The data dictionary provides descriptions of each variable in the database. Use the search tool to find specific terms or select a category to review the available variables. You can download the complete data dictionary below.
Categories
This category identifies which individuals in an assistance unit are exempt from participating in Activities Requirements. The exemptions reflect the exact description in the states' or territories' manuals and/or regulations. If an individual does not have any of the characteristics outlined in these variables, they are considered non-exempt and must participate in the requirements described in the Activities Requirements category.
[Read the Full category documentation for Activities exemptions]Description:
This category identifies which individuals in an assistance unit are exempt from participating in Activities Requirements. The exemptions reflect the exact description in the states' and territories' manuals and/or regulations. If an individual does not have any of the characteristics outlined in these variables, they are considered non-exempt and must participate in the requirements described in the Activities Requirement category.
Under the old AFDC rules, exempt persons included persons who were: ill or incapacitated; the caretaker of someone ill or incapacitated; the caretaker of a child under three or a child under 6 if child care is not guaranteed; working 30 hours or more per week; a child under 16 or under 18 and attending school; a woman in the second trimester of pregnancy; or residing in an area where JOBS was not available.
Overlap Issues:
·This category is coded using the exact exemption criteria for each state's or territory's formal activities/work program, as outlined in each state's or territory's manual and/or regulations. Some states and territories exempt children and minor parents from their formal activities programs, while other states and territories do not. If dependent children and/or minor parents are not exempt (that is, their activities requirements are considered a part of the state's or territory's formal activities program), their requirements are coded in Activities Requirements category. In addition, the requirements of dependent children and minor parents are also captured in the School Policies for Dependent Children and Minor Parent Activity Requirements and Bonuses categories, respectively, regardless of whether these persons are exempt or non-exempt from the state's or territory's formal activities program.
Special Issues:
- Notes about exemptions that apply differently to minor parents appear in the variable at the bottom of the form (beginning in 2001). Prior to 2001, minor parent differences were captured in the notes field next to the particular exemption policies that varied.
- Notes about exemptions that apply differently to two parent households appear in the variable at the bottom of the form.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table III.B.1 for Activities exemptions | Work-Related Activity Exemptions for Single-Parent Head of Unit |
Download databook table L6 for Activities exemptions | Work-Related Exemption When Caring for a Child under X Months (longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ActvExemptWrkHrs | ae_wkhrs | Indicates the number of hours per week a unit member must work in an unsubsidized job in order to be considered exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptChildAge | ae_chage | Captures the age under which dependent children are exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptChildAgeInSchool | ae_schag | Captures the age under which dependent children currently enrolled in school are exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptParAge | ae_mpage | Captures the age under which parents are exempt from Activities Requirements (captures the exemption of minor parents). |
ActvExemptParInSchool | ae_smpag | Captures the age under which parents currently enrolled in school are exempt from Activities Requirements (captures the exemption of minor parents who are attending school). |
ActvExemptIllIncapacitated | ae_illps | Indicates whether or not an ill or incapacitated person is exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptCaringForIllIncapacitated | ae_illct | Indicates whether or not a unit member caring for another ill or incapacitated unit member is exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptOlderAdultAge | ae_elder | Captures the age at which persons are considered exempt from Activities Requirements (captures the exemption of elderly persons) |
ActvExemptPregnantMonth | ae_prgmo | Captures month of pregnancy when a pregnant woman becomes exempt from Activities Requirements. |
ActvExemptCaringForChildAge | ae_cldct | Captures persons exempt from Activities Requirements due to caring for children under this age (in months). |
ActvExemptNoChildCare | ae_nogcc | Captures persons exempt from Activities Requirements due to caring for children under this age (in months) when child care is not guaranteed. |
ActvExemptDomesticViolence | ae_dvvic | Indicates whether or not victims of domestic violence are exempt from Activities Requirements |
ActvExemptOtherExemptions | ae_othex | Captures other reasons a person is exempt from Activities Requirements |
ActvExemptTwoParUnits | ae_2prnt | Captures exemptions outlined above that apply differently to two-parent units, as well as any additional exemptions that are limited to one parent in a two parent family. |
ActvExemptMinorParUnits | ae_exmp | Captures exemptions outlined above that apply differently to minor parent units. |
ActvExemptDatabookRecord | ae_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category outlines each state's or territory's activity/work program exactly as the state or territory manual describes the program. The category includes the rules that require applicants and/or recipients to participate in education, job training, and/or work in order to maintain eligibility or avoid a sanction. There are three major aspects of activities requirements: when is the requirement imposed, who must meet the requirement and what must the recipient and/or applicant do in order to meet the requirement.
[Read the Full category documentation for Activities requirements]Description:
Activities Requirements
The Activities Requirements category outlines each state's activity/work program, exactly as the state manual describes the program. The category includes the rules that require applicants and/or recipients to participate in education, job training and/or work in order to maintain eligibility or avoid a sanction. There are three major aspects of activities requirements: when is the requirement imposed, who must meet the requirement and what must the recipient and/or applicant do in order to meet the requirement.
This category describes when the requirement is imposed, including at least two possible situations. A state may impose a certain requirement after an assistance unit has received assistance for a specified number of month. For example, after receiving assistance for 60 days a recipient must participate in Activities Requirement #1, by taking part in job search or training 20 hours per week. Alternatively, an Activities Requirement may be imposed after a recipient has participated in the previous Activities Requirement for a specified amount of time or until completion. For example, after a recipient completes the job training program (Activities Requirement #1), the recipient must participate in a subsidized or unsubsidized job for 20 hours a week or more (Activities Requirement #2).
This category also captures which individuals within an assistance unit must meet each of the Activities Requirements. This variable is different from the header variable "Unit Type" which indicates the type of units to which a particular set of rules applies. (For more information regarding the use of the "Unit Type" variable, see the codebook.) Under AFDC rules, all non-exempt recipients were required to participate in education, job training and/or work activities. Alternatively, activities requirements may only apply to a sub-group of non-exempt participants. For instance, non-exempt recipients, who have received assistance for 24 months, may receive a different activities requirement.
Finally, this category describes each Activities Requirement, including the allowable activities in which a non-exempt recipient may participate and minimum and/or maximum time a recipient must participate. Under AFDC, the Activities Requirement consisted of participation in allowable JOBS activities to the extent that those services were available. Under waivers and TANF, states have changed the allowable activities as well as the time a recipient is required to participate.
"Work Requirement Time Limit"
In addition to outlining all activities requirements, this category provides a summary of the state's "work requirement time limit," if one exists. The term "work requirement time limit" is often used; however, the term is not always used in a consistent manner. To prevent any confusion, the term "work related time limit," when used in the database, has a very specific definition.
In order for a state policy to be consider a "work requirement time limit," a state must require a non-exempt parent/caregiver to work at least 20 hours/week in a "real job" after receiving benefits for a specified period of time. A "real job" includes participation in one or more of the following activities: A subsidized or unsubsidized job, participation in CWEP/AWEP, self employment or work as a child care provider for children other than ones own. In addition, failure to meet this requirement must result in one of the following sanctions to qualify as a "work requirement time limit": removal of the parent/caregiver from the unit when calculating benefits or the ineligibility of the entire unit. (Note: Some financial sanctions may be more severe than the removal of the parent/caregiver; however, they are not considered time limits because no one in the unit becomes ineligible.) Finally, the failure to meet the requirement is only considered a "work requirement time limit" if the penalty is imposed until compliance or for the lifetime of the unit.
If a state policy meets these requirements, this category summarizes information on the "work requirement time limit." This summary information includes the number of months after which participation in a "real job" is required, the sanction imposed for non-compliance, the duration of the sanction, as well as the Activities Requirement under which additional information on this requirement is coded.
Overlap Issues:
·Activities Requirements must be used in conjunction with two other categories. The Activities Exemptions category captures the individuals within each unit that are exempt from any requirements. The Activities Sanctions category outlines the sanctions imposed on non-exempt individuals that do not comply with the requirements outlined in this category.
·This category is coded using the exact exemption criteria for each state's formal activities/work program, as outlined in each state's manual and/or regulations. Some states exempt children and minor parents from their formal activities programs, while other states do not. If dependent children and/or minor parents are not exempt (that is, their activities requirements are considered a part of the state's formal activities program), their requirements are coded in this category. However, separate categories exist for each of these groups: School Policies for Dependent Children and Minor Parent Activity Requirements and Bonuses. These categories capture all information regarding the activities requirements of children and minor parents, regardless of whether these persons are exempt or non-exempt from the state's formal activities program. If children and/or minor parents are included in the state's formal Activities Requirements program, their requirements appear in 2 categories.
Special Issues:
·When to use the "Unit Type" variable in the header versus the "Activities Requirement #1-5 applies to:" variable:
When activities requirements vary by type of unit (i.e. one or two parent units, units headed by a minor parent or child only units, including unit distinguished by whether or not the unit has earnings), an Activities Requirement record should be coded for each type of unit for which rules vary. However, if the activities requirements vary by characteristics of unit members (i.e. age of youngest child or educational background of parent/caregiver), only one record should be coded. Differences in activities requirements for unit members with different characteristics should be captured using the "Activities Requirement #1-5 applies to:" variable within one Activities Requirements record.
·Within a given record, a new requirement is coded if "When is Activities Requirement #1-5 imposed?" or "Activities Requirement #1-5 applies to:" is different.
·Capturing the interaction/movement between activities requirements in the same record.
