3411 Support
Services Specific to TANF and GOALS Work Program Participation - Work
program support services are available for mandatory and exempt TANF applicants
and recipientsas well as GOALS participants. In addition to support services for work program participation,
transportation and Special Services Allowances may also be available to
TANF mandatory/voluntary cash eligible clients who lose cash eligibility.
See 3410 for specific requirements when authorizing
a support service payment.
TANF applicants who obtain employment while in applicant status may be
eligible for transportation and Special Services Allowance if there is
an identified need for employment related services (i.e., purchase of
uniforms, transportation, car repair, etc.).
TANF applicants required to job search as part of their TANF eligibility
may be given a transportation allowance payment using the Job Search/Job
Readiness activity. The payment will be based on the applicant’s need.
3411.1 Transportation - Since transportation is cited by many clients as a major barrier in finding and keeping employment, ongoing communication with the client regarding transportation issues and resources is essential. Designated DCF staff are encouraged to establish and maintain communication with the Coordinated Transit District in their Region. This will assure that the public transportation providers who receive federal and state funding are made aware of the often times unique transportation needs of individuals looking for and maintaining employment. Transportation allowances for TANF clients are available to support activities, including employment. Transportation for any activity shall be based on need. Documentation of the mode of transportation to be utilized and a back up transportation plan should be included in the case file. Documentation is also required in the event that no monthly transportation allowance is authorized.
More than one transportation allowance may be approved on a needs basis
when a TANF client is involved in more than one approved activity (including
employment). For TANF clients who lose cash eligibility, the transportation
allowance is available during the 12 months following the loss of cash
assistance if the client is employed in the month for which the payment
is issued. For clients participating in On-the-Job Training , this twelve
month time period begins the month following the last month of the On-the-Job
Training activity. See 3410 for specific requirements
when authorizing a support service payment.
Transportation is available for employment related needs of TANF applicants
who obtain employment while in applicant status and the application for
cash assistance is denied. Payment of transportation for employment related
needs of these denied TANF applicants is limited to authorization in the
month of TANF application and the month following the month of application.
3411.2 Special Services Allowance - This allowance should be used to obtain goods and services (except transportation) needed to participate in an approved activity. This allowance is also available for expenses or needs related to accepting or maintaining employment for employed individuals. For TANF clients who lose cash eligibility, the Special Services Allowance is available to cover expenses during the first twelve months following the loss of cash assistance. See 3410 for specific requirements when authorizing a support service payment. For clients participating in On-the-Job Training , this twelve-month time period begins the month following the last month of the On-the-Job Training activity.
Special Services Allowances are available for employment related needs of TANF applicants who obtain employment while in applicant status and are not approved for cash assistance. Payment of this allowance for employment related needs of TANF applicants is limited to authorization in the month of TANF application or the month following the month of application.
NOTE: This allowance should not be used to pay fines resulting from civil and legal judgments. The Special Services Allowance shall not be used to pay for work site injury costs which are in excess of the allowed Medicaid rate. Examples of services and/or items that may be purchased with this allowance include: uniforms, eyeglasses, vehicle repairs, and the billed rate for cosmetic procedures not covered by Medicaid. An example would be dentures.
3411.3 Family Mentor - Family mentors may be available to visit the client and to provide a social support system. Generalized life management and parenting skills as well as work adjustment services may be offered. No payment is made for this service.
3411.4 Child Care - TANF and GOALS clients participating in a work program activity may be eligible for Child Care Services. Child care plan hours authorization should correspond with expected hours of work program activity. Staff are allowed discretion when authorizing hours needed for current and/or future months.