TAFDC Overview & Changes During COVID - Mass ...
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TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
TAFDC Overview &
Changes During COVID
February 12, 2021
Lisa Bradley, lbradley@gbls.org
Lizbeth Ginsburg, lginsburg@gbls.org
Greater Boston Legal Services
Goals
• Overview
– Who is eligible for TAFDC
– Rules for families on TAFDC during COVID
– Practical info – how to apply, get information, etc.
– Protections for certain populations
– Problem solving & advocacy tips
• Goal: Know enough to spot issues, when
to refer to legal services
2
TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
What is TAFDC & who is
eligible?
What Is TAFDC?
• TAFDC = Transitional Aid to Families with
Dependent Children
• Cash assistance (welfare) program in
Massachusetts for low-income families
with children and pregnant women
• Administered by the Department of
Transitional Assistance (DTA)
4
TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
What are the TAFDC benefits?
• Cash grant paid twice a month
• Annual clothing allowance ($350)
• Infant benefit for new babies ($300)
• Potential for child care and transportation
benefits
• Relocation benefit (up to $1000)
5
Benefits after TAFDC closes
• Transitional child care voucher: if needed
for work or education/training any time
within 12 mos. after TAFDC closes.
• Transitional Support Services – if TAFDC closes
due to earnings, will get cash stipend for 4
months after case closes.
• TBA SNAP: TAFDC closes for earnings or
other income like Unemployment – SNAP
continues for 5 months without counting the new
income.
6TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Who is eligible for TAFDC?
Families with dependent children
– Child
• Under the age of 18, and/or
• Age18 and expected to graduate from high school
by age 19
– Parent or other relative caretaker
Pregnant person
– Teens: any time in pregnancy
– 20 years & up: within 120 days of due date
7
Financial eligibility overview
Asset limit = $5000
– Some assets do not count, *including one
vehicle*
Income
– DTA counts unearned income unless exception
applies (e.g., SSI is non-countable)
– Earned income – deductions/disregards usually apply
8TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
TAFDC grant amount
TAFDC amount is based on
– # of people included in grant
– Countable income (earned & unearned)
– Housing situation
• Public/subsidized housing or private
housing (+$40/month)
9
TAFDC grant amount
Monthly TAFDC amount (no other countable
income):
# of Public housing/ Private housing
people subsidized (no subsidy)
housing
2 $540 $580
3 $652 $692
4 $760 $800
10TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Benefit Issuance Dates
1st TAFDC Deposit Date / 2nd TAFDC Deposit
Last digit of SSN SNAP Deposit Date Date
0 1 16
1 2 17
2 4 19
3 5 20
4 7 22
5 8 23
6 10 25
7 11 26
8 13 28
9 14 29
11
Immigrant eligibility rules
Complex eligibility rules for non-citizens
– Non-citizen parent can apply for eligible child
regardless of status
– Separate session on this topic later today
– TAFDC Advocacy Guide
– Consult an advocate
– Training on Immigrants and Public Benefits on
April 8, 2021
Note: Each DTA program has different immigrant eligibility rules.
12TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Questions?
13
Client Scenarios
14TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Email from Maria
From: maria@example.com
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2021 5:36 PM
To: Bradley, Lisa
Subject: Maria- please help
Hi, I have 2 teenagers, David and Jayden. I have no income. My unemployment
claim has been held up b/c of some identity issue. I get SNAP but it's not
enough to feed my boys who are home 24/7 and eating constantly. Plus, I'm
falling behind in rent.
My friend said to apply for TAFDC. Problem is I heard DTA will go after my
children's father for child support. I'm scared. He was abusive.
Can I get TAFDC without DTA going after child support? If I need to get proof,
can you help? I'm overwhelmed working with so many agencies right now?
15
Email from William
From: william@example.com
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2021 6:36 PM
To: Ginsburg, Lizbeth
Subject: William & TAFDC
Attny Ginsburg, My neighbor said to contact you. I am a single dad of two little
girls, ages 3 and 4. My delivery job ended and I used up my unemployment. I
heard I should apply for TAFDC but I don't know. I hope to work again soon.
Unfortunately, the girls' babysitter moved and I don't have anyone else to watch
them. I'm stuck.
Should I apply for TAFDC?
What if I get a new job soon, does that matter?
-William
16TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Email from Lynda
From: lynda@example.com
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2021 7:36 PM
To: welfare-help@gbls.org
Subject: Lynda & Verifications
Hey, Can you help again? I am applying for TAFDC. DTA says I have to give
proof of my bank account. I only have $20 in my account, maybe even less with
the service fee. My online log in is down because I forgot my password too
many times & I can't get to the bank.