If several activities requirements apply to one group of non-exempt participants, the requirements should be coded in the order of application (Activities Requirement #1 through #5). If there are two sub-groups within a record, the requirements for one group should be coded in order of application. After all the requirements for the first sub-group are coded, the requirements for the second group should be coded in the order of application.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table III.B.2 for Activities requirements | Work-Related Activity Requirements for Single-Parent Head of Unit |
Download databook table III.B.4 for Activities requirements | Work-Related Activity Requirements for Non-Parent Caretakers and Parents Outside the Unit |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ActvReqWhenImposed1 | ar_#1whn | Indicates length of assistance allowed before Activities Requirement #1 is imposed |
ActvReqDescribe1 | ar_#1dsc | Describes what is required for Activities Requirement #1 |
ActvReqRequiredFor1 | ar_#1who | Indicates to which group of non-exempt individuals Activities Requirements #1 applies |
ActvReqActvHours1 | ar_#1hrs | Indicates the maximum and/or minimum hours of activity requirement for Activities Requirement #1 |
ActvReqBasicRemedialEdu1 | ar_#1bas | Indicates whether basic or remedial education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqHighSchoolOrGED1 | ar_#1hsl | Indicates whether high school attendance and or work towards a GED are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqESL1 | ar_#1esl | Indicates whether English as a Second Language classes are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqPostSecondaryEdu1 | ar_#1pse | Indicates whether post-secondary education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqJobSkillsTraining1 | ar_#1jst | Indicates whether job skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqJobReadinessActv1 | ar_#1jrd | Indicates whether job readiness activities are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqJobDevJobPlcmnt1 | ar_#1jdp | Indicates whether job development and job placement are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqJobDevJobSearch1 | ar_#1jbs | Indicates whether job search is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqOnJobTraining1 | ar_#1otj | Indicates whether on-the-job training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqUnsubsidizedJob1 | ar_#1uns | Indicates whether unsubsidized employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqSubsidizedJob1 | ar_#1sub | Indicates whether work supplementation or subsidized employment are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqCWEPorAWEP1 | ar_#1cwe | Indicates whether Community Work Experience or Alternative Work Experience (CWEP/AWEP) are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqSelfEmployment1 | ar_#1slf | Indicates whether self-employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqProvidesChildCare1 | ar_#1ccp | Indicates whether providing child care for others is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqCounseling1 | ar_#1cns | Indicates whether counselling is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqLifeSkillsTraining1 | ar_#1lfe | Indicates whether life skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqCommunityService1 | ar_#1com | Indicates whether community service is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqOtherActv1 | ar_#1oth | Describes any other allowable activities for Activities Requirement #1. |
ActvReqTotalAllowedToPartic1 | ar_#1tot | Captures the total amount of time a unit may participate in any combination of allowed activities |
ActvReqWhenImposed2 | ar_#2whn | Indicates length of assistance allowed before Activities Requirement #2 is imposed or any other description regarding when Activities Requirement #2 is imposed |
ActvReqDescribe2 | ar_#2dsc | Describes what is required for Activities Requirement #2 |
ActvReqRequiredFor2 | ar_#2who | Indicates to which group of non-exempt individuals Activities Requirements #2 applies |
ActvReqActvHours2 | ar_#2hrs | Indicates the maximum and/or minimum hours of activity requirement for Activities Requirement #2 |
ActvReqBasicRemedialEdu2 | ar_#2bas | Indicates whether basic or remedial education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqHighSchoolOrGED2 | ar_#2hsl | Indicates whether high school attendance and or work towards a GED are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqESL2 | ar_#2esl | Indicates whether English as a Second Language classes are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqPostSecondaryEdu2 | ar_#2pse | Indicates whether post-secondary education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqJobSkillsTraining2 | ar_#2jst | Indicates whether job skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqJobReadinessActv2 | ar_#2jrd | Indicates whether job readiness activities are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqJobDevJobPlcmnt2 | ar_#2jdp | Indicates whether job development and job placement are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqJobDevJobSearch2 | ar_#2jbs | Indicates whether job search is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqOnJobTraining2 | ar_#2ojt | Indicates whether on-the-job training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqUnsubsidizedJob2 | ar_#2uns | Indicates whether unsubsidized employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqSubsidizedJob2 | ar_#2sub | Indicates whether work supplementation or subsidized employment are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqCWEPorAWEP2 | ar_#2cwe | Indicates whether Community Work Experience or Alternative Work Experience (CWEP/AWEP) are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqSelfEmployment2 | ar_#2slf | Indicates whether self-employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqProvidesChildCare2 | ar_#2ccp | Indicates whether providing child care for others is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqCounseling2 | ar_#2cns | Indicates whether counselling is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqLifeSkillsTraining2 | ar_#2lfe | Indicates whether life skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqCommunityService2 | ar_#2com | Indicates whether community service is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqOtherActv2 | ar_#2oth | Describes any other allowable activities for Activities Requirement #2. |
ActvReqTotalAllowedToPartic2 | ar_#2tot | Captures the total amount of time a unit may participate in any combination of allowed activities |
ActvReqWhenImposed3 | ar_#3whn | Indicates length of assistance allowed before Activities Requirement #3 is imposed or any other description regarding when Activities Requirement #3 is imposed |
ActvReqDescribe3 | ar_#3dsc | Describes what is required for Activities Requirement #3 |
ActvReqRequiredFor3 | ar_#3who | Indicates to which group of non-exempt individuals Activities Requirements #3 applies |
ActvReqActvHours3 | ar_#3hrs | Indicates the maximum and/or minimum hours of activity requirement for Activities Requirement #3 |
ActvReqBasicRemedialEdu3 | ar_#3bas | Indicates whether basic or remedial education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqHighSchoolOrGED3 | ar_#3hsl | Indicates whether high school attendance and or work towards a GED are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqESL3 | ar_#3esl | Indicates whether English as a Second Language classes are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqPostSecondaryEdu3 | ar_#3pse | Indicates whether post-secondary education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqJobSkillsTraining3 | ar_#3jst | Indicates whether job skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqJobReadinessActv3 | ar_#3jrd | Indicates whether job readiness activities are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqJobDevJobPlcmnt3 | ar_#3jdp | Indicates whether job development and job placement are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqJobDevJobSearch3 | ar_#3jbs | Indicates whether job search is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqOnJobTraining3 | ar_#3ojt | Indicates whether on-the-job training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqUnsubsidizedJob3 | ar_#3uns | Indicates whether unsubsidized employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqSubsidizedJob3 | ar_#3sub | Indicates whether work supplementation or subsidized employment are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqCWEPorAWEP3 | ar_#3cwe | Indicates whether Community Work Experience or Alternative Work Experience (CWEP/AWEP) are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqSelfEmployment3 | ar_#3slf | Indicates whether self-employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqProvidesChildCare3 | ar_#3ccp | Indicates whether providing child care for others is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqCounseling3 | ar_#3cns | Indicates whether counselling is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqLifeSkillsTraining3 | ar_#3lfe | Indicates whether life skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqCommunityService3 | ar_#3com | Indicates whether community service is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqOtherActv3 | ar_#3oth | Describes any other allowable activities for Activities Requirement #3. |
ActvReqTotalAllowedToPartic3 | ar_#3tot | Captures the total amount of time a unit may participate in any combination of allowed activities |
ActvReqWhenImposed4 | ar_#4whn | Indicates length of assistance allowed before Activities Requirement #4 is imposed or any other description regarding when Activities Requirement #4 is imposed |
ActvReqDescribe4 | ar_#4dsc | Describes what is required for Activities Requirement #4 |
ActvReqRequiredFor4 | ar_#4who | Indicates to which group of non-exempt individuals Activities Requirements #4 applies |
ActvReqActvHours4 | ar_#4hrs | Indicates the maximum and/or minimum hours of activity requirement for Activities Requirement #4 |
ActvReqBasicRemedialEdu4 | ar_#4bas | Indicates whether basic or remedial education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqHighSchoolOrGED4 | ar_#4hsl | Indicates whether high school attendance and or work towards a GED are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqESL4 | ar_#4esl | Indicates whether English as a Second Language classes are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqPostSecondaryEdu4 | ar_#4pse | Indicates whether post-secondary education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqJobSkillsTraining4 | ar_#4jst | Indicates whether job skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqJobReadinessActv4 | ar_#4jrd | Indicates whether job readiness activities are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqJobDevJobPlcmnt4 | ar_#4jdp | Indicates whether job development and job placement are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqJobDevJobSearch4 | ar_#4jbs | Indicates whether job search is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqOnJobTraining4 | ar_#4otj | Indicates whether on-the-job training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqUnsubsidizedJob4 | ar_#4uns | Indicates whether unsubsidized employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqSubsidizedJob4 | ar_#4sub | Indicates whether work supplementation or subsidized employment are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqCWEPorAWEP4 | ar_#4cwe | Indicates whether Community Work Experience or Alternative Work Experience (CWEP/AWEP) are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqSelfEmployment4 | ar_#4slf | Indicates whether self-employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqProvidesChildCare4 | ar_#4ccp | Indicates whether providing child care for others is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqCounseling4 | ar_#4cns | Indicates whether counselling is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqLifeSkillsTraining4 | ar_#4lfe | Indicates whether life skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqCommunityService4 | ar_#4com | Indicates whether community service is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqOtherActv4 | ar_#4oth | Describes any other allowable activities for Activities Requirement #4. |
ActvReqTotalAllowedToPartic4 | ar_#4tot | Captures the total amount of time a unit may participate in any combination of allowed activities |
ActvReqWhenImposed5 | ar_#5whn | Indicates length of assistance allowed before Activities Requirement #5 is imposed or any other description regarding when Activities Requirement #5 is imposed |
ActvReqDescribe5 | ar_#5dsc | Describes what is required for Activities Requirement #5 |
ActvReqRequiredFor5 | ar_#5who | Indicates to which group of non-exempt individuals Activities Requirements #5 applies |
ActvReqActvHours5 | ar_#5hrs | Indicates the maximum and/or minimum hours of activity requirement for Activities Requirement #5 |
ActvReqBasicRemedialEdu5 | ar_#5bas | Indicates whether basic or remedial education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqHighSchoolOrGED5 | ar_#5hsl | Indicates whether high school attendance and or work towards a GED are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqESL5 | ar_#5esl | Indicates whether English as a Second Language classes are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqPostSecondaryEdu5 | ar_#5pse | Indicates whether post-secondary education are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqJobSkillsTraining5 | ar_#5jst | Indicates whether job skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqJobReadinessActv5 | ar_#5jrd | Indicates whether job readiness activities are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqJobDevJobPlcmnt5 | ar_#5jdp | Indicates whether job development and job placement are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqJobDevJobSearch5 | ar_#5jbs | Indicates whether job search is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqOnJobTraining5 | ar_#5otj | Indicates whether on-the-job training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqUnsubsidizedJob5 | ar_#5uns | Indicates whether unsubsidized employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqSubsidizedJob5 | ar_#5sub | Indicates whether work supplementation or subsidized employment are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqSelfEmployment5 | ar_#5slf | Indicates whether Community Work Experience or Alternative Work Experience (CWEP/AWEP) are allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqProvidesChildCare5 | ar_#5ccp | Indicates whether providing child care for others is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqCWEPorAWEP5 | ar_#5cwe | Indicates whether self-employment is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqCounseling5 | ar_#5cns | Indicates whether counselling is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqLifeSkillsTraining5 | ar_#5lfe | Indicates whether life skills training is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqCommunityService5 | ar_#5com | Indicates whether community service is an allowable activity for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqOtherActv5 | ar_#5oth | Describes any other allowable activities for Activities Requirement #5. |
ActvReqTotalAllowedToPartic5 | ar_#5tot | Captures the total amount of time a unit may participate in any combination of allowed activities |
ActvReqActvAssignment | ar_asign | Captures any information available in the manuals concerning policies that place certain types of people in one set of activities instead of another set of activities |
ActvReqWorkReqLimit | ar_wrqtl | Captures whether the state or territory has a "work requirement time limit," defined by the following: After a certain number of assistance months, the state or territory requires the parent/caregiver to work at least 20 hours per week in a "real job" (I.e. subsidized or unsubsidized job, participation in CWEP/AWEP, self employment, or work as a child care provider). Failure to meet this requirement must result in one of the following sanctions to qualify as a "work requirement time limit": removal of the parent/caregiver when calculating benefits or ineligibility of entire unit. Finally, the failure to meet the requirement is only considered a "work requirement time limit" if the penalty is imposed until compliance or for the lifetime of the unit. |
ActvReqMonthsAfterWorkReq | ar_wrqmo | Captures the number of months after which work is required under the "work requirement time limit." |
ActvReqSanctNonCompliance | ar_wrsnc | Description of the sanction imposed for not complying with the "work requirement time limit." |
ActvReqSanctDur | ar_wrsdr | Describes the duration off the sanction imposed for not complying with the "work requirement time limit." |
ActvReqAddInfo | ar_wradd | Number associated with the Activities Requirement (in the database) where additional information on the "work requirement time limit" is coded. |
ActvReqDatabookRecord | ar_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category captures the sanctions imposed on non-exempt recipients that do not comply with the activities requirements outlined in the Activities Requirements category.
[Read the Full category documentation for Activities sanctions]Description:
This category captures the sanctions imposed on non-exempt recipients that do not comply with the activities requirements outlined in the Activities Requirements category. Each sanction in the state or territory is outlined beginning with the first sanction imposed for non-compliance with the Activities Requirement #1 (Activities Sanction #1). After each sanction for Activities Requirement #1 is coded in the order in which they would be imposed, the first sanction for failing to meet Activities Requirement #2 is coded. This process continues for all activities requirements and their corresponding sanctions. The details pertaining to each sanction include: the reasons for imposing the sanction, whether a conciliation process exists, whether the sanction includes a benefit reduction, the details of the sanction and the effect of the sanction on other assistance programs, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy programs. This category also provides a variable that summarizes the worst case sanction imposed in the state or territory for failing to meet an activities requirement. In order to completely understand when this sanction is imposed, users must read through the detailed listing of all the possible sanctions.
