Q1: Is it correct to assume that we are to report information on closed cases only for the first month of closure?
A: Yes.
Q2: Data element #9 (Reason for Closure): What is the proper coding if a case is closed because of earnings and the individual is employed? Is there a need for a further breakout of code "1"?
A: For now, we plan to use this single code. We may want to look at these codes again at some future date.
Q3: Data element #9 (Reason for Closure): States want a code to identify closed cases when a State closes a group of cases to transfer them to a Tribal TANF or Tribal New program.
A: We will modify the coding in order to identify families closed for TANF because they are being served in a Tribal TANF or Tribal New program.
TANF Data Report – Section Three:
Q1: Data element #16 (Total Number of Births) and data element #17 (Total Number of Out-of-Wedlock Births): Is there a possibility of modifying these data elements? Can a State report the birth in the month that the client reports the birth?
A: No. We do not intend to modify these data elements because they reflect a statutory requirement to rank States. States must report the number of births and the number of out-of-wedlock births for the month in which the birth occurs. It is not acceptable to report births for the month that the client reports the birth to the State.
Q2:Data element #16 (Total Number of births): Can a State estimate the number of births for the report month by counting the number of births in the month prior to the report month? (This will allow for delays in reporting of newborns by the family.)
A: No. It is unacceptable to estimate the number of births for the report month by counting the number of births in the month prior to the report month. This method of estimating is inconsistent with the "complete and accurate" standard. However, it is acceptable to estimate the total number of births from a sample of families receiving assistance for the report month.
Q3:Data element #17 (Total Number of Out-of-Wedlock Births): What is the definition of an out-of-wedlock birth (conceived out-of-wedlock, born out-of-wedlock, or both)? Are States to determine the marital status at the time of birth? Is marriage to be defined as under State law?
A: Each State collects data on out-of-wedlock births at the time of birth as part of its vital statistics health reporting system. Out-of-wedlock births are based on the mother’s marital status at the time of the birth. States are to collect and report the marital status of adult TANF recipients each month. This would include the marital status of the mother for the month of the birth. States may define marriage as under State law.
