Eligibility for Crossroads and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 401-01-20-10-05

(Revised 7/1/12 ML #3338)

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Crossroads and TANF policy allow for an individual to be eligible for Crossroads and TANF for the same period of time. However, in most instances, an individual eligible for TANF will be required to participate in the JOBS program and thus, their child care expenses and transportation allowance will be authorized through JOBS Supportive Services. In this situation, there is no need for the case to remain eligible for Crossroads and the Crossroads case will be closed

 

Following are situations when it is beneficial for an individual to be eligible for TANF and Crossroads at the same time so the parent’s or minor parent’s child care costs can continue to be paid at 100% of the allowable costs, up to the maximum amount, without having to participate in the JOBS Program:

 

  1. A minor parent who is not the caretaker (Primary Individual) in a TANF case and is attending high school. The child care costs can be paid under the Crossroads Program.

The minor parent is not subject to the JOBS requirements as the minor parent is attending school and is not the caretaker. Therefore, in order for the child care expenses to be paid while on TANF only, the minor parent would need to volunteer and participate in the JOBS program.

  1. A caretaker, age 18 to 21, who is in receipt of TANF may be exempt from the JOBS Program due to personally providing full-time care for a child under the age of 2 months, or may have ‘good cause’ approved, for non-participation in the JOBS Program. The caretaker may be attending high school and in need of assistance with child care. The child care costs can be paid under the Crossroads Program.

In these two situations, the caretaker, age 18 to 21, is not subject to the JOBS requirements. Therefore, in order for the child care expenses to be paid while on TANF only, the caretaker would need to volunteer and participate in the JOBS program.