Requirements 

The applicant/recipient signature on the combined application that they have read and understand the TANF program requirements.

 

 

Adequate Notice 

A written notice that includes a statement of what action the agency intends to take, the reasons for the intended agency action, the specific regulations supporting such actions, explanation of the individual's right to request a fair hearing, and the circumstances under which assistance will be continued if a hearing is requested.

 

Adverse Action 

A written notice which informs a customer that benefits are to be reduced or to be terminated.  The notice must describe the action to be taken (including the amount of any benefit reduction), the reason for the reduction or termination, the effective date of the action, the right to a hearing to contest the action, and the circumstances under which assistance will be continued if a hearing is requested.

 

A written declaration made under oath before a notary public or other authorized officer.

 

Occurs when a person receives an overpayment or underpayment as a result of any action or failure to act by a District of Columbia government  employee.

 

A herbicide used in the Vietnam War to eliminate foliage.

 

The former federal entitlement program authorized under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act to provide financial assistance and support services to needy families with dependent children.  The program was repealed under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 and was replaced with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

 

Amerasian  

Is a child fathered by a U.S. citizen in certain Southeast Asian countries during the years of conflict in that region.  These immigrants have been granted Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status. 

 

An individual who has made application for assistance either directly or through his/her authorized representative.

 

The written request for assistance on the form prescribed by the Department for this purpose.

 

Appraisal 

Estimation of worth of a good or item.

 

The maximum amount of countable assets an applicant/recipient may own or have available and remain eligible for assistance.

 

Assets 

Cash or other liquid assets, non-liquid financial assets, and any real or personal property that a member of an assistance unit owns.

 

Assignment 

To transfer a legal claim, such as assignment of child support or medical support.

 

Assistance Unit 

 

Those persons whose needs, income and resources are considered when making a determination of eligibility for, and the amount of, public assistance.

 

Authorization Date 

The date the Social Service Representative (SSR) or supervisor completes the authorization action.

 

Authorized
Representative 

 

Generally, an adult non-member of a Food Stamp household who may act on behalf of the household in applying for, obtaining, or using program benefits.  A private, nonprofit organization or institution managing a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation center may also serve in this capacity.  An authorized representative can also be a person who applies for MA on behalf of others.

 

Machine (ATM) 

The person named to receive benefits or payments.

 

 A computerized system which makes available to the Department information from the Social Security Administration regarding the Old Age and Survivors Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits and Medicare coverage.

 

The purchase of Medicare premiums, co-payments or deductibles by the Department of Human Services for certain low-income individuals who are eligible for Medicare.  After the Department of Human Services has 'picked up' the buy-in costs, Medicare premiums are no longer withheld from the recipient's monthly OASDI check, also referred to as a Social Security check.

The District of Columbia's electronic benefits transfer card.  It allows eligible program beneficiaries to access cash and food stamp benefits electronically at point of sale terminals and cash assistance benefits at ATMs.

 

A person who is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child.  This includes physical care, supervision, and making decisions about the child.

 

A non-parent  individual responsible for the care and support of a dependent child and who is related to the child within a specified degree of relationship.

 

An overpayment, underpayment, or payment to ineligible individuals.

 

The amount an insurance company will pay upon the cancellation of a life insurance policy.

 

A group that qualifies for medical assistance or food stamps on the basis of certain characteristics such as receipt of SSI or TANF benefits.  This means that the group does not have to be tested against asset and income limits to determine eligibility.

 

Voluntary or court-ordered benefits from the absent parent for support of his/her child(ren).

 

The status of being a native born or naturalized citizen of the United States.

 

The Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) authorized the payment of health care premiums for low and moderate-income individuals who are HIV positive or diagnosed with AIDS and who are eligible to receive health insurance coverage from a former employer.

 

A contact made by the worker to a third party for the purpose of verifying information about an applicant/recipient.

 

The application used to apply for  Medical Assistance (MA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance for Children (GC), and Food Stamps (FS) benefits.  Individuals applying only for Medicaid can often use a different application.

 

Marriage 

A marriage that is legally recognized even though there has been no ceremony and there is no certification of marriage.  A common-law marriage exists if the two persons are legally free to marry, if it is the intent of the two persons to establish a marriage, and if the two are known to the community as husband and wife.

 

An assistance unit in which all members reside in the community.  For MA this  includes any member who is temporarily in an acute care hospital.

 

Continued Absence
from the Home 

The absence of a parent or caretaker from a home for:

Continued absence does not include absence of a parent for:

An adjustment to benefit levels to compensate for inflation.

 

Those assets belonging to members of the assistance unit (and certain disqualified household or family members) that are included when determining asset eligibility.

 

Earned and unearned income that is received by members of the assistance unit (and certain disqualified household or family members) and is counted when determining income-eligibility and benefits levels.