department of health and social services
Division of Social Services
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
Technical Eligibility for Cash Assistance
3008.1.1 Babies Born To Teen Parents
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 technical eligibility for cash assistance for certain minors.
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 by April 30, 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
Summary of Proposed Change
The proposed rule provides clarification to DSSM 3008.1.1, Babies Born to Teen Parents, to eliminate confusion over the policy and reduce staff requests for policy clarification. Language is added to clarify that this rule only applies to the child while the teen is under 18 years of age.
3008 Eligibility of Certain Minors
3008.1.1 Babies Born To Teen Parents
This policy applies to both applicants and recipients not covered by family cap rules.
Babies born after December 31, 1998 to a teenage parent are not eligible for cash assistance (TANF and GA) unless the parent is:
An emancipated minor is considered an adult and therefore, the baby would be eligible for cash assistance. If both parents live in the home, both parents must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or married for the baby to be eligible. Once the minor parent turns 18, the parent and the baby are both eligible for cash assistance, if otherwise eligible.
Babies not receiving cash assistance are eligible for all other DSS services and programs including food stamps, grant-related Medicaid, and Welfare Reform child care. In lieu of cash assistance, the Division may provide non-cash assistance services. (See DSSM 3008.1.3)
Determining financial eligibility and grant amounts for an assistance unit which contains a child(ren) affected by this provision:
The child(ren) is/are included when determining the assistance unit’s need for assistance. The child(ren)’s income and resources are included when determining the assistance unit’s income and resources. The child(ren) is/are not included when determining the payment standard for the assistance unit.
Exception:
This restriction will not apply when:
