DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan Renewal

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 (DSS) is proposing to renew Delaware's eligibility status for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provided for in the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), (P.L. 104-193). Copies of the entire plan and all attachments are available upon request via mail or fax.

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 December 31, 2005. Comments may also be faxed to (302) 255-4454.

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 CHANGES

Title of Notice

Delaware TANF State Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2006 - 2008

Background

The State Plan outlines the provisions under which the State will administer the TANF program for Federal Fiscal Years 2006-2008. Under Section 402 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), the State is required to submit the TANF State Plan to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) biennially in order to receive certification to be eligible for continued Federal TANF funding. In order to continue to receive TANF funding, Delaware must file for renewal with the DHHS by December 31, 2005. Please Note: Congress is currently considering reauthorization of TANF on the federal level. Should that occur prior to the expiration of the proposed 2006-2008 Delaware Plan, the State would be required to file an amended plan, once again open for public comment.

One of the requirements of the grant application is that the public submit comment on the plan and its design of services. All comments received during the comment period will receive consideration for the development of the TANF State Plan.

Summary of Proposed Changes

Delaware has been operating its TANF program under Section 1115 waivers from the Social Security Act, as approved on December 12, 1995, and amended on September 27, 1996.

Please Note

DSS is not making any program "changes" but has added information about the new Employment and Training Information System and has made minor updates to the language on pages 3, 4, 6, 7, 24, and 32.