Time Limits 1/
State	Lifetime Limit (months) 2/	Benefits Continue to Children after Lifetime Limit	Intermittent Time Limit ( months) 3/	Benefits Continue to Children after Intermittent Limit	Date First Families Reach Any Time Limit 4/
Alabama	60	NO	NO	N/A	December 1, 2001
Alaska	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Arizona	60	NO	NO	N/A	November 1, 1997
Arkansas	24	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2000
California	60	YES	NO	N/A	January 1, 2003
Colorado	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
					October 1, 2001
Connecticut	21	NO	NO	N/A	November 1, 1997
Delaware 5/	48	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 1999
	36	NO	NO	N/A
	(applicants as of 01/01/2000)
District of Columbia	60	YES	NO	N/A	March 1, 2002
Florida	48	NO	24 months in 60 months or 36 months in 72 months	NO	October 1998 except in waiver areas February 1996
Georgia	48	NO	NO	N/A	January 1, 2001
Guam	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Hawaii	60	NO	NO	N/A	December 1, 2001
Idaho	24	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 1999
Illinois	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Indiana	24	YES	NO	N/A	July 1, 1997
Iowa	60	NO	NO	N/A	January 1, 2002
Kansas	60	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
Kentucky	60	NO	NO	N/A	November 1, 2001
Louisiana	60	NO	24 months in 60 months	NO	January 1, 1999
Maine	60	YES	NO	N/A	November 1, 2001
Maryland	60	YES (children and adults)	NO	N/A	January 1, 2002
Massachusetts	NO	N/A	24 months in 60 months	NO	December 1, 1998
Michigan	NO	N/A	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
Minnesota	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Mississippi	60	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
Missouri	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Montana	60	NO	NO	N/A	February 1, 2002
Nebraska 6/	60	NO	24 months in 48 months	NO	December 1, 1998
Nevada	60	NO	24 months followed by 12 months of ineligibility	NO	January 1, 2000
New Hampshire	60	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
New Jersey	60	NO	NO	N/A	February 1, 2002
New Mexico	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
New York	NO	N/A	NO	N/A	December 1, 2001
North Carolina	60	NO	24 months followed by 36 months of ineligibility	NO	August 1, 1998
North Dakota	60	NO	NO	N/A	July 1, 2002
Ohio	60	NO 7/	36 month State limit followed by a 24 month waiting period, after which the family may be eligible for up to 24 additional months (not exceeding Federal 60-month limit) by county based on "good cause.”	NO7	October 1, 2000
Oklahoma	60	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
Oregon	NO	N/A	24 months in 84 months	NO	July 1, 1998
Pennsylvania	60	YES	NO	N/A	March 3, 2002
Puerto Rico	60	NO	NO	N/A	June 30, 2002
Rhode Island	60	YES	NO	N/A	May 1, 2002
South Carolina	60	NO	24 months in 120 months	NO	October 1, 1998
South Dakota	60	NO	NO	N/A	December 1, 2001
Tennessee	60	NO	18 months followed by 3 months of ineligibility	NO	April 1, 1998
Texas	60	NO	12, 24, or 36 months followed by 60 months of State ineligibility	YES	June 1, 1997
Utah	36	NO	NO	N/A	January 1, 2000
Vermont	NO	N/A	NO	N/A	September 20, 2002
Virginia	60	NO	24 months followed by 24 months ineligibility	NO	July 1, 1997
Virgin Islands	60	YES	NO	N/A	June 30, 2002
Washington	60	NO	NO	N/A	August 1, 2002
West Virginia	60	NO	NO	N/A	January 1, 2002
Wisconsin	60 8/	NO	NO	N/A	October 1, 2001
Wyoming	60	NO	NO	N/A	January 1, 1999

[1] This table addresses time limits that terminate or reduce assistance to a family based on the receipt of assistance for a period of time. Policies under which receipt of assistance for a certain period of time trigger work requirements are not considered time limits on receipt of assistance here.
[2] Lifetime time limits permanently reduce or terminate assistance.
[3] Intermittent time limits terminate or reduce assistance for a period of time after which assistance can again be provided.
[4] A few States had approved waivers to implement time limits prior to PRWORA. In those cases, the families began accruing months on the time clock based on the waiver rather than the implementation of the TANF program.
[5] Families with unemployable adults and families with caretakers under 19 years of age are placed in a non-time limited Children's Program.
[6] State is operating under 1115 waiver authority. For employable adults, assistance is limited to 24 months in 48 months with a lifetime limit of 60 months. Families for whom self-sufficiency is determined to not be possible are eligible for the non-time limited program.
[7] Unless a "child-only" case because the child is residing with a specified relative other than a parent.
[8] Some families may lose benefits prior to reaching the 60-month limit if participating in a particular component.