DTA also needs proof that I'm not working at the Burger Joint anymore. That job
is old. I can't work anymore because of my fibromyalgia. Boss won't write a
letter, says he's not allowed. I really need help.
Thx, Lynda
17
TAFDC RulesTAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
TAFDC rules & COVID
Many TAFDC rules are
suspended during COVID,
including:
• Time limit & Work
requirement – automatic
“COVID-19 exemption”
• Job Search at application
• Pathways Assessment (PSS)
• Verification requirements
more flexible
19
Child support assignment
• Parent/caregiver must assign to the state
(DOR) the right to seek child support from
non-custodial parent(s) for any child
getting TAFDC
• If refuse to assign, assistance to entire
family is denied or terminated
20TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Child support cooperation
• Parent must agree to cooperate with DOR
efforts to collect child support unless good
cause
• If parent doesn’t cooperate and no good
cause, TAFDC will be reduced
21
Child support cooperation –
Good Cause
• Good cause for not cooperating
– Physical or emotional harm to parent or child
– Rape or incest
• Alternative to claiming good cause – work
with DOR to pursue child support safely
22TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Child support rules during COVID
Child support rules are in effect, but
– DTA should accept verbal statement of
agreement to assign/cooperate to open
TAFDC case, and then mail “absent parent”
form for signature (60 days to return).
– Good cause can be self-declared – no other
proof needed for now.
23
Responding to Maria
Maria & her 2 sons have no income. Can she apply for
TAFDC without DTA going after child support? She
is afraid of her sons' abusive father.
Maria can apply for TAFDC & ask for good cause not to
cooperate with child support enforcement.
During COVID, she can self-declare the reason for good
cause – she doesn’t need to submit proof.
She will still have to sign a paper to “assign” her right to
child support to DTA, but DTA won’t take any action.
24TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Immunization
• Proof of immunization is required for all
dependent children applying for or getting
TAFDC unless there is good cause
• Can claim good cause for religious or health
reasons
• If parent doesn’t provide proof, TAFDC will be
reduced
• During COVID, can be self-declared.
25
TAFDC & Unemployment
• DTA may require TAFDC applicant to
apply for unemployment if recently
stopped working
• Unemployment counts as income for
TAFDC purposes so may make family
ineligible for TAFDC
– Extra $300/week (FPUC) doesn’t count
26TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
TAFDC & Earnings
100% earned income disregard for 6
months
– TAFDC is not reduced due to earnings
– Applies if total household income is
under 200% of the federal poverty level
27
TAFDC & Earnings
• After the 6-month period, a 50% disregard
and $200 deduction is applied to
determine if still eligible
• May be eligible for 6-month 100%
disregard again with different job
Note: Clients must still report changes in
earnings to DTA!
28TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Responding to William
William has two young children. His unemployment ended. He
wants to know if he should apply for TAFDC, even if he'll get a
new job soon.
Yes, apply and get TAFDC for household of three.
If he gets a new job:
Eligible for a child care voucher (no wait list)
$80/mo transportation benefit
DTA doesn’t count earnings for 6 mos., as long as total income
is < 200% federal poverty level
After 6 mos., TAFDC closes due to earnings. William
gets transitional benefits (cash stipend, special SNAP rules for 5
mos. & eligible for Transitional Child Care for up to 12 months)
29
Questions?
30TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Practical information: how to
apply, submit documents, etc.
Applying for TAFDC
DTAConnect.com (online or smartphone)
– Can complete application in English, Spanish,
Portuguese, Vietnamese and Chinese
– No need to make an account
– TAFDC application counts as
SNAP application
Call local DTA office and leave a message
asking for callback to apply
32TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Application process during
COVID
• Submit application online or by phone
• Phone interview – telephonic signature
• Verifications – DTA sends VC1
– DTA accepts verbal statement (self-
declaration) for many things
• Within 30 days DTA approves or denies
• Within 60 days – sign & submit child
support form
33
Verifications
Verifications required at application (TAFDC):
• Identity
• Give Social Security Number(s)
• Relationship to children
• Immigration status (unless opting out)
• Citizenship - only if questionable
• Income & assets*
• Living situation*
• Type of housing* (private/subsidized)
• Immunization*
* Can be self-declared during COVID
34TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Verifications
Verification issues & reminders:
• Over-verification
• DTA should check information available in data sources
• More flexibility during COVID – self-declarations
• May be able to self-declare that a job ended
• Collateral contacts
• See DTA’s COVID verification policies
35
Responding to Lynda
Lynda applies for TAFDC. DTA asks for verification of her
bank account and proof that her job ended. She needs
help.
