DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Division of Social Services

Statutory Authority: 31 Delaware Code, Section 512 (31 Del.C. §512)

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

In compliance with the State's Administrative Procedures Act (APA - Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code) and under the authority of Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 5, Section 512, Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) / Division of Social Services is proposing to amend policies in the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding the Responsibility for the Administration of Delaware’s Assistance Programs and Confidentiality.

Any person who wishes to make written suggestions, compilations of data, testimony, briefs or other written materials concerning the proposed new regulations must submit same to Sharon L. Summers, Policy, Program & Development Unit, Division of Social Services, 1901 North DuPont Highway, P.O. Box 906, New Castle, Delaware 19720-0906 or by fax to (302) 255-4425 by August 31, 2008.

The action concerning the determination of whether to adopt the proposed regulation will be based upon the results of Department and Division staff analysis and the consideration of the comments and written materials filed by other interested persons.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES

The proposed changes described below amend policies in the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding Responsibility for the Administration of Delaware’s Assistance Programs and Confidentiality.

Statutory Authority

• Title 31 – Welfare, including

Chapter 5, State Public Assistance Code

Chapter 6, Food Stamp Program

Chapter 9, Work Assignments for Recipients of Assistance

• Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

• Title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act

• Title XX of the Social Security Act, Block Grants to States for Social Services

• 7 U.S.C., Chapter 51, Food Stamp Program

• Child Care Development Block Grant, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996

• 7 CFR §273.7, Work Provisions

• 7 CFR §272.1(c), General Terms and Conditions – Disclosure

• 45 CFR §205.50, Safeguarding Information for the Financial Assistance Programs

Summary of Proposed Changes

DSSM 1000, Responsibility for the Administration of Delaware’s Assistance Programs: This section is being revised to include omitted programs and services; and, to reorganize for clarity. DSSM 1000 is updated to include the following programs and services: the Emergency Assistance Program, the Refugee Resettlement Program, the Child Care Subsidy Program, and Food Stamp Employment and Training services.

DSSM 1000, Confidentiality: This section revises the text wording and clarification of reference to the Code of Federal Regulations citations by including the correct citations for the confidentiality regulation.

DSS PROPOSED REGULATION #08-29

REVISIONS:

1000 Responsibility for the Administration of Delaware's Assistance Programs

The Department of Health and Social Services is the agency designated by the State as responsible for Delaware's public assistance programs as allowed under Title IV‑ A of the Social Security Act (the TANF Program), Title 31 of the Delaware Code (the General Assistance Program), and Public Law 95‑ 113, (the Food Stamp Program). Within the Department, the Division of Social Services (DSS) administers these programs. The specific programs are those allowed under:

1. Title IV-A of the Social Security Act (the TANF Program and the Emergency Assistance Program);

2. Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 5 (the General Assistance Program);

3. Title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act (the Refugee Resettlement Program);

4. Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Title XX of the Social Security Act, 7 CFR §273.7, and the CCDBG as

amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996 (the Child Care Subsidy

Program);

5. Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 9 (Food Stamp Employment and Training services); and

6. 7 U.S.C. Chapter 51 and Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 6 (the Food Stamp Program).

Included in this manual are technical and financial eligibility rules for the following programs:

1. Temporary Assistance to for Needy Families (TANF)

2. The General Assistance Program

3. The Food Stamp Program

4. The Refugee Resettlement Program

5. Purchase of Day Care Services The Child Care Subsidy Program

6. The Emergency Assistance Program

7. Employment and Training Services

(Break in Continuity of Sections)

1003 Confidentiality

[272.1(c)(1) 7 CFR §272.1(c); 45 CFR §205.50]

Federal and State laws provide that public assistance information and records may be used only for purposes directly connected with the administration of public assistance programs. Thus, all information gathered regarding individuals for public assistance purposes is considered confidential and will be safeguarded by DSS.

By safeguarding public assistance information, DSS protects its clients from being identified as a special group based on financial needs and protects their right to privacy.

See Administrative Notice:

A-14-98 Subpoenas for Public Assistance Records

12 DE Reg. 126 (08/01/08)