DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Social Services
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
3006.2 TANF Employment and Training Participation and Participation Rates
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 (DSS) is proposing to amend the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Employment and Training Program. 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 or by fax to (302) 255-4425 by January 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 PROPOSAL
The purpose of this regulatory action is to amend the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding participation and participation rates provisions for the TANF Employment and Training Program.
Statutory Authority
• Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193)
• 45 CFR §261.22, How will we determine a State’s overall work rate?
• 45 CFR §261.31, How many hours must an individual participate to count in the numerator of the overall rate?
• 45 CFR §261.32, How many hours must an individual participate to count in the numerator of the two-parent rate?
• 45 CFR §261.35, Are there any special work provisions for single custodial parents?
Summary of Proposed Change
DSSM 3006.2, TANF Employment and Training Participation and Participation Rates: These rule modifications clarify the calculation of the work participation rate and the required participation of TANF recipients in employment and training activities. Previously implemented in January 2007, this policy was already a federal exemption option but DSS was more restrictive with the thirteen (13) weeks option.
Division of Social Services
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
9076.2 SSN Disqualification, Child Support Sanctions and Ineligible ABAWDs
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 Food Stamp Program policies in the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding the child support provisions.
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 and 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 January 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
Statutory Authority
• 7 CFR 273.11(o), Custodial Parent’s Cooperation with the State Child Support Agency
• 7 CFR 273.11(c), Treatment of Income and Resources of Certain Non-Household Members
Summary of Proposed Changes
DSSM 9076.2 (Revision), SSN Disqualification, Child Support Sanctions and Ineligible ABAWDs: Currently TANF and Child Care require DSS applicants and recipients to cooperate with DCSE to get benefits. DSS is proposing to require the same cooperation for food stamp clients. The only difference is that only the custodial parent or responsible individual will be sanctioned for non-compliance, not the other household members. The sanctioned individual will have his/her income and deductions prorated like other prorated, sanctioned deemers.
DSSM 9094 (New), Cooperation with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE): DSS is proposing to take the option to require custodial parents and other individuals responsible for the care of minor dependents to cooperate with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) as a condition of eligibility for the Food Stamp Program.
Requiring the cooperation with child support will help facilitate the client towards self-sufficiency by identifying and locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and establishing support payments for the dependent children. Also, requiring cooperation may uncover unreported income. Child support payments may reduce the household’s benefit; however, the household will have more money to spend on household expenses and food.