Overlap Issues:
·The Activities Sanctions category must be used in conjunction with two other categories. The Activities Exemptions category captures the individuals that are exempt from any requirements. The Activities Requirements category outlines the activities requirements that apply to non-exempt individuals.
·This category is coded using the exact exemption criteria for each state's or territory's formal activities/work program, as outlined in each state's or territory's manual and/or regulations. Some states and territories exempt children and minor parents from their formal activities programs, while other states and territories do not. If dependent children and/or minor parents are not exempt (that is, their activities requirements are considered a part of the state's or territory's formal activities program), their sanctions for not meeting the requirements are coded in this category. However, the activities sanctions for dependent children and minor parents are also captured in the School Policies for Dependent Children and Minor Parent Activity Requirements and Bonuses categories, respectively, regardless of whether or not they are exempt from the state's or territory's formal activities program.
Special Issues:
·Sanctions should be coded in the order in which they are imposed.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table III.B.3 for Activities sanctions | Sanction Policies for Noncompliance with Work Requirements for Single-Parent Head of Unit |
Download databook table L7 for Activities sanctions | Most Severe Sanction Policy for Noncompliance with Work Requirements for Single-Parent Adults (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ActvSanctMostSevere | as_worst | Describes the worst case sanction for non-compliance with an Activities Requirement |
ActvSanctWhyImposed1 | as_#1why | Captures the circumstances under which Activities Sanction #1 is imposed (i.e. Failure of Non-exempt recipients to comply with Activities Requirement #1). |
ActvSanctConcilliation1 | as_#1cnc | Indicates whether or not there is a conciliation process through which participates can correct the situation/problem before Activities Sanction #1 is imposed. |
ActvSanctBenReduction1 | as_#1bnr | Indicates whether or not Activities Sanction #1 results in a reduction of benefits for the unit. |
ActvSanctDescribe1 | as_#1dsc | Describes the amount of Activities Sanction #1. |
ActvSanctDur1 | as_#1dur | Describes the duration of Activities Sanction #1. |
ActvSanctEffect1 | as_#1fsm | Describes the effect of Activities Sanction #1 on the unit's receipt of benefits from other programs, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy programs. |
ActvSanctWhyImposed2 | as_#2why | Captures the circumstances under which Activities Sanction #2 is imposed (i.e. Failure of Non-exempt recipients to comply with Activities Requirement #2). |
ActvSanctConcilliation2 | as_#2cnc | Indicates whether or not there is a conciliation process through which participates can correct the situation/problem before Activities Sanction #2 is imposed. |
ActvSanctBenReduction2 | as_#2bnr | Indicates whether or not Activities Sanction #2 results in a reduction of benefits for the unit. |
ActvSanctDescribe2 | as_#2dsc | Describes the amount of Activities Sanction #2. |
ActvSanctDur2 | as_#2dur | Describes the duration of Activities Sanction #2. |
ActvSanctEffect2 | as_#2fsm | Describes the effect of Activities Sanction #2 on the unit's receipt of benefits from other programs, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy programs. |
ActvSanctWhyImposed3 | as_#3why | Captures the circumstances under which Activities Sanction #3 is imposed (i.e. Failure of Non-exempt recipients to comply with Activities Requirement #3). |
ActvSanctConcilliation3 | as_#3cnc | Indicates whether or not there is a conciliation process through which participates can correct the situation/problem before Activities Sanction #3 is imposed. |
ActvSanctBenReduction3 | as_#3bnr | Indicates whether or not Activities Sanction #3 results in a reduction of benefits for the unit. |
ActvSanctDescribe3 | as_#3dsc | Describes the amount of Activities Sanction #3. |
ActvSanctDur3 | as_#3dur | Describes the duration of Activities Sanction #3. |
ActvSanctEffect3 | as_#3fsm | Describes the effect of Activities Sanction #3 on the unit's receipt of benefits from other programs, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy programs. |
ActvSanctWhyImposed4 | as_#4why | Captures the circumstances under which Activities Sanction #4 is imposed (i.e. Failure of Non-exempt recipients to comply with Activities Requirement #4). |
ActvSanctConcilliation4 | as_#4cnc | Indicates whether or not there is a conciliation process through which participates can correct the situation/problem before Activities Sanction #4 is imposed. |
ActvSanctBenReduction4 | as_#4bnr | Indicates whether or not Activities Sanction #4 results in a reduction of benefits for the unit. |
ActvSanctDescribe4 | as_#4dsc | Describes the amount of Activities Sanction #4. |
ActvSanctDur4 | as_#4dur | Describes the duration of Activities Sanction #4. |
ActvSanctEffect4 | as_#4fsm | Describes the effect of Activities Sanction #4 on the unit's receipt of benefits from other programs, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy programs |
ActvSanctWhyImposed5 | as_#5why | Captures the circumstances under which Activities Sanction #5 is imposed (i.e. Failure of Non-exempt recipients to comply with Activities Requirement #5). |
ActvSanctConcilliation5 | as_#5cnc | Activities sanction #5: Is there a conciliation process that recipient can go through to correct the problem before the sanction goes into effect? |
ActvSanctBenReduction5 | as_#5bnr | Activities sanction #5: Does the sanction result in a benefit reduction? |
ActvSanctDescribe5 | as_#5dsc | Describes the amount of Activities Sanction #5. |
ActvSanctEffect5 | as_#5fsm | Activities sanction #5: Effect of sanction on other programs, including food stamps, Medicaid, and child care. |
ActvSanctDur5 | as_#5dur | Describes the duration of Activities Sanction #5. |
ActvSanctDatabookRecord | as_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The Asset Test category includes information on the type and amount of assets an assistance unit may hold, including the limit for Individual Development Accounts and the limit on the value of a vehicle.
[Read the Full category documentation for Asset test]Description:
Asset Test includes information on the type and amount of assets an assistance unit may hold. Some states and territories have two separate asset limits. One policy limits the value of unrestricted assets. The other limits the value of assets set aside for a designated purpose. These types of programs are often called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). IDAs and other restricted savings programs are referred to as restricted asset limits. In addition, the category outlines the value of a vehicle that is exempt and whether a vehicle's value is based on equity or fair market value.
Some assets have historically been excluded when determining eligibility and benefits. It is assumed that these types of income are excluded unless mentioned in the "Additional notes" section.
Historically excluded assets:
Bona fide funeral agreement, burial trust or contract up to $1,500 per unit member
Burial plot for each unit member
Home Property
Essential household items/Furnishings
Assets which are essential for self-employment
Federally Excluded Payments:
Native American judgement funds
Relocation Assistance
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
Any bona fide loan
Any grant, loan, or work study payment for an undergraduate's education
Payments to volunteers under Title 1
Supplemental food assistance under the Child Nutrition Act
Supplemental food assistance under the National School Lunch Act
Reimbursements to foster grandparents, senior health aides or senior companions
HUD utility cost subsidy and retroactive tax
Disaster Relief
Agent Orange Settlement Payments
Radiation Exposure Compensation
Japanese Restitution
Payments to victims of Nazi prosecution
Life Insurance Policies
Energy Assistance Payments
Overlap Issues:
- IDA and similar restricted savings programs are captured in this category. If a state or territory allows assistance units to disregard current earnings placed into a regular savings account during the month received (a policy separate from IDA and the like), the rule is captured in the Earned Income Disregards category.
- Some states and territories classify EITC and lump sums payments as assets; however, they are coded in the Countable Income category.
- Special treatment of children's assets is captured in the Income and Assets of Children category
Special Issues:
- States and territories often have different limits for applicants and recipients. For these states and territories, 2 records are coded based on Unit Type: one for applicants and one for recipients.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.C.1 for Asset test | Asset Limits for Applicants |
Download databook table IV.A.3 for Asset test | Asset Limits for Recipients |
Download databook table L8 for Asset test | Asset Limits for Recipients (longitudinal) |
Download databook table L9 for Asset test | Vehicle Exemptions for Recipients (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
AssetTestLimit | at_unres | Indicates the unrestricted asset/resource limit. |
AssetTestAmntRestrict | at_restr | Indicates the allowable value of assets that can be held for a particular use, often referred to as IDAs (Individual Development Accounts). |
AssetTestAmntRestrictType | at_rtype | Captures the permitted uses of restricted allowable assets. |
AssetTestAccountType | at_isida | Captures whether the restricted savings account is an Individual Savings Account (IDA). |
AssetTestMatchRate | at_match | Captures the rate at which recipient’s savings are matched by the state, territory, or some designated organization. |
AssetTestMatchedBy | at_idawho | Describes who matches the funds in recipient’s savings accounts. |
AssetTestExemptVehicle | at_vehex | Indicates the value of the vehicle that does not count toward the asset limit. |
AssetTestExemptValueVehicle | at_vehva | Describes whether the value of a vehicle is assessed in terms of equity or fair market value. Equity value of a car equals the fair market value minus to the amount still owed on the car. |
AssetTestDatabookRecord | at_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Benefit Computation examines how benefits are calculated for an assistance unit. This category describes the state's or territory's benefit formula, as well as which dollar amounts are used in the formula. It also captures whether a state or territory prorates benefits for assistance units who share a living space with non-recipients. Finally, the category includes information regarding the benefit calculation for assistance units who have recently moved to the state or territory.
[Read the Full category documentation for Benefit computation]Description:
This category examines how benefits are calculated for an assistance unit. Under AFDC, benefits varied from assistance unit to assistance unit based on each unit's net income (as well as by family size). However, under waivers and TANF, benefits may vary by hours worked or may be set at a flat amount. This category outlines the benefit formula as well as the dollar amounts used in the formula. It also captures whether a state or territory prorates benefits for assistance units who share a living space with non-recipients. Finally, the category includes information regarding the benefit calculation for assistance units who have recently moved to the state or territory .
Overlap Issues:
- Definitions of State Dollar Amounts #1-3 are contained in the Dollar Amount category.
- The exact values of the Benefit Standard and Maximum Benefit for all family sizes are contained in the Dollar Amount category.
- The definition of net income for a given state or territory in calculated based on information contained in Countable Income, Income and Assets of Children, Earned Income Disregards, Child Support, Family Caps, In Kind Income and Deemed Income.
