TANF-ACF-PA-2000-03 (Status of the Handbook of Public Assistance Administration)

To:

State agencies administering the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and other interested parties

Subject:

Status of the Handbook of Public Assistance Administration

References:

Section 404(a)(2) of the Social Security Act, 45 CFR 263.11(a)(2)

Purpose:

This Policy Announcement corrects Policy Announcement TANF-ACF-PA-00-1 dated February 10, 2000 regarding the status and applicability of the Handbook of Public Assistance Administration.

Background:

TANF-ACF-PA-00-1 explained that States electing to continue programs under the former AFDC plan in accordance with the grandfathering clause at section 404(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (e.g., the Emergency Assistance Program) must adhere to the applicable Handbook provisions governing presumptive eligibility (Part IV - 5520) and the prior or simultaneous authorization of assistance (Part IV- 5214).

Content:

The above-stated Handbook sections still apply.  In addition, the provision governing interpretation of the authorization of the award (Part IV-5212) also applies.  We did not expressly mention Part IV-5212 in TANF-ACF-PA-00-1 because we believed that it was commonly understood that Part IV-5214 (the provision on prior or simultaneous authorization of assistance) subsumed Part IV-5212.  However, on reflection, we decided that it was best to explicitly announce applicability of Part IV-5212.  Section 404(a)(2), which permits states to "grandfather in" the plan former AFDC plan provisions, also "grandfathers in" the associated substantive policies related to such provisions from the AFDC program.

Inquiries:

Inquiries about TANF should be addressed to the appropriate Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Regional Administrator.

/s/

Alvin C. Collins
Director