HB 42 -- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Sponsor:  Sater

By October 28, 2009, this bill requires the Department of Social
Services to apply for a federal waiver from the United States
Department of Health and Human Services to modify eligibility
requirements for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) Program.  Modifications include reducing the lifetime
eligibility limits for recipients from five years to two years
and requiring beneficiaries subject to any work requirements to
be employed before receiving benefits.

The Department of Social Services is required to establish a cash
diversion program for unemployed applicants whose TANF benefits
are subject to work requirements.  The department must offer job
assistance services for up to three months to unemployed
applicants; and if the applicant is using the services, he or she
will be eligible to receive up to three equal monthly payments to
be paid into the program.  Each payment will be the amount the
applicant would receive if he or she was eligible for TANF
benefits.

A cap on TANF cash benefits for recipients will be based on the
number of children in the recipient's family.  Additional cash
benefits will not be awarded to a recipient in the event of a
child's birth after an initial award has been granted, except if
a child is born as a result of rape or incest.  The department
must offer family planning services to all TANF cash benefit
recipients.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:23 am