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table II.A.2 for Benefit computation | Benefit Determination Policies |
Download databook table II.A.3 for Benefit computation | Benefit Standards |
Download databook table II.A.4 for Benefit computation | Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Three with No Income |
Download databook table II.A.5 for Benefit computation | Maximum Monthly TANF Benefit for a Child-Only Unit with One Child, No Income |
Download databook table L5 for Benefit computation | Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Three with No Income (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
BenCompBenefitType | bc_btype | Describes how benefits vary between assistance units. |
BenCompFormula | bc_bform | Describes the benefit formula used when a state’s or territory's benefit varies by net income (as under the traditional AFDC-type program).Back-end SQL updates for enumerator |
BenCompBenefitStandard | bc_bestd | Specifies the dollar amount used as the benefit standard, if the formula described under bc_bform uses a benefit standard. |
BenCompMaxBenefit | bc_bemax | Specifies the dollar amount used as the maximum benefit, if the formula described under bc_bform uses a maximum benefit. |
BenCompPercentage | bc_bepct | Specifies the percentage used, if the formula described under bc_bform uses a percentage. |
BenCompBenRound | bc_bernd | Describes the method used for rounding the benefit. |
BenCompMinBenAmntElig | bc_minel | Describes the minimum benefit required for an assistance unit to be "technically eligible." Technical eligibility means that the assistance unit is treated like an AFDC/TANF family for other purposes (such as Medicaid and Food Stamps eligibility), but does not necessarily receive a cash benefit if its computed dollar value is less than bc_bemin. |
BenCompMinBenAmntPaid | bc_bemin | Specifies a state’s or territory's minimum benefit level. If the benefit computed is less than this amount, the assistance unit will not receive a benefit payment, even though the unit may be technically eligible. |
BenCompFlatDollarAmntUsed | bc_bflat | Indicates the dollar amount used as the benefit, if the state’s or territory's benefit is a flat dollar amount. |
BenCompDatabookRecord | bc_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category contains information on each state's or territory's child support enforcement rules that impact welfare recipients. The variables focus only on the requirements and policies affecting the custodial parent and do not concentrate on license suspension, new-hire reporting, and other rules that affect the non-custodial parent.
[Read the Full category documentation for Child support]Description:
The Child Support category contains information on each state's and territory's child support enforcement rules that impact welfare recipients. The variables focus only on requirements and policies affecting the custodial parent and do not concentrate on license suspension, new-hire reporting, and other rules that affect the non-custodial parent.
The Child Support Enforcement law of 1975 provided federal matching funds to states and territories in order to identify, located and collect child support from fathers. This legislation introduced many new requirements and established child support distribution policies for AFDC applicants and recipients. These policies include requiring all recipients to assign their support rights to the state or territory, to cooperate in establishing paternity and securing support and creating pass-through and fill-the-gap policies. Although these polices were federal standards, under AFDC waivers, states and territories began experimenting with different pass-through amounts and cooperation requirements. Under TANF, the state or territory must still enforce child support collection, but they are allowed extensive program flexibility.
Overlap Issues:
·Sanctions for non-cooperation with child support enforcement are coded in the Child Support Sanctions category.
·Information on calculating the assistant unit's benefit is captured in the Benefit Computation category, but the child support pass-through and child support counted as unearned income are discussed only in the Child Support category.
·The amount of unearned income from child support payments that is disregarded is not captured in the Earned Income Disregard category, but is captured here.
Special Issues:
None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table IV.A.2 for Child support | Treatment of Child Support Income for Recipients |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ChildSuppCooperationReq | cs_coopr | Captures what a custodial parent must do in order to cooperate with the child support agency, including establishing paternity, as well as, identifying and locating the noncustodial parent. |
ChildSuppFillTheGap | cs_ftgap | Captures whether the state or territory uses fill-the-gap policy to provide supplemental payments to assistance units in order for them to be no worse off then if they had received the entire child support payment. |
ChildSuppPassThruAmnt | cs_pasth | Captures the amount of child support added to the unit's benefit as a pass-through. |
ChildSuppAmntTransf | cs_incme | Captures the amount of the child support payment transferred to the unit as unearned income. |
ChildSuppAmntTransfDisregard | cs_dsrgd | Identifies the amount of the child support transferred as unearned income that is disregarded. |
ChildSuppAssurance | cs_asure | Indicates whether the state or territory ensures that every assistance unit with a child support enforcement order receives their payment every month regardless of whether any support is collected on the family's behalf. |
ChildSuppAssuranceDescribe | cs_asdsc | Describes the state’s or territory’s child support assurance program. |
ChildSuppDatabookRecord | cs_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The child support sanctions category includes information on sanctions resulting from the failure to meet child support cooperation requirements.
[Read the Full category documentation for Child support sanctions]Description:
The Child Support Sanctions category includes information on sanctions resulting from the failure to meet child support cooperation requirements.
The consequence of failing to meet a child support cooperation requirement is coded as a sanction only if it results in a direct penalty. Most often, this penalty is financial. Requiring the distribution of benefits through a protective payee is also considered a sanction because it directly impacts the receipt of benefits. However, consequences that are designed to avoid a financial or other direct penalty are considered conciliation processes, not sanctions. For example, consequences such as discussing the problem with a case worker, developing a formal plan for addressing the problem, and even "probationary periods" in which the requirement becomes more stringent are forms of conciliation and therefore are not included as a sanction.
Sanctions often are chronological. For example, the first time non-cooperation occurs, sanction #1 applies. If the problem continues or recurs despite the first sanction, then sanction #2 and sanction #3 applies.
Under AFDC there was only one sanction policy; the custodial parent was removed from the grant until compliance. However, under TANF, states and territories have much more flexibility. Although the federal government requires a minimum sanction of 25% of the benefit be deducted for noncompliance, states and territories may eliminate up to the entire benefit and may create a series of sanction policies.
Overlap Issues: P>
·The child support sanctions category corresponds to the Child Support category. All sanctions stem from the failure to cooperate with child support enforcement requirements.
Special Issues:
None
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ChildSuppSanctMostSevere | ss_worst | Describes the most severe penalty imposed as a result of failing to meet child support cooperation requirements. The worst case sanction variable includes a description of the sanction and, if relevant, the duration of the sanction. |
ChildSuppSanctWhyImposed1 | ss_#1why | Captures why child support sanction #1 is imposed on the unit. |
ChildSuppSanctConcilliation1 | ss_#1cnc | Captures whether child support sanction #1 can be avoided through a conciliation process. |
ChildSuppSanctBenReduc1 | ss_#1bnr | Identifies whether child support sanction #1 reduces the unit's benefit. |
ChildSuppSanctDescribe1 | ss_#1dsc | Describes the amount of child support sanction #1. |
ChildSuppSanctDur1 | ss_#1dur | Describes the duration of child support sanction #1. |
ChildSuppSanctEffect1 | ss_#1fsm | Describes the effect of child support sanction #1 on the unit's receipt of Food Stamps, Medicaid, and/or child care. |
ChildSuppSanctWhyImposed2 | ss_#2why | Captures why child support sanction #2 is imposed on the unit. |
ChildSuppSanctConcilliation2 | ss_#2cnc | Captures whether child support sanction #2 can be avoided through a conciliation process. |
ChildSuppSanctBenReduc2 | ss_#2bnr | Identifies whether child support sanction #2 reduces the unit's benefit. |
ChildSuppSanctDescribe2 | ss_#2dsc | Describes the amount of child support sanction #2. |
ChildSuppSanctDur2 | ss_#2dur | Describes the duration of child support sanction #2. |
ChildSuppSanctEffect2 | ss_#2fsm | Describes the effect of child support sanction #2 on the unit's receipt of Food Stamps, Medicaid, and/or child care. |
ChildSuppSanctWhyImposed3 | ss_#3why | Captures why child support sanction #3 is imposed on the unit. |
ChildSuppSanctConcilliation3 | ss_#3cnc | Captures whether child support sanction #3 can be avoided through a conciliation process. |
ChildSuppSanctBenReduc3 | ss_#3bnr | Identifies whether child support sanction #3 reduces the unit's benefit. |
ChildSuppSanctDescribe3 | ss_#3dsc | Describes the amount of child support sanction #3. |
ChildSuppSanctDur3 | ss_#3dur | Describes the duration of child support sanction #3. |
ChildSuppSanctEffect3 | ss_#3fsm | Describes the effect of child support sanction #3 on the unit's receipt of Food Stamps, Medicaid, and/or child care. |
ChildSuppSanctDatabookRecord | ss_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category summarizes the components in effect in a given state or territory for a given year. Components exist in a state or territory if the state or territory divides its caseload into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive groups that are treated differently across more than one category of rules. Furthermore, the definitions of the groups involve more than one characteristic, eliminating the possibility of coding the different groups using the Unit Type variable.
[Read the Full category documentation for Components]Description:
This category summarizes the components in effect in a given state or territory for a given year. Components exist in a state or territory if the state or territory divides its caseload into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive groups that are treated differently across more than one category of rules. Furthermore, the definitions of the groups involve more than one characteristic, eliminating the possibility of coding the different groups using the Unit Type variable.
Due to the difficulty of determining when components exist, a rule of thumb has been established. Code groups as components when the state or territory treats the groups separately. A state or territory may indicate that it views the groups separately in several ways. If the state or territory capitalized the name of each group in their manual or regulations, these groups are treated as different components in the database. Alternatively, if the state or territory uses bold type for the group names, these groups are also treated as different components in the database.
For example, Montana has three components that were created under their waiver (Families Achieving Independence for Montana) and continued under TANF. The three components (as named by the state or territory) are: the Job Supplement Program (JSP), the Pathways Program and the Community Service Program (CSP).
JSP: This program is intended to divert applicants from welfare receipt by providing support services (such as, Medicaid and child care assistance) and a one-time employment-related payment. This program is completely optional and participants must still meet AFDC/TANF eligibility requirements.
Pathways: New applicants who do not opt for the JSP are required to participate in Pathways. Pathways requires a family to complete a Family Investment Agreement (FIA) and limits benefits for adults to 24 months. After the time limit expires, the family enters the CSP.
CSP: Recipients whose time limits have expired are moved in CPS. CPS requires that recipients participate in job search or community service for 20 hours per week in order to continue receiving benefits.
Overlap Issues:
Components coded in this category may or may not appear in other categories of the database. If a state or territory has two or more components, each component has a separate record for the categories in which the rules vary by component. If the rules do not differ by component for a particular category, separate records are not coded.
Special Issues:
- The Component key variable is always coded 0.
- The Unit Type key variable is always coded All (1).
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Appendix 1 | Component Description |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ComponentsName1 | co_1name | Indicates the name of Component 1 as given by the state or territory. |
ComponentsDescribe1 | co_1desc | Indicates who may/must participate in Component 1 and provides a brief description of the component members' requirements. |
ComponentsMaxTime1 | co_1time | Describes how long an assistance unit may participate in Component 1. |
ComponentsName2 | co_2name | Indicates the name of Component 2 as given by the state or territory. |
ComponentsDescribe2 | co_2desc | Indicates who may/must participate in Component 2 and provides a brief description of the component members' requirements. |
ComponentsMaxTime2 | co_2time | Describes how long an assistance unit may participate in Component 2. |
ComponentsName3 | co_3name | Indicates the name of Component 3 as given by the state or territory. |
ComponentsDescribe3 | co_3desc | Indicates who may/must participate in Component 3 and provides a brief description of the component members' requirements. |
ComponentsMaxTime3 | co_3time | Describes how long an assistance unit may participate in Component 3. |
ComponentsName4 | co_4name | Indicates the name of Component 4 as given by the state or territory. |
ComponentsDescribe4 | co_4desc | Indicates who may/must participate in Component 4 and provides a brief description of the component members' requirements. |
ComponentsMaxTime4 | co_4time | Describes how long an assistance unit may participate in Component 4. |
ComponentsName5 | co_5name | Indicates the name of Component 5 as given by the state or territory. |
ComponentsDescribe5 | co_5desc | Indicates who may/must participate in Component 5 and provides a brief description of the component members' requirements. |
ComponentsMaxTime5 | co_5time | Describes how long an assistance unit may participate in Component 5. |
ComponentsInteraction | co_inter | Captures any information regarding how each of the components relate to the others, as well as how units move between components (if applicable). |
ComponentsDatabookRecord | co_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category fulfills a dual purpose. First, it identifies whether a state or territory has a formal contract, agreement, or plan with recipients. If so, this category outlines the requirements included in that agreement. In addition, this category provides a summary of a state's or territory's behavioral requirements.
