Pre-TANF
Overview
The Pre-TANF program is open for no more than 45 days from the filing date for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Pre-TANF eligibility requirements are the same as TANF. However, applicants can receive Pre-TANF benefits based on their declaration of meeting eligibility factors without providing written verifications.
Before Pre-TANF benefits begin, an assessment of the immediate unmet needs and strengths of the whole family is completed. If the applicant is not eligible for TANF based on their declaration, they are not eligible for Pre-TANF.
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Program intent
Pre-TANF provides initial screening, case management and cash assistance to families applying for the TANF program.
Pre-TANF's intent is to:
- Look at the needs of the family, including the needs of children and family stability factors, as part of a holistic assessment;
- Provide an opportunity for individuals to assess their own strengths, needs and goals;
- Offer screenings to identify client strengths, needs and barriers to self-sufficiency;
- Assess individual's employment potential in the labor market, if appropriate, and help determine the intensity of services needed to enhance their employability;
- Help individuals recognize their own strengths and find employment or other alternatives so they can be independent from ongoing TANF benefits;
- Meet maintenance needs concurrent with case planning and services for employment and self-sufficiency.
Pre-TANF is not intended to delay the opening of TANF benefits.
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Program history
In 2011, the Legislatively Approved Budget for DHS reduced the maximum Pre-TANF payment to 100 percent of the TANF payment standard, restrict to personal incidentals, subject to current support service rules and restriction effective July 1, 2011.
The upfront TANF eligibility process was subsequently changed due to 2011 Legislative changes to the TANF program.
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References
Family Services Manual, Pre-TANF program
OAR 461-135-0475 – Pre-TANF
http://apps.state.or.us/caf/arm/A/461-135-0475.htm
OAR 461-135-0485 – Employability Screening and Overview of the JOBS Program
http://apps.state.or.us/caf/arm/A/461-135-0485.htm
OAR 461-190-0211 – JOBS Support Service Standards
http://apps.state.or.us/caf/arm/B/461-190-0211.htm
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