Bank account: special COVID rule – can self-declare
since bank account does put her over asset limit
Proof that job ended:
Active Work Number match: submit a signed DORL1 form for
DTA for collateral contact
No active Work Number match: give a verbal self-declaration
that job ended
36TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Check TAFDC Case Info
DTA Connect mobile app:
– Notices for last 12 months
– Case status
– Upload documents
– Update contact info
DTAConnect.com – online portal:
– Notices for last 12 months
– Case status & EBT deposit history
– Upload documents
– Request new EBT card
37
Submitting documents to DTA
• Upload via DTA Connect app or online account
(fastest option – goes right into client’s DTA case
record)
• Fax to 617-887-8765
• Mail to:
DTA Processing Center
PO Box 4406
Taunton, MA 02780
Put DTA Agency ID or last 4 of SSN on the top of each page if faxing
or mailing documents.
38TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Reporting changes to DTA
• Report changes within 10 days – best to
report changes in writing
• What changes matter for TAFDC?
– New income or change in income
• Earnings
• Unemployment, SSI, child support, etc.
– Someone moves into or out of household
– New assets
– Change in address or phone number
39
Reevaluation
• Every 6-12 months
• May or may not be at same time as SNAP recertification
• Process:
Notice of appointment for phone interview
Phone interview:
o Can verify some information verbally
o Can “sign” application verbally
DTA sends Verification Checklist for any remaining verifications
DTA sends notice approving reevaluation or stopping TAFDC if
reevaluation isn’t completed or if review shows no longer eligible
40TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Questions?
41
Protections for specific
populationsTAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Disability Access &
Accommodations
• DTA Client Assistance Coordinators (CACs)
– CAC contact info during COVID-19
• Common accommodations
– Help with forms, verifications, understanding notices
– Reminder calls
– Sign language interpreter
– Large print notices
• See DTA’s Disability Access Info & CAC
brochure
43
Domestic Violence Protections
• Block online & automated phone services – can
request verbally
• Heightened Level of Security (HLS)
– During COVID-19, HLS cases handled by DTA
Ombuds Office.
– Request via HLS form (English and Spanish)
– Also blocks online and automated phone services
• DV Specialist in each DTA office
If issues with DTA rules because of DV - contact DV specialist and/or
legal services.
44TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Language Access
• Right to interpreter!
• DTA notices only available in English & Spanish
• DTAConnect.com in 5 languages
• Some DTA brochures available in additional
languages
• DTA texts/emails in English and Spanish
45
Problem Solving &
Advocacy Tips
46TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
TAFDC Advocacy Resources
• Check the TAFDC regulations & DTA’s
Online Guide
– DTA Regulations
– DTA Online Guide (polices & procedures)
• TAFDC Advocacy Guide (but not updated
with COVID-specific info)
47
Problem Solving – Advocacy Tips
• Contact Assistant Director or Director of
local DTA office (use Assistance Line for
automated info only)
• Contact DTA Ombuds Unit: 617-348-5354
or email sara.craven@state.ma.us
• Will need a release giving DTA permission
to talk to you (sample English & Spanish)
48TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Appealing a DTA Decision
• How to file appeal
– Call DTA Division of Hearings at 617-348-5321 & leave
message
– Fax appeal form or written request for hearing to 617-348-
5311
• When to appeal
– Within 90 days of date on notice under appeal
– For continued benefits while appeal is pending (aid
pending), appeal before the date the change takes effect
• Contact Legal Services for possible representation
49
Resolving Appeals
• Gather DTA Documents
– Notices, Narratives, Scanned Documents, etc.
– Obtain info. from DTA Connect, DTA
supervisors & management, Ombudsman Unit
• Review Rules
– DTA Regulations
– DTA Online Guide (polices & procedures)
– DTA Fair Hearing Regulations
• Help Obtain Missing Evidence
50TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
BL12
Resolving Appeals
• Negotiate with DTA Management
– Assistant Directors, Directors, Central DTA
– Submit Required Proof
– Request Prehearing Adjustment 106 CMR
343.350(B)
– Assert De Novo Rule 106 CMR 343.500(A)
• Right to Postpone Hearing if Good Cause
• Hearings- telephonic during COVID-19
51
Problem solving – advocacy tips
Referring cases to GBLS Welfare Law Unit:
• If client lives in Greater Boston area (check
service area)
• 617-603-1806, or welfare-help@gbls.org
• We will use interpreter, provide disability
accommodations as needed.
• Other areas: Find Legal Services in other parts
of Massachusetts
52Slide 51
BL12 When I try to enter a link, it doesn't work. Can you link both regs to the Fair Hearing Regs?
https://www.mass.gov/doc/chapter-343-fair-hearing-rules/download
Bradley, Lisa, 2/3/2021TAFDC Overview - COVID-19 (Feb. 2021)
Questions?
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