Waiver Inconsistencies Related to Work Participation and/or Time Limit Assistance Requirements of TANF

Ten States claimed waiver inconsistencies for waivers that extended beyond FY 2002. The waivers for five of these States (KS, NE, OR, SC, and VA) expired in FY 2003. Waivers for three States (MT, OH, and HI) expired in FY 2004, Massachusetts' waivers are scheduled to expire September 30, 2005, and Tennessee's waivers will expire June 30, 2007.

Table 12:11 summarizes the waiver inconsistency claims by States.

**Table 12:11**

Federal Time Limit Waivers
State	Work Participation	Time-Limited Assistance	Authority Expires 1/
Hawaii	X	X	September 30, 2004
Kansas	X		September 30, 2003
Massachusetts	X		September 30, 2005
Montana	X		December 31, 2003
Nebraska	X	X	June 30, 2003
Ohio	X	X 2/	December 31, 2003
Oregon	X	X	June 30, 2003
South Carolina	X	X	September 30, 2003
Tennessee	X	X	June 30, 2007
Virginia	X	X	June 30, 2003

[1] States may choose to discontinue or modify inconsistent policies begun under waivers at any time. After this date, they must operate their TANF program in full compliance with requirements of sections 407 and 408(a)(7) of the Social Security Act.
[2] Ohio delayed counting months toward the Federal time limit until October 1, 1997.

Other Key Policies

Child Support Enforcement

Title III of PRWORA establishes stricter child support enforcement policies. States must operate a child support enforcement program meeting general requirements in order to be eligible for TANF. Recipients must assign rights to child support and cooperate with paternity establishment efforts. States have the option to either deny cash assistance or reduce assistance by at least 25 percent to those individuals who fail to cooperate with paternity establishment or with obtaining child support.

Adoption of Family Violence Option

Each State has the option to certify in its State plan that it has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to: (1) screen and identify individuals with a history of domestic violence (while maintaining their confidentiality); (2) refer such individuals for counseling and supportive services; and (3) waive program requirements, as appropriate, based on safety and fairness concerns. This provision is commonly referred to as the Family Violence Option (see Table 12:12).

**Table 12:12**

Domestic Violence Provisions
State	Federal Certification1/ or State Program 2/
Alabama	Federal
Alaska	Federal
Arizona	Federal
Arkansas	Federal
California	Federal
Colorado	Federal
Connecticut	State
Delaware	Federal
District of Columbia	Federal
Florida	Federal
Georgia	Federal
Guam	Territory
Hawaii	Federal
Idaho	State
Illinois	Federal
Indiana	State
Iowa	Federal
Kansas	Federal
Kentucky	Federal
Louisiana	Federal
Maine	State
Maryland	Federal
Massachusetts	Federal
Michigan	State
Minnesota	Federal
Mississippi	State
Missouri	Federal
Montana	Federal
Nebraska	Federal
Nevada	Federal
New Hampshire	Federal
New Jersey	Federal
New Mexico	Federal
New York	Federal
North Carolina	Federal
North Dakota	Federal
Ohio	State
Oklahoma	State
Oregon	Federal
Pennsylvania	Federal
Puerto Rico	Federal
Rhode Island	Federal
South Carolina	Federal
South Dakota	State
Tennessee	Federal
Texas	Federal
Utah	Federal
Vermont	Federal
Virginia	State
Virgin Islands	Territory
Washington	Federal
West Virginia	Federal
Wisconsin	State
Wyoming	Federal

[1] State submitted a signed certification that it has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to screen and identify individuals with a history of domestic violence, refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services, and waive program requirements based on safety and fairness concerns (commonly called the Family Violence Option, or the Wellstone Murray Amendment).
[2] State is addressing the issue of domestic violence under its TANF program, but did not submit the specified certification.

Family Cap

States have the flexibility under TANF not to increase cash assistance after the birth of an additional child to a family already receiving TANF benefits. This is referred to as the family cap. PRWORA did not include a specific family cap provision, but 23 States had such a provision as of June 2003 (see Table 12:13).