[Read the Full category documentation for Contracts and agreements]Description:
This category fulfills a dual purpose. First, it identifies whether a state or territory has a formal contract, agreement, or plan with recipients. If so, this category outlines the requirements included in that agreement. In addition, the category provides a summary of a state's or territory's behavioral requirements.
The following requirements are included in this category:
- time limits
- minor parent residency requirements
- cooperation with child support enforcement
- drug and alcohol screening and/or treatment
- immunization and/or health screening
- school requirements including attendance, and parental involvement
- parenting classes/family skills training
- other behavioral requirements.
This category does not include employment and training requirements nor does it include agreements that only include employment and training requirements.
For each type of requirement, the Contracts and Agreements category has two yes/no variables. The first variable identifies whether or not the requirement is included in a formal agreement. The second variable identifies whether or not the requirement is required at all, regardless of whether or not it is included in an agreement. Different states and territoriees may have the same requirements, but one state or territory may put the requirements in a formal, written agreement, while the other state or territory may have the requirements without an agreement.
Sometimes the content of the agreement depends on the needs of the recipient; therefore, the items included in an agreement vary for different recipients in a state or territory. For example, minor parent residency requirements are included only in minor parent recipients contracts. Consequently, "required" is defined as "required for someone, not necessarily everyone." If an item, such as minor parent residency requirement, is at least sometimes included in an agreement, the "included in agreement" column should be coded "yes" and the "required" column should also be coded "yes."
Under AFDC, states and territories with approved waivers could use contracts and agreements. TANF neither requires nor prohibits contracts and agreements.
Coding:
If the manual indicates that the agreement will include items "such as...", code yes in the "Included in Contract" column for those items specifically mentioned and ? for the other items that could possibly be included (i.e. those required regardless of the agreement and those not mentioned in the manual). Similarly, if the manual states that the agreement "will include items x, y, and z, and other requirements as appropriate," code yes in the "Included in Contract" column for those items specifically mentioned and ? for the other items that could possibly be included (i.e. those required regardless of the agreement and those not mentioned in the manual).
If you know that an item is not required, then code "no" for that item in the "Included in Contract" column because items that are not required cannot be included in the contract.
Included in Contract:
Yes = Yes, item is included in contract for at least some people covered by the record.
No = Agreement items are specified and this item was not mentioned as a requirement.
? = Agreement is said to include items "such as.." or "as necessary" or "at a minimum...", etc., implying that other items not specifically mentioned could be included in at least some of the Agreements.
Required:
Yes = Yes, item is required of at least some people covered by the record.
No = The item is not required of anyone covered by the record
? = Not mentioned in the manual, unsure if that means it is not required
Possible combinations: Combinations that are NOT possible:
Included in Agreement
Required, whether or not included in Agreement
Included in Agreement
Required, whether or not included in Agreement
No
No
?
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
?
?
Yes
?
?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Overlap Issues:
·This category does not include the details of the requirements, it merely summarizes whether the requirements exist. Details on time limit, minor parent residency, child support cooperation, immunization/health screening and school requirements can be found in their corresponding categories.
·Given these overlap issues, it may be simplest to code the Contracts and Agreements category after coding all other categories.
·Unit type for this category should always be coded as "All" (1). All distinction between provisions that are only required of certain unit types or individuals should be outlined in the notes variable corresponding to that provision.
Special Issues:
·Even if a state or territory does not have a contract or agreement, the general requirement section of this form MUST be coded. Do Not Skip this Form!
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
ContractsReq | ca_exist | Describes whether or not a state or territory has a formal, written agreement listing the recipient's responsibilities. |
ContractsSignReq | ca_signd | Indicates whether or not the recipient must sign the agreement. |
ContractsNegotiated | ca_negtd | Indicates whether or not the recipient is involved in the development of the agreement. |
ContractsPenalty | ca_pnlty | Indicates the worst case penalty for not entering into the agreement, not the penalty for non-compliance with particular items in the agreement. |
ContractsName | ca_agnme | Indicates the name of the agreement, as designated in the state or territory manual. |
ContractsTimeLimitIncl | ca_tlinc | Indicates whether or not a time limit provision is included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory’s recipients. |
ContractsTimeLimitReq | ca_tlreq | Indicates whether or not at least some recipients are subject to a time limit. Details regarding the time limit policy are found in the Time Limit category. |
ContractsMinorParResidencyIncl | ca_mpinc | Indicates whether or not a minor parent residency requirement provision is included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory’s recipients. |
ContractsMinorParResidencyReq | ca_mpreq | Indicates whether or not minor parents are required to live with an adult or in some approved living arrangement. Details regarding the minor parent residency requirement policy are found in the Eligibility of Minor Parents category. |
ContractsChildSuppCooperationIncl | ca_csinc | Indicates whether or not cooperation with child support enforcement is included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state's recipients. |
ContractsChildSuppCooperationReq | ca_csreq | Indicates whether or not cooperation with child support enforcement is required in the state or territory. Details regarding the cooperation with child support enforcement policy are found in the Child Support category. |
ContractsSubstUseTrtmntIncl | ca_dginc | Indicates whether or not drug and alcohol screening and/or treatment is included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory’s recipients. |
ContractsSubstanceUseTrtmntReq | ca_dgreq | Indicates whether or not drug and alcohol screening and/or treatment is required in the state or territory. Details on this policy are captured in the corresponding notes variable. |
ContractsImmunizationIncl | ca_iminc | Indicates whether or not immunization and/or health screening provisions are included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory's recipients. |
ContractsImmunizationReq | ca_imreq | Indicates whether or not immunizations and/or health screenings are required in the state or territory. Details regarding immunization and health screening policies are found in the Immunization and Health Screening Requirements category. |
ContractsSchoolAttendIncl | ca_sainc | Indicates whether or not school attendance and/or parental involvement provisions are included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory’s recipients. |
ContractsSchoolAttendReq | ca_sareq | Indicates whether or not school attendance and parental involvement are required in the state or territory. Details regarding school requirements for parents and children are found in the School Policies for Dependent Children and Minor Parents Activities Requirements and Bonuses categories. |
ContractsParentClassesIncl | ca_ptinc | Indicates whether or not parenting classes and/or family skills training sessions are included in the contract/agreement for at least some of the state’s or territory's recipients. |
ContractsParentClassesReq | ca_ptreq | Indicates whether or not parenting classes and/or family skills training sessions are required in the state or territory. Details on this policy are captured in the corresponding notes variable. |
ContractsOtherIncl | ca_othin | Indicates whether or not other requirements (than those specifically listed) are included in the agreement. |
ContractsOtherReq | ca_othrq | Indicates whether or not the other requirements referred to in "Other requirements: Included in Agreement" and detailed in the corresponding notes variable are required in the state or territory. Details on this policy are captured in the corresponding notes variable. |
ContractsDatabookRecord | ca_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The Countable Income category examines the kinds of income that are counted in determining eligibility and benefits. Specifically, it covers the treatment of interest income, dividend income, EITC income, lump sum income and casual/inconsequential income.
[Read the Full category documentation for Countable income]Description:
This category examines the kinds of income that are counted in determining eligibility and benefits. Specifically, it covers the treatment of interest income, dividend income, EITC income, lump sum income and casual/inconsequential income.
Some income has historically been excluded when determining eligibility and benefits. It is assumed that these types of income are excluded unless mentioned in the "Additional notes" section.
Historically excluded income:
Energy Assistance Payments
Bona fide Loans
Education Loans
Agent Orange Payments
Radiation Payments
Payments to Native Americans
Foster Care Payments
Relocation Assistance
Disaster Relief Payments
Work Study
Overlap Issues:
- If the state or territory counts EITC or lump sum as assets, not income in month it is received, treatment of EITC and lump sum should still be coded in this category. However, the treatment of this income should be clearly explained in variable field and its corresponding notes field.
- Disregards from earned income are captured in the Earned Income Disregard category.
- Treatment of child support income is described in the Child Support category.
- Deeming of income from persons outside the assistance unit is covered in the Deemed Income category.
- Treatment of children's income is outlined in the Income and Assets of Children category
Special Issues:
- Because these are general rules, the Unit Type variable is generally be coded as "all."
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
CountableIncInterestIncTrtmnt | ci_inter | Describes the treatment of interest income when determining a unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncDividendIncTrtmnt | ci_divnd | Describes the treatment of dividend income when determining a unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncEITCTrtmnt | ci_eitcr | Describes the treatment of EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) when determining a unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncLumpSumType | ci_lstyp | Indicates the types of lump sum income receiving special treatment when determining a unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncLumpSumTrtmnt | ci_lmpsm | Describes the treatment of lump sum income when determining an assistance unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncMonthsIneligLumpSum | ci_lslos | Indicates the maximum number of lost months of eligibility due to lump sum income. |
CountableIncCasualIncTrtmnt | ci_casin | Describes the treatment of casual or inconsequential income when determining an assistance unit's eligibility and benefit. |
CountableIncQuarterDisregard | ci_defqt | Describes the definition of quarter when determining disregard for casual or inconsequential income. |
CountableIncOtherUnearnedIncTrtmnt | ci_exoth | Describes the treatment of other types of unearned income. |
CountableIncDatabookRecord | ci_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Deemed Income outlines the deeming process for stepparents, grandparents who live in the household and grandparents who live outside of the household. In general, only the income of assistance unit members is used to determine the unit's eligibility and benefit. But under certain circumstances, income from persons outside of the assistance unit is "deemed" available to the unit (regardless of whether or not it is in fact available). This "deemed" income is added to the unit's own income when determining eligibility and benefits.
[Read the Full category documentation for Deemed income]Description:
In general, only the income of assistance unit members is used to determine the unit's eligibility and benefit. But under certain circumstances, some income from persons outside of the assistance unit is "deemed" available to the unit (regardless of whether or not it is in fact available). This "deemed" income is added to the unit's own income when determining eligibility and benefits.
This category is divided into three sub-sections by types of people outside the unit:
- stepparents who live in the household but outside the unit;
- grandparents (parents of minor parents) who live in the household but outside the unit;
- grandparents (parents of minor parents) who live outside the household of the minor parent.
Each sub-section starts with a general variable indicating whether income is deemed from that kind of person. This variable is always coded. If the answer for a particular sub-section is "no" or "not applicable," then the remainder of the sub-section is coded n.a.
After the initial variable in each sub-section, there are several variables that deal with "allocation." States and territories recognize that stepparents and grandparents need a certain portion of their income to take care of themselves and/or other dependents. The portion of the stepparent's or grandparent's income that is set aside (to theoretically provide for the stepparent or grandparent's needs) is referred to as an allocation or the allocated amount. This amount is subtracted from their total income, and the remainder is deemed available to the assistance unit.
The three step-wise allocations are as follows:
- Initial allocation of earned income
- Second allocation equal to W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z ("Non-unit people" refers to individuals not included in the assistance unit)
- Other allocation rules
Allocations are additive; therefore, the total allocation equals the sum of amounts allocated according to any of the rules listed. If allocations are not additive (in cases where the state or territory allocates the larger of two amounts), then the specific allocation rules are described in the notes sections.
Overlap Issues:
- If financial support from people outside the unit is counted only when it is actually provided, then that policy is not deeming and the policy is captured in the Countable Income category rather than in the Deemed Income category.
- Disregard ED#1 is sometimes referred to in this category's variables. Details on this disregard are captured in the Earned Income Disregards category.
- Definitions of State Dollar Amounts #1-3 are contained in the Dollar Amount category.
