TANF

Clarifying Information - WAC 388-400-0005 

1. The rule against receiving both "state and Tribal TANF in the same month" refers to TANF programs we administer whether they are funded with federal or state dollars, i.e. neither TANF nor SFA can be combined with Tribal TANF in a given month.
2. Tribal families who are within a tribe's service area and service population may apply for either state or Tribal TANF.

NOTE: Please review the ACES manual for Tribal Affiliation coding for the DEM1 screen in ACES and client screen in 3G.

Worker Responsibilities - WAC 388-400-0005  

When a client who self-identifies as Native American applies for TANF, use the applicable Operating Agreement for the Tribal TANF program in the local area. Each Tribal TANF program has different rules about how to handle referrals between state and Tribal TANF.

1. Always inform the client about the availability of the Tribal TANF program for which they appear to be eligible. Resolve any questions about the assistance unit's potential eligibility for Tribal TANF and the referral process using the procedures outlined in the Operating Agreement.
2. Determine eligibility for Basic Food according to the Operating Agreement.
   1. The Tribal TANF program verifies Tribal TANF eligibility and grant amount.
   2. Use the ACES Tribal TANF (TT) income code.
   3. Treat Tribal TANF cases as Categorically Eligible for Basic Food.
3. A client who self-identifies as Native American may apply for state TANF.
4. If the client chooses to apply for Tribal TANF, the Tribal TANF program will determine eligibility and refer cases back to the CSO if it determines the assistance unit is not eligible. In this case also, the client may apply for state TANF.
5. Cases that transfer in or out of a Tribal TANF service area are similar to cases transferring in or out of another state.