Decoding the TANF program cuts

Cuts are coming to TANF. That much we all know. But in our search of what exactly these cuts will mean for those on the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, we came up with a series of messages that need a DaVinci codex to decipher.

With a little help from our friends, here is our best whack at decoding what changes to the JOBS program and the Parents as Scholars program will mean for Oregonians.

If we missed anything please let us know in the comments.

JOBS program

On June 30th all case plans for all JOBS program clients will be closed except JOBS Plus and current Parents as Scholars clients. Case workers are contacting clients if they are eligible for services under the restructured JOBS program that begins on July 1, 2011.

During June and July, new case plans will be created for clients who are eligible for services under the restructured program. DHS is trying to get case plans up and running under the paired back program, but more than likely it will take some time.

Clients should contact their case managers with questions. Clients can request a hearing if they feel the process of notification and program changes is incorrect. Clients should get a hearing request form from their DHS office, or from the DHS website (link), or call 1-800-442-5238 if they don't know who to call. DHS must receive the hearing request within 45 days of receiving the initial letter from DHS

What the restructured JOBS program will look

Though the new plan isn’t set, participants can expect:

• Fewer activity options
• Services provided for a shorter period of time than in the past. (This time period has not yet been defined.)
• Continuance of support services payments for purposes such as child care and other services that help an individual to participate in case plan activities.
• Smaller payments than in the past, with payments possibly based on reduced hours of participation in the restructured JOBS program.
• Caps on amount of support services payments will vary across the state.
• Limitation or elimination of other types of support services payments.

No wait lists

There will be no wait lists. For clients found to be eligible in the new restructured program, case managers will work with clients to determine when they will become participants in the new program. Choices in the new program will be limited and will be very different than those currently received.

Parents as Scholars Program (PAS)

This one was particularly hard to decode so we called in an expert - Jessica Chanay, Deputy Director, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Here’s what she had to say:

Some useful PAS history

In 2007, Oregon reformed its TANF program and made a number of changes. One of them was to create an option for TANF families to get a two- or four-year higher education degree, called Parents as Scholars (PAS). This activity was only available to 1% of the TANF caseload. Every January, DHS would calculate its PAS slots based on total caseload numbers. As of March 2011, 300 families were on PAS with 485 on the waiting list. Those who are enrolled in PAS received the TANF grant and other support services, such as child care and a small stipend for books each term.

This year’s cuts

To balance the budget, Governor Kitzhaber looked at a number of reductions to the TANF program, one of which was to eliminate PAS. The current PAS families were "grandfathered" in, so they wouldn't have to drop out of school; however, the PAS option was eliminated, so no funding will be available for those on the waiting list.

Those who are on the PAS waiting list will be allowed to participate in what's called a "self-initiated training" component. This means they can pursue a two- to four-year higher education degree; however, they must pay for all college-related expenses themselves. They would continue to receive the monthly TANF grant but would need to use financial aid or make other arrangements for pay for things like child care.

DHS has also allowed those TANF clients who were vocational training (VT) programs to switch to self-initiated training (VT is also being eliminated), so they can continue going to school; however, they will also have to pay for training-related costs themselves.

The self-initiated training component is only available for one year. Those who are interested need to contact their caseworkers by July 15, 2011.

Still confused?

Anyone can dial 211, toll-free on their phones and we will try our best to help explain this all. If a client knows their case manager, however, that person will likely have the most up-to-date information.