MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff that Temporary Assistance (TA) payees are receiving a one-time notice. The notice explains the proper use of a TA cash benefit, examples of misusing the grant, and explains what can happen if the benefit is misused. 

This memorandum contains information on the following:

• LAW PASSED BY CONGRESS

• PURPOSE OF TA
• MISUSE OF TA
• PROTECTIVE PAYMENTS
• ISSUING PROTECTIVE PAYMENTS IF TA IS MISUSED
• REFERRAL TO CHILDREN'S DIVISION
• PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS FROM ONE-TIME NOTICE
• POSTER
• COPY OF ONE-TIME NOTICE

LAW PASSED BY CONGRESS

In February 2012, Congress passed a law requiring states to prevent TA electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transactions at casinos, liquor stores, and adult entertainment establishments.

PURPOSE OF TA

The TA program provides cash assistance to persons so they can care for eligible child(ren) in their home by providing financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, clothing, etc. The TA program is to assist parents in becoming job ready so they can leave the program and become self-sufficient.

MISUSE OF TA

Misuse of TA includes frequently spending the benefit primarily for the payee's use rather than the needs of the child(ren).  See manual reference 0205.045.05.  Examples of misuse of the TA cash grant are:

• purchasing alcohol,
• purchasing tobacco,
• purchasing illegal drugs,
• using TA cash benefits at an adult entertainment establishment (i.e., adult book store, adult video store, strip club, etc), and
• using the TA cash benefits to gamble (i.e., casinos, bingo)

PROTECTIVE PAYMENTS

TA benefits are not approved or continued if the benefits are not used to meet the needs of the eligible child(ren). If the TA payee demonstrates an inability to manage funds by not using the TA benefits in the best interest of the child(ren), then TA benefits can be paid directly to a provider (creditor) or an alternate (protective) payee may be determined. See manual reference 0205.045.00.

ISSUING PROTECTIVE PAYMENTS IF TA IS MISUSED

Using an alternate (protective) payee means the TA benefit can only be used by a relative or friend other than the caretaker.  Eligibility specialists (ES) must follow the priority order listed in the TA policy manual for selecting alternate (protective) payees.  See manual reference 0205.045.10.

REFERRAL TO CHILDREN'S DIVISION

TA participants are referred to Children's Division if it appears that misuse of benefits is causing risk of abandonment or neglect to the child(ren).  See manual reference 0205.045.05 .

PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS FROM ONE-TIME NOTICE

The one-time notice instructs the payee to contact the Family Support Division (FSD) Information Center if they have questions or concerns.  If a participant makes contact with an eligibility specialist (ES), encourage proper use of the TA cash benefits and if necessary explain the consequences of misuse of the program.

POSTER

A new poster, addressing proper use and misuse of TA cash benefits is now available.  FSD offices must display a copy of the poster in their lobby.

COPY OF ONE-TIME NOTICE

Attached is a copy of the one-time notice, mailed to TA payees.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

LH