DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Social Services
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan Renewal
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 renew Delaware's eligibility status for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provided for in the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), (P.L. 104-193).
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 November 15, 2011. A draft copy of the Delaware TANF State Plan has been prepared which reflects amendments as well as basic improvements to the various descriptions of programs and services. This document may be viewed and downloaded from the Internet at the Division of Social Services’ website at http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/.
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.
NOTICE OF COMMENT PERIOD FOR DRAFT TANF STATE PLAN
This notice is given to provide information of public interest with respect to Delaware’s eligibility status for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.
Statutory Authority
Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, Section 402, Eligible States; State Plan
Title of Notice
Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan
Background
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 (Public Law 104-193) provides funding to states through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. Section 402 of the Social Security Act requires that States periodically submit to the Secretary of the Department Health and Human Services a TANF state plan to maintain or renew their status as an “eligible State”. In general the State plan describes the eligibility rules, the populations served, the programs offered, and the State maintenance of effort spending. States also provide certifications that they will maintain other services such as child support enforcement and foster care services. Delaware’s TANF State plan is due December 31, 2011.
The TANF Program is delivered through a collaborative partnership among Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Department of Labor (DOL), and the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO). The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) is also a planning partner.
Summary of Notice of Comment Period for Draft TANF State Plan
In order to continue to receive Federal TANF funding, Delaware must file for renewal of the grant with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) by December 31, 2011. The State Plan outlines the provisions under which the State will administer the TANF program.
Prior to submission of the plan, States must offer the public a 45 day period to review and comment on the plan, Publication of the State plan creates the opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed TANF State Plan.
Developed in accordance with the requirements of PRWORA, the updated State Plan incorporates changes identified through a collaborative process that included development of proposed regulation, distribution of the draft regulation to Delaware stakeholders and the public, review and incorporation of appropriate comments in the plan, and the ongoing review of the TANF program.
Future amendments to the State Plan will incorporate suggestions and recommendations received during the comment period. The 45-day comment period begins on the date this notice is published in the Delaware Register of Regulations. Comments received within 45 days will be reviewed and considered for any subsequent revision of the TANF State Plan.