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.D.1 for Deemed income | Treatment of Grandparent Income |
Download databook table I.D.2 for Deemed income | Treatment of Stepparent Income |
Download databook table I.D.3 for Deemed income | Treatment of Income and Assets of Nonparent Caretakers |
Download databook table I.E.3 for Deemed income | Eligibility Standards |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
DeemedIncStepparIncDeemedTo | di_spwho | Describes to whom a step-parent's income is deemed, if at all. |
DeemedIncStepparIncAlloc1 | di_spal1 | Describes the initial allocation of a stepparent's income (income stepparents can keep). |
DeemedIncStepparAlloc2Percent | di_spa2w | Captures the percent value of W in the second allocation (income stepparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncStepparAlloc2Amount | di_spa2x | Captures the value of X in the second allocation (income stepparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum Z. |
DeemedIncStepparAlloc2For | di_spa2y | Captures the value of Y in the second allocation (income stepparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum Z. |
DeemedIncStepparAlloc2Max | di_spa2z | Captures the value of Z in the next allocation (income stepparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncStepparOtherAlloc | di_spoth | Describes any additional allocation of a stepparent's income (income stepparents can keep). |
DeemedIncGrandparIncToMinorParInHhld | di_ghdmd | Captures whether or not the income of grandparents in the household is deemed. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc1InHhld | di_ghal1 | Describes the initial allocation applicable to grandparents in the household (the portion of the grandparent's income they are allowed to keep/the portion of the income not deemed). |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2PercentInHhld | di_gha2w | Captures the percent value of W in the second allocation applicable to grandparents in the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2AmountInHhld | di_gha2x | Captures the value of X in the second allocation applicable to grandparents in the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2ForInHhld | di_gha2y | Captures the value of Y in the second allocation applicable to grandparents in the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2MaxInHhld | di_gha2z | Captures the value of Z in the second allocation applicable to grandparents in the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparOtherAllocInHhld | di_ghoth | Describes any additional allocations applicable to grandparents in the household (income grandparents can keep). |
DeemedIncGrandparIncToMinorParNotInHhld | di_godmd | Captures whether or not the income of grandparents outside the household is deemed. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc1 | di_goal1 | Describes the initial allocation applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep). |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2Percent | di_goa2w | Captures the percent value of W in the second allocation applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2Amount | di_goa2x | Captures the value of X in the second allocation applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2For | di_goa2y | Captures the value of Y in the second allocation applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum amount, Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparAlloc2Max | di_goa2z | Captures the value of Z in the second allocation applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep): The allocation equals W% of X dollar amount for Y non-unit people up to maximum Z. |
DeemedIncGrandparOtherAllocNotInHhld | di_gooth | Describes any additional allocations applicable to grandparents outside the household (income grandparents can keep). |
DeemedIncDatabookRecord | di_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Diversion captures whether a state or territory has a formal program to divert eligible applicants or recipients from ongoing welfare receipt and provides details regarding the level of cash payment and support services offered. Although some states and territories employ a variety of strategies to divert applicants from ongoing AFDC/TANF receipt (such as requiring an applicant to participate in job search) only those programs that provide either a cash payment or support services are identified as "diversion programs" in this database.
[Read the Full category documentation for Diversion]Description:
Diversion programs are types of assistance or activities requirements provided to divert eligible applicants or recipients from ongoing AFDC/TANF receipt. These programs may be either "Formal" diversion or "Informal" Diversion.
Formal Diversion:
Formal programs include: 1) a one-time cash payment; 2) support services such as child care or medical care; or 3) a combination of the two. Only those programs that provide a cash payment or support services are identified as formal diversion programs in this database. For states and territories that provide a cash payment, the payment is generally more than the assistance unit would have received as a monthly AFDC benefit. Often, the cash payment is a multiple of a monthly cash AFDC/TANF benefit and the assistance unit that receives the diversion payment is ineligible for additional payments and/or ongoing AFDC/TANF benefits for a specified length of time. For states and territories that do not provide a cash benefit, only programs that provide support services equal to or in excess of those available to AFDC/TANF recipients are considered diversion programs. Diversion programs may be mandatory or voluntary. Note that a formal diversion program may include a job search requirement (below). Informal Diversion:
In addition to formal diversion programs, states and territories may also attempt to divert applicants from AFDC/TANF benefits by requiring the applicant to participate in job search activities prior to approving his or her application. States and territories may require applicants to participate in structured work programs or search for work independently. These activities may take place prior to the submission of an application or during the application processing period. Support services such as child care or transportation assistance may also be made available to applicants during the job search period.
Overlap Issues:
- Whether or not a diversion payment counts toward an assistance unit's time limit is contained in this category, not the Time Limits category.
- Transitional services for an assistance unit that loses benefits due to increased earnings or an expired time limit are not considered diversion programs. These types of programs are covered in the Transitional Benefit category.
Special Issues:
- Some diversion programs are available to both applicants and recipients; others are available only to applicants. If applicants and recipients are treated differently with respect to diversion programs, then each group receives its own record.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.A.1 for Diversion | Formal Diversion Payments |
Download databook table I.A.2 for Diversion | Mandatory Job Search at Application |
Download databook table L1 for Diversion | Formal Diversion Payments (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
DiversionExist | dv_exist | Indicates whether or not a diversion program exists. |
DiversionTypes | dv_types | Describes the form in which diversion assistance is available, whether a one-time payment, support services, or both. |
DiversionBenMultipleOf | dv_bmult | Indicates the maximum number of months of benefits provided as a diversion payment, if the diversion benefit amount is a multiple of the monthly assistance benefit. |
DiversionBenCalc | dv_bnoth | Describes the maximum benefit in text if the diversion payment is not a multiple of the maximum monthly AFDC/TANF benefit. |
DiversionBenefitCalcNotes | dv_$comp | Describes any details regarding how the diversion payment is calculated. Information includes whether the state or territory treats earnings differently or uses different disregards in calculating the benefit. |
DiversionSuppServices | dv_spsvc | Captures any available information on the provision of support services, such as medical care, child care or help in securing employment for units participating in a diversion program. |
DiversionFrequency | dv_$freq | Describes the time period for which an assistance unit can receive a diversion payment, as well as the time period after which someone who already received a diversion payment can receive another. |
DiversionWaitingPeriod | dv_tmein | Describes the length of time an assistance unit must wait before they can receive ongoing AFDC/TANF benefits (not another diversion payment). Diversion payments are designed to steer persons away from ongoing assistance by providing a large benefit. Therefore, those who want to return to AFDC/TANF generally have to wait a specified length of time before they can begin receiving monthly assistance. |
DiversionTimeLimit | dv_tmlmt | Describes whether diversion assistance counts toward time limits and how it is counted. |
DiversionJobSearchReq | dv_jobsr | Indicates whether applicants are required to participate in job search activities as a condition of eligibility. |
DiversionReqFor | dv_whorq | Describes who is required to participate in job search. |
DiversionJobSearchExempt | dv_whoex | Describes who is exempt from the job search. |
DiversionJobSearchReqWhen | dv_timsr | Describes the timing of job search relative to application submission and processing. |
DiversionJobSearchStructure | dv_srfocs | Indicates whether the job search is structured (part of a state or territory work program) or individual-focused (applicant looks for work on his or her own). |
DiversionJobSearchReqDescribe | dv_whatsr | Describes what is required during the job search period. |
DiversionJobSearchReqTime | dv_srdur | Captures the duration of the job search period. |
DiversionSuppServicesAvail | dv_srsup | Describes what support services are available during the job search. |
DiversionPenaltyDescribe | dv_srcon | Describes the consequences if the applicant is noncompliant with the job search requirement. |
DiversionDatabookRecord | dv_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Dollar Amounts captures the financial standards (referred to as dollar amounts) and any special needs amounts used in determining eligibility and benefits for an assistance unit. Under AFDC, these standards included: the need standard, payment standard and maximum benefit.
[Read the Full category documentation for Dollar amounts]Description:
This category captures the dollar amounts used in determining eligibility and benefits for an assistance unit. Under AFDC, these dollar amounts included: the need standard, payment standard and maximum benefit. In addition, this category captures information on special needs amounts added to the basic dollar amounts under special circumstances.
Overlap Issues:
- These dollar amounts are referred to in the following categories: Benefit Computation, Deemed Income, Diversion and Income Eligibility Tests.
Special Issues:
- Pay special attention to the additional notes section in this category. The field contains information on specific counties to which the dollar amounts refer or any other important assumptions about the dollar amounts.
- Beginning in 2001 the database captures amounts for child-only units, single parent units, and two parent units in separate records. Prior to 2001, all dollar amounts were based on the assumption that there was one adult in the unit. In states and territories with different dollar amounts for child-only units, the child-only amount for one child was coded for a family size of one only. For all other family sizes, the amounts were based on one adult and children.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.E.3 for Dollar amounts | Eligibility Standards |
Download databook table II.A.3 for Dollar amounts | Benefit Standards |
Download databook table II.A.4 for Dollar amounts | Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Three with No Income |
Download databook table II.A.5 for Dollar amounts | Maximum Monthly TANF Benefit for a Child-Only Unit with One Child, No Income |
Download databook table L5 for Dollar amounts | Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Three with No Income (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
DollarAmountsName1 | da_name1 | Captures the name the state or territory uses to refer to Dollar Amount #1. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize1 | da_v1f01 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 1. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize2 | da_v1f02 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 2. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize3 | da_v1f03 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 3. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize4 | da_v1f04 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 4. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize5 | da_v1f05 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 5. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize6 | da_v1f06 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 6. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize7 | da_v1f07 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 7. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize8 | da_v1f08 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 8. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize9 | da_v1f09 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 9. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize10 | da_v1f10 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 10. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize11 | da_v1f11 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 11. |
DollarAmounts1FamSize12 | da_v1f12 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #1 for family of 12. |
DollarAmountsName2 | da_name2 | Captures the name the state or territory uses to refer to Dollar Amount #2. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize1 | da_v2f01 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 1. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize2 | da_v2f02 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 2. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize3 | da_v2f03 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 3. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize4 | da_v2f04 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 4. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize5 | da_v2f05 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 5. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize6 | da_v2f06 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 6. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize7 | da_v2f07 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 7. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize8 | da_v2f08 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 8. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize9 | da_v2f09 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 9. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize10 | da_v2f10 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 10. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize11 | da_v2f11 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 11. |
DollarAmounts2FamSize12 | da_v2f12 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #2 for family of 12. |
DollarAmountsName3 | da_name3 | Captures the name the state or territory uses to refer to Dollar Amount #3. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize1 | da_v3f01 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 1. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize2 | da_v3f02 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 2. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize3 | da_v3f03 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 3. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize4 | da_v3f04 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 4. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize5 | da_v3f05 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 5. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize6 | da_v3f06 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 6. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize7 | da_v3f07 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 7. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize8 | da_v3f08 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 8. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize9 | da_v3f09 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 9. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize10 | da_v3f10 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 10. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize11 | da_v3f11 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 11. |
DollarAmounts3FamSize12 | da_v3f12 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #3 for family of 12. |
DollarAmountsName4 | da_name4 | Captures the name the state or territory uses to refer to Dollar Amount #4. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize1 | da_v4f01 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 1. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize2 | da_v4f02 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 2. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize3 | da_v4f03 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 3. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize4 | da_v4f04 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 4. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize5 | da_v4f05 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 5. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize6 | da_v4f06 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 6. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize7 | da_v4f07 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 7. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize8 | da_v4f08 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 8. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize9 | da_v4f09 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 9. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize10 | da_v4f10 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 10. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize11 | da_v4f11 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 11. |
DollarAmounts4FamilySize12 | da_v4f12 | Indicates the value of Dollar Amount #4 for family of 12. |
DollarAmountsAddAmnts | da_snadd | Indicates whether or not a state or territory adds to the dollar amounts for assistance units with special needs. |
DollarAmountsAddAmntsDescribe | da_snamt | Describes the circumstances under which an assistance unit receives special needs amounts, as well as the dollar value of the special needs amount, when applicable. |
DollarAmountsVariesByPublicHousing | da_varph | Indicates whether the dollar amounts vary based on whether the unit lives in public or subsidized housing. |
DollarAmountsVariesByHousingCosts | da_amtph | Describes how the dollar amounts differ for the units that do not pay the total cost of their housing due to public assistance. |
DollarAmountsDatabookRecord | da_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category outlines the amounts of earned income an assistance unit may deduct when determining eligibility and benefits. The amounts an assistance unit can deduct are referred to as disregards.
