STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   MC #25

MANUAL:  Alaska Temporary Assistance Program

DATE:  September 1, 2009

As a result of the Food and Nutrition Service approving the waiver of face-to-face interviews for Alaska, changes have been made to the interview chapter to remove the requirement to document why the face-to-face interview was waived. This change was announced by broadcast on August 4 and is retroactive to June 1, 2009.

Other revisions include a note to clarify when a work activity penalty may not be imposed and update information on work activities.

Chapter 732 Families First is new.  The chapter defines Families First and key terms of this service delivery strategy to coordinate collaborative community-based services, supports, and resources for Temporary Assistance families who are co-enrolled with multiple service providers. A section on assignment and compliance with Families First activities is included.

This manual change also includes new heating and non-heating utility standards that are effective October 1, 2009.

Addendum 3 is new, and explains the criteria for exempting Alaska Native Villages from the 60-month time limit.

Highlights of these revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or e-mail hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGE

MS 705-3 The Interview

1. • Removes requirement to conduct a face-to-face interview.

   • Removes reasons a face-to-face interview can be waived.  

   • Clarifies interviews can be face-to-face, by phone or by correspondence.

   • Clarifies caseworker must conduct a face-to-face interview if requested by the client.

MS 723  Penalties

1. • Adds a note that an applicant or recipient may not be penalized for failing to provide timely verification of participation when other means are available to verify that they engaged in the activity.

MS 730  Work: Participation in Work Activities

1. • Revises activities to reflect federal regulations of reauthorization of the TANFTemporary Assistance to Needy Families (Federal) Program (45 CFR Parts 261-265).

   • In MS 730-1 revises categories of countable work activities.

   • In MS 730-5 revises description of countable time per work activity.

MS 732  Families First

1. • Adds a new chapter describing the Division’s Families First initiative.

   • Defines key Families First terms.

   • Describes assignment and compliance with Families First activities.

Addendum 1  Exempt Alaska Native Villages

1. • Adds a reference to new Addendum 3 Criteria for Alaska Native Village Exemption From the 60-month Time Limit.

Addendum 2  Temporary Assistance Income and Payment Standards

1. • Updates the heating and non-heating utility standards.

Addendum 3  Criteria for Alaska Native Village Exemption From the 60-month Time Limit

1. • Adds new addendum.

   • Describes how Alaska Native Villages are determined exempt from the 60-month time limit.

   • Describes the reconsideration process for requesting re-determination of an Alaska Native Village exemption from the 60-month time limit.