DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Statutory Authority: 31 Delaware Code,
Section 512 (31 Del.C. §512)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 3006 Employment and Training
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 the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding changes to Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Employment and Training policies.
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 and Program Development Unit, Division of Social Services, 1901 North DuPont Highway, P.O. Box 906, New Castle, Delaware 19720-0906 by January 31, 2006.
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 Change
Citation
Senate Bill 101, 140th General Assembly: Delaware Welfare Reform Education and Training Assistance Act
Background
Senate Bill 101, effective July 2, 1999, allows participants in Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to engage in secondary education, post-secondary education, and vocational training as part of the work activity requirement. The participants in this program must be enrolled as full-time students, must be students in good standing, and will be required to have a combination of credit hours and work hours equaling at least 20 hours per week while they are in school. Participants must attend accredited or approved programs and will receive the same support services while in school, such as child care and transportation, as do other TANF participants. By enabling TANF participants to pursue secondary education, post-secondary education, and vocational training, Delaware will create a workforce that is more financially stable and less likely to need public assistance again, while at the same time increasing its tax revenue as these same people earn higher wages.
Summary of Proposal
DSSM 3006.4, TANF Employment and Training Activities Which Constitute Participation Under TANF is updated to include 1.5 hours of study time for each credit hour in the calculation of participation for students who are attending education or training classes and do not meet the Blevins Bill requirements in section 3006.6. This change will help TANF E&T students meet their required participation.
DSS PROPOSED REGULATION #05-77
REVISIONS:
3006.4 TANF Employment and Training Activities Which Constitute Participation Under TANF
The following are employment-related activities count as participation:
• Education, training and job search activities. Eligibility will be determined by the employment contractors.
• Pay-after-performance work experience, with the hours determined by dividing the benefits by the minimum wage, plus up to 10 hours of job search weekly;
• Regular school attendance or appropriate alternative activity (e.g., training or employment) for dependent children and minor parents;
• Job search may be required for applicants and recipients.
• Participation in Vocational Rehabilitation program for eligible recipients.
• Nursing or nursing assistant activities performed without pay are considered work experience.
• Other work-related activities that assist in obtaining or maintaining employment or improving work performance.
Education and Training
Students who do not meet the Blevins Bill requirements in section 3006.6 can receive 1.5 hours of study time for each credit hour if the education or training class requires homework and study time to be completed outside of class time. A 3-credit course would equal 7.5 hours of participation. (3 + (3 x 1.5) = 7.5.
If a recipient is attending training or a program that does not have a designated credit hour, a determination of the amount of study time required for this training will have to be determined independently. This will be reported on the General Activity Screen in the DCIS II Employment and Training sub-system. A question will ask if this activity requires study time, if it is answered yes, then a mandatory screen will appear to enter the amount of weekly study hours. The amount of study hours necessary will be determined by the contractor.
The student must be in good standing as it relates to attendance and achievement as defined by the program the student is attending.
Example: A participant who is working 15 hours a week and taking 2 three-credit classes will have a participation rate of 30 hours. (15 hours of work + 6 credit hours of class + 9 hours of study time.
9 DE Reg. 1033 (01/01/06)(Prop.)