[Read the Full category documentation for Earned income disregards]Description:
This category outlines the amounts of earned income an assistance unit may deduct when determining eligibility and benefits. The amounts an assistance unit can deduct are referred to as disregards.
Under AFDC, states and territories were required to disregard a portion of a recipients' earned income when determining eligibility and benefits as a work incentive to clients. The value of a disregard is subtracted from an assistance unit's gross earned income when determining eligibility and benefits. In determining eligibility based on net income, each worker in the unit was allowed to disregard $90 for work expenses plus up to $175 per month for child care for each child age 2 and older (up to $200 for each child under the age of 2). Benefits were calculated using earnings minus a $90 work expense disregard, followed by a disregard of $30 and one-third of remaining earnings. After four months of consecutive earnings, recipients were no longer eligible for the one-third disregard, so the disregard was simply $120 ($90 and $30). After eight additional months of consecutive earnings, recipients were no longer eligible for the $30 disregard, so the disregard was simply $90. In addition, recipients were also allowed to disregard child care expenses up to $175 per month per child ($200 for children under age two). There was no time limit for the child care deduction.
Under waivers, a number of states and territories made changes to this disregard structure, typically increasing the amount of earnings disregarded and eliminating the phase-out of the disregards over time.
PRWORA did not address the issue of earnings disregards specifically, but the creation of TANF gave states and territories the freedom to adopt any disregard structure. The majority of states and territories have implemented new earnings disregards that differ from the standard AFDC disregard.
Overlap Issues:
- The net income test is referenced in this category when describing when each disregard is applied. More details on this test and others are found in the Income Eligibility Test category.
- Disregards, by number, ED#1, may be referred to in the Deemed Income category.
- Special disregards for families affected by family caps are captured in this category, not in the Family Cap category.
- Net income used in the Benefit Computation category is determined using information in this category, as well as Child Support, Countable Income, Deemed Income, Income and Assets of Children and In Kind Income.
- This category captures special disregards for earnings placed in savings during the month in which they are received. This type of disregard is different from IDAs which allow individuals to keep a limited amount of savings for restricted purposes and still remain eligible for benefits. IDAs are captured in the Asset Test category.
Special Issues:
- The form is too long to add any more variables. If the state or territory has more than 3 disregards and the same disregards apply to recipients while others apply to applicants, two records exist: one for applicants and one for recipients. If there are more than 3 disregards for all unit types, all disregards that do not fit are coded in the additional notes section. All information coded for the first three disregards is also recorded for the disregards coded in the notes section.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.E.2 for Earned income disregards | Earned Income Disregards for Income Eligibility Purposes |
Download databook table II.A.1 for Earned income disregards | Earned Income Disregards for Benefit Computation |
Download databook table IV.A.5 for Earned income disregards | Earned Income Disregards for Continuing Income Eligibility Purposes |
Download databook table L4 for Earned income disregards | Earned Income Disregards for Benefit Computation (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
IncDisregardsDisregard1 | ed_edr#1 | Specifies the numeric value of the first income disregard. (ed_#1$o% describes whether this value is a dollar amount or a percentage) |
IncDisregards1DollarOrPercent | ed_#1$o% | Indicates whether Earnings Disregard #1 is a flat dollar disregard or a percent disregard. |
IncDisregards1CompUse | ed_#1use | Describes when Earnings Disregard #1 is used. |
IncDisregards1Length | ed_#1tme | Describes how long an assistance unit qualifies for Earnings Disregard #1. |
IncDisregards1AppliesTo | ed_#1rge | Indicates range of dollar values to which Earnings Disregard #1 applies. |
IncDisregardsDisregard2 | ed_edr#2 | Specifies the numeric value of the second income disregard. (ed_#2$o% describes whether this value is a dollar amount or a percentage) |
IncDisregards2DollarOrPercent | ed_#2$o% | Indicates whether Earnings Disregard #2 is a flat dollar disregard or a percent disregard. |
IncDisregards2CompUse | ed_#2use | Describes when Earnings Disregard #2 is used. |
IncDisregards2Length | ed_#2tme | Describes how long an assistance unit qualifies for Earnings Disregard #2. |
IncDisregards2AppliesTo | ed_#2rge | Indicates range of dollar values to which Earnings Disregard #2 applies. |
IncDisregardsDisregard3 | ed_edr#3 | Specifies the numeric value of the third income disregard. (ed_#3$o% describes whether this value is a dollar amount or a percentage) |
IncDisregards3DollarOrPercent | ed_#3$o% | Indicates whether Earnings Disregard #3 is a flat dollar disregard or a percent disregard. |
IncDisregards3CompUse | ed_#3use | Describes when Earnings Disregard #3 is used. |
IncDisregards3Length | ed_#3tme | Describes how long an assistance unit qualifies for Earnings Disregard #3. |
IncDisregards3AppliesTo | ed_#3rge | Indicates range of dollar values to which Earnings Disregard #3 applies. |
IncDisregardsChildCare | ed_ccare | Describes whether or not an assistance unit can disregard a portion of its actual child care expenses. Note: States and territories may use other methods of subsidizing child care, such as direct payment of providers for some or all TANF clients. States and territories both with and without child care disregards in their policies may be using these other methods. |
IncDisregardsChildCareMaxAge | ed_ccage | Indicates the age cutoff between the two disregard amounts in cases where the maximum allowable child care disregard varies by the child's age. |
IncDisregardsChildCareMaxYoungChild | ed_ccmxl | Describes the maximum deduction allowed for young children if deduction varies by age. If deduction does not vary by age, the variable describes the maximum deduction for all children. |
IncDisregardsChildCareMaxOlderChild | ed_ccmxh | Describes the maximum deduction allowed for the older children if deduction varies by the child's age. |
IncDisregardsChildCareUse | ed_ccuse | Describes when the child care disregard is used. |
IncDisregardsChildCareLength | ed_cctme | Describes how long an assistance unit qualifies for a child care disregard. |
IncDisregardsChildCareOrder | ed_ccord | Describes how the child care disregard fits into the sequence of all other disregards. |
IncDisregardsChildCarePartTime | ed_ccptm | Describes the child care disregard policy with respect to part-time workers, if applicable. |
IncDisregardsChildCareOther | ed_ccoth | Captures any other useful information about the child care disregard. |
IncDisregardsSavings | ed_svngs | Captures whether a state or territory disregards earnings that are placed directly into savings. |
IncDisregardsSavingsDescribe | ed_svdes | Describes special disregard for earnings put into savings in month received. |
IncDisregardsFamCap | ed_fmcap | Indicates whether or not a state has a special earnings disregard for assistance units affected by a family cap. |
IncDisregardsFamCapDescribe | ed_fcdes | Describes the earnings disregard for families affected by a family cap. |
IncDisregardsTimeLimit | ed_tmlmt | Captures whether or not a state or territory has a special earnings disregard for those affected by a time limit. |
IncDisregardsTimeLimitDescribe | ed_tldes | Describes the earnings disregard for families affected by a time limit. |
IncDisregardsDatabookRecord | ed_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Eligibility by Number/Type of Parents outlines the eligibility restrictions for certain types of families. Eligibility may be restricted based on the number or type of parents/caretakers.
[Read the Full category documentation for Eligibility by number/type parents]Description:
Program eligibility may be restricted to certain types of families, as defined by the number or type of parents/caretakers. Under AFDC, the federal government established the types of families that were covered under AFDC, with one exception. Prior to 1988, states and territories could choose whether or not to cover two-parent families in which neither parent was disabled. In 1988, the Family Support Act was passed requiring all states and territories to provide assistance to two-parent families. However, states and territories that previously did not provide benefits to two-parent families could choose to restrict assistance to a limited number of months (at least six out of twelve). Under TANF, states and territories have authority to define the types of families that are potentially eligible for benefits.
Overlap Issues:
- Eligibility rules for units headed by minor parents are covered in the Eligibility of Units Headed by Minor Parents.
- Eligibility rules for pregnant women who do not already have children are covered in the Eligibility of Pregnant Women.
- Eligibility of specific individuals is covered in the Eligibility of Individual Family Members.
Special Issues:
- The Unit Type variable is not applicable for this category because the category captures whether or not different unit types are eligible. Therefore, Unit Type is always coded "All."
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
EligTypeParTwoParUnits | en_twopt | Describes whether two-parent, non-disabled units are eligible. |
EligTypeParChildOnlyLivingWithIneligPar | en_chprt | Describes whether child-only units living with ineligible parents are eligible. |
EligTypeParLivingWithRel | en_chrel | Describes whether child-only units living with ineligible non-parent relatives are eligible. |
EligTypeParKinshipCarePrgrm | en_kincp | Describes whether the state or territory has a formalized kinship care program. |
EligTypeParKinshipCarePrgrmDescribe | en_kinde | Describes the state’s or territory's formalized kinship care program. |
EligTypeParChildLivingWithNonRelative | en_choth | Describes whether child living with non-relative caregivers is eligible. |
EligTypeParDatabookRecord | en_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Eligibility of Individual Family Members describes which family members are part of the assistance unit, given that the unit as a whole is potentially eligible for benefits.
[Read the Full category documentation for Eligibility of individual family members]Description:
This category describes which family members are part of the assistance unit, given that the unit as a whole is potentially eligible for benefits.
Overlap Issues:
- Inclusion of Non-Citizens in the Unit covers the eligibility of family members based on their immigration and citizenship status.
- Eligibility by Number/Type of Parents and Eligibility of Units Headed by Minor Parents include the rules for whether a unit as a whole is potentially eligible for benefits.
Special Issues:
- The Unit Type key variable is not applicable for this category, and will always be coded "all."