**Table 12:13**

Family Cap Provisions
State	Description	Other Provisions/Services Provided
Arizona	There is no increase in cash assistance for the birth of additional children after the family begins receiving cash assistance. There are exceptions for: births resulting from cases of sexual assault or incest; firstborn children of minors who are included in an assistance unit; children born within 10 months of the date of application; and children born at least 10 months after a family has not received cash assistance for one full year due to voluntary withdrawal or ineligibility.	Earned income disregard to make up difference in benefits. Information and referral to family planning.
Arkansas	No additional cash benefits for birth of a child after approval, no exceptions.	Information and referral to family planning.
California	Under the States “Maximum Family Grant” (MFG) policy, no increase in the Maximum Aid Payment for any child born to a family that has received TANF for 10 continuous months prior to the birth of a child. Continuous receipt of TANF is defined as receiving aid without a two consecutive month break in aid.	Child Support received will be paid to the assistance unit and will not be counted as income. Information and referral to family planning.
Connecticut	The benefit increase will be one-half of the average increase for an additional child. There are exceptions for births: to first-time minor parents; because of rape or incest; to a child who does not reside with his or her parent if the parent did not receive TANF assistance in either the 9th or 10th calendar month before the birth of the child; or in the case of premature births (as verified by a physician) when the mother was not on assistance during the month of conception.	No work exemption for parent of excluded child.
Delaware	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except because of rape or incest.	Information and referral to family planning. Fill-the-gap benefit calculations for cases with earnings/child support.
Florida	For the first such child (including all children in the case of a multiple birth), provide an increase in the cash benefits equal to 50 percent of the maximum allowable increment; and for a second or subsequent child, provide no increase in the cash benefits received by the unit.	The additional child will be included in the Need Standard. Information and referral to family planning services.
Georgia	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first-time minor parents or because of rape or incest.	Information and referral to family planning. Fill-the-gap benefit calculations for cases with earnings.
Idaho	No additional cash benefits with birth of child. TANF grant is the same amount for families of all sizes.	Increase in family size will increase the earned income disregard.
Illinois	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. There are exceptions for births: to first-time minor parents; because of rape or incest; to a child who does not reside with his or her parent; or to a child that was conceived in a month the family was not receiving TANF and had not received TANF for a period of at least 3 consecutive months.	Earned income disregard to make up difference in benefits. Information and referral to family planning.
Indiana	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first-time minor parents or because of rape or incest. No additional TANF benefits with birth of child.	Information and referral to family planning. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 12 weeks.
Maryland	Maryland has a 2-year waiver to its Child Specific Benefit beginning October 1, 2002. Will pay direct benefit to family during this period. Provides an opportunity to conduct study on impact of family cap.	A child subject to provisions of this regulation is treated as an assistance unit member for all other purposes, including but not limited to Medical Assistance, child care services, and Food Stamps. This regulation does not apply if the birth of a dependant child is the result of rape or incest, the first born child of a minor in the unit, another caretaker relative has obtained legal guardianship of the child, or the child is placed in the home of a caretaker relative by the local department of social services.
Massachusetts	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first-time minor parents or because of rape or incest or other extraordinary circumstances. Extends coverage to children conceived within 12 months after family leaves the rolls.	Information and referral to family planning. Expanded earnings/child care disregard. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 12 weeks.
Mississippi	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child.	Income received on behalf of the child, including child support received will be paid to the assistance unit and will not be counted as income. The additional child will not be included in the Need Standard for purposes of determining TANF eligibility.
Nebraska	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child if born more than 10 months after the date of application, except births to first-time minor parents or because of rape or incest.	Information and referral to family planning.
New Jersey	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first-time minor parents and cases which: have left the rolls, remained employed at least 90 days, and terminated employment for good cause; or remained off the rolls for at least 12 consecutive months for any reason.	Children subject to family cap are eligible for all other services except cash assistance.
North Carolina	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child as a result of a child born to the family 10 or more months after the family begins to receive TANF, except: births to first time minor parents; because of rape or incest; to a child that was conceived in a month the assistance unit (i.e., the entire family) was not receiving TANF; to a child when parental custody has been legally transferred; or to a child who is no longer able to live with his or her parents.
North Dakota	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child.	Child support collections pass through for benefit of child.
Oklahoma	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child.	If a child is born to a recipient 10 months from date of application for assistance, the amount that would be added to the benefit for the child is paid in the form of vouchers until the child reaches the age of 36 months.
South Carolina	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child.	Benefits provided in the form of vouchers or commodities for a child born subject to the benefit limitation up to the amount of the increase in cash benefits that the family would have received for the child in the absence of the family cap. The vouchers may be used to pay for goods and services, as determined by the State, to support the needs of the child and permit the custodial parent to participate in education, training and employment-related activities.
Tennessee	No additional cash benefit will be issued due to the birth of a child when the birth occurs more than 10 calendar months after the date of application for TANF. A caretaker must provide a physician's Statement to overcome the presumption that a child born more than 10 months after application was conceived prior to such date. Does not apply to the first-born child of a minor or children born as the result of rape or incest.	Information and referral to family planning. The additional child will be included in the need standard and the income of the child, including child support, will be applied against the need standard and the fill-the-gap budgeting method in determining the TANF payment amount for the family.
Virginia	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child, except births to first-time minor parents or because of rape or incest. The family cap does not apply to children born within 10 months of beginning to receive assistance.	Pass-through all child support received for family affected. Information and referral to family planning. Parent of excluded child may be granted a work exemption for 6 weeks.
Wisconsin	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child. TANF grant is the same amount for families with the same work status regardless of family size.	Information and referral to family planning. Family planning information provided at application and with benefit checks.
Wyoming	No additional cash benefits with birth of a child.

Return to Index

This is a Historical Document.