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.B.4 for Eligibility of individual family members | Stepparent Eligibility |
Download databook table I.B.9 for Eligibility of individual family members | Eligibility Requirements for Children |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
EligFamMembsParsInHhld | ei_prent | Indicates whether it is mandatory or optional to include natural/adoptive parents living in the household as members of the unit. |
EligFamMembsDepndtChildInHhld | ei_depch | Indicates whether it is mandatory or optional to include all dependent children living in the household as members of the unit. |
EligFamMembsChildAge | ei_chage | Captures the age under which an individual is considered a child without restrictions. |
EligFamMembsChildAgeRestr | ei_chres | Captured the age under which an individual is considered a child with restrictions, described in ei_chcon. |
EligFamMembsChildElig | ei_chcon | Describes the conditions that children under the age in ei_chres must meet in order to be eligible for benefits. |
EligFamMembsInclSteppar | ei_stprt | Indicates whether inclusion of stepparent in the unit is mandatory, optional or prohibited. |
EligFamMembsSSIRecipInclOldVariable | ei_onssi_old | Indicates whether SSI recipients are eligible. (old) |
EligFamMembsSSIRecipIncl | ei_onssi | Indicates whether SSI recipients are included in the unit. |
EligFamMembsSSIIncTrtmnt | ei_ssiinc | Indicates whether SSI recipients included in the unit have their income counted. |
EligFamMembsStrikeElig | ei_strke | Indicates whether persons on strike are eligible. |
EligFamMembsSubUseFelonyElig | ei_drgfl | Indicates whether persons convicted of a drug felony are eligible. |
EligFamMembsRelCaretakerIncl | ei_rincl | Inclusion in the unit is: |
EligFamMembsRelCaretakerElig | ei_rmust | Those that must be included (when only some are mandatory) |
EligFamMembsRelCaretakerOptionalIncl | ei_roptn | Those that have an option, when only some have an option |
EligFamMembsRelCaretakerExclu | ei_rprov | Those that are prohibited from being included (when only some are prohibited) |
EligFamMembsNonRelCaretakerIncl | ei_nincl | Inclusion in the unit is: |
EligFamMembsNonRelCaretakerElig | ei_nmust | Those that must be included (when only some are mandatory) |
EligFamMembsNonRelaCaretakerOptIncl | ei_noptn | Those that have an option, when only some have an option |
EligFamMembsNonRelCaretakerExclu | ei_nprov | Those that are prohibited from being included (when only some are prohibited) |
EligFamMembsNonParCaretakerSpouseElig | ei_ntsps | Is the spouse of a non-parent caregiver included in the unit, when the caretaker is included? |
EligFamMembsDatabookRecord | ei_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Eligibility of Pregnant Women captures whether pregnant women are eligible and if so, when eligibility begins.
[Read the Full category documentation for Eligibility of pregnant women]Description:
Under AFDC, states and territories had the option of providing assistance to pregnant women. If a state or territory chose to provide benefits, pregnant women with no other children received assistance based on the state's or territory's need standard for one adult or one adult and one child. Receipt of assistance was conditional on the fact that the pregnant woman would be eligible if the child were born and living with her. This category reports whether pregnant women are eligible and if so, month of the pregnancy in which eligibility begins.
Overlap Issues:
- None
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.B.1 for Eligibility of pregnant women | Eligibility of Pregnant Women with No Other Children |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
EligPregEverEligible | ep_asteg | Indicates whether pregnant women are ever eligible in the state or territory and whether only the mother's eligible or whether the mother and her unborn child are eligible. |
EligPregMonthEligible | ep_month | Indicates the month of pregnancy during which eligibility begins for a pregnant woman with no other children. |
EligPregDatabookRecord | ep_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility flag |
Eligibility of Two-Parent Families captures employment-related eligibility criteria for two-parent, non-disabled families. These criteria include rules regarding employment status and labor force attachment.
[Read the Full category documentation for Eligibility of two-parent families]Description:
This category captures employment related eligibility criteria for two-parent, non-disabled families. These criteria include rules regarding employment status and labor force attachment.
Under AFDC, two-parent, non-disabled families were only potentially eligible for the AFDC-UP program. In order to qualify for the program, a family's principal earner had to be unemployed or severely underemployed, unemployed for a minimum length of time, and previously attached to the labor force. Specifically, the rules were:
100 Hour Rule:
This rule restricted AFDC-UP eligibility to families in which the principal wage earner was employed for less than 100 hours per month (or unemployed).
Work History Requirement:
This rule restricted AFDC-UP eligibility to families that demonstrated labor force attachment by requiring that families show proof of wages in at least 6 of the last 13 quarters ending within a year before applying for AFDC.
30 Day Waiting Period:
This rule restricted AFDC-UP eligibility to families in which the principal wage earner had been unemployed for at least 30 days.
Under waivers, a number of states and territories eliminated or modified these rules.
Under TANF, states and territories have complete discretion in setting eligibility rules. They choose whether or not to impose special employment-related rules on two-parent families.
Overlap Issues:
- This category overlaps with the Eligibility by Number/Type of Parents category. Whether or not a two-parent, non-disabled family is eligible is coded in the Eligibility by Number/Type of Parents category. If two-parent, non-disabled families are not eligible, then the variables in this category do not apply and are coded n.a.
Special Issues:
- This category only applies to two-parent, non-disabled families and the Unit Type variable should always be coded "All".
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.B.2 for Eligibility of two-parent families | Eligibility Rules for Two-Parent, Nondisabled Applicant Units |
Download databook table IV.A.1 for Eligibility of two-parent families | Eligibility Rules for Two-Parent, Nondisabled Recipient Units |
Download databook table L2 for Eligibility of two-parent families | Types of Special Restrictions on Two-Parent, Nondisabled Units Eligibility (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
EligTwoParMaxWrkHrsApp | tp_maxap | Indicates the maximum number of hours a principal earner in a two-parent, non-disabled applicant unit can work and still be eligible for benefits. (The 100 hour rule for applicants). |
EligTwoParMaxWrkHrsRecip | tp_maxrc | Indicates the maximum number of hours a principal earner in a two-parent, non-disabled recipient unit can work and still be eligible for benefits. (The 100 hour rule for recipients). |
EligTwoParWrkHistoryReq | tp_wkhis | Captures the required proof of labor force attachment for the principal earner in a two-parent, non-disabled applicant unit in order to be eligible for benefits (The work history rule). |
EligTwoParWaitingPeriod | tp_bwait | Captures the length of time the principal earner of a two-parent, non-disabled family must be unemployed in order to receive benefits. (The 30 day waiting period rule). |
EligTwoParDatabookRecord | tp_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility flag |
Eligibility of Units Headed by Minor Parent outlines eligibility rules for units headed by minor parents. This information includes the oldest age a residency requirement is imposed and the acceptable living arrangements that meet the residency requirement.
[Read the Full category documentation for Eligibility of units headed by minor parents]Description:
This category covers eligibility rules for units headed by minor parents. This information includes the youngest age a minor parent can receive benefits as a head of an assistance unit, the oldest age a residency requirement is imposed, the acceptable living arrangements that meet the residency requirement and whether a minor parent who was receiving benefits as a child member of a unit remains in that unit after her child is born.
Overlap Issues:
- Eligibility rules specific to minor parents are included in this category rather than in the more general category for eligibility rules by number/type of parents or caretakers.
Special Issues:
- The Unit Type key variable in the header record are coded as "all," rather than "minor parents," for consistency with the key variable coding of other categories dealing with demographic eligibility rules.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.B.3 for Eligibility of units headed by minor parents | Special Rules Imposed on Minor Parent Eligibility |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
EligMinorParDefinition | em_defmp | Describes the state’s or territory's definition of who qualifies as a minor parent. |
EligMinorParYoungestAge | em_agehd | Indicates the minimum age at which an unmarried parent can receive benefits as the head of an assistance unit. |
EligMinorParOldestAge | em_rdage | Describes the oldest age at which residency requirements are imposed on unmarried parents. |
EligMinorParResidencyParGuard | em_rdprt | Indicates whether living with a parent or legal guardian fulfills the minor parent's residency requirement. |
EligMinorParResidencyOtherAdult | em_rdrel | Indicates whether living with an adult relative other than a parent fulfills the minor parent's residency requirement. |
EligMinorParResidencySupervisedHome | em_rdhme | Indicates whether living in an adult supervised home fulfills the minor parent's residency requirement. |
EligMinorParResidencyCustodian | em_rdcvt | Indicates whether living with a conservator or legal custodian fulfills the minor parent's residency requirement. |
EligMinorParDatabookRecord | em_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility flag |
Family Caps captures whether a state or territory limits the incremental increase in benefits for units which give birth to another child while receiving aid. The category also provides details regarding the percentage by which the incremental benefit is reduced, how long an assistance unit must be on AFDC/TANF to be affected by the family cap and the children that are exempt from the policy.
[Read the Full category documentation for Family caps]Description:
A family cap limits the increase in benefits a recipient unit can receive after the birth of another child. Family caps were not a standard provision in AFDC programs. Only under waiver authority were states and territores able to implement a family cap. State and territory policies varied in the percentage by which the incremental benefit is reduced and how long a family must be on AFDC to be affected by the family cap.
Overlap Issues:
- Information regarding special earned income disregards for families affected by family caps is located in the Earned Income Disregards category.
- This category indicates whether or not a capped child's income, such as child support, is counted in determining eligibility. This overlaps with the Child Support and Countable Income categories.
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table IV.B.1 for Family caps | Family Cap Policies |
Download databook table L10 for Family caps | Family Cap Policies (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
FamCapExist | fc_exist | Indicates whether or not the state or territory has a family cap provision. |
FamCapDate | fc_1date | Specifies the date when family cap policy was first implemented in the state or territory. |
FamCapMonthChildExclu | fc_m1mon | Describes the number of months following the case opening after which a newborn child is excluded from the assistance unit. |
FamCapPrevExcluChild | fc_m2mon | Captures the required number of months a family must be off assistance before the capped child can be counted as a member of the unit. |
FamCapInclAfterXMonthsNonReceipt | fc_m3mon | Captures the minimum number of months between spells of assistance required for a child born/conceived during a period of non-receipt to be included in the unit. |
FamCapInclIfBornOrConceivedNonReceipt | fc_nonrc | Captures whether a child is included as a member of the unit if conceived, born or either during a period of non-receipt. |
FamCapBenRedPerCappedChild | fc_%redc | Indicates the percent of the incremental increase in benefits which the family does not receive for the first capped child and each subsequent child. |
FamCapCappedChildInclElig | fc_chelg | Indicates whether the child is included in the unit when determining need. |
FamCapChildSupptIncExclu | fc_chinc | Indicates whether the state or territory excludes the "capped" child's income (e.g. child support) when determining eligibility for the unit. |
FamCapChildExemptIfNonconsensual | fc_rpinc | Indicates whether a child conceived due to rape or incest is exempted from the family cap. |
FamCapChildResidencyinUnitExempt | fc_chout | Indicates whether a "capped" child that moves to another "child-only" unit is exempted from the family cap. |
FamCapFirstChildtoMinorParExempt | fc_1minr | Indicates whether the state or territory exempts the first births to minor parents from the family cap provision. |
FamCapOtherExemptions | fc_exoth | Captures any additional circumstances under which a child is exempt from the family cap. |
FamCapDatabookRecord | fc_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The Immunization and Health Screening category contains information on requirement and sanction policies. The variables include information on both children and adults, although the requirements usually apply only to children.
[Read the Full category documentation for Immunization and health screening policies]Description:
The Immunization and Health Screening Policies category contains information on requirement and sanction policies. The variables include information on both children and adults, although the requirements usually apply only to children.
Immunization and Health Screening Requirements:
Variables include standard immunizations, regular health check-ups, and other requirements, such as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT).
Immunization and Health Screening Sanctions:
This category includes sanctions resulting from the failure to meet immunization and/or health screening requirements.
The consequence of failing to meet a requirement is coded as a sanction only if it results in a direct penalty. Most often, this penalty is financial. Requiring the distribution of benefits through a protective payee is also considered a sanction because it directly impacts the receipt of benefits. However, consequences designed to avoid a financial or other direct penalty are considered conciliation processes, not sanctions. For example, consequences such as discussing the problem with a case worker, developing a formal plan for addressing the problem and even "probationary periods" in which the requirement becomes more stringent are forms of conciliation and therefore are not included as a sanction.
The database only contains the worst case sanction for immunization and health screening non-compliance. For example, if there are two sanctions, a $25 reduction in benefits for the first offense and a 50% reduction for any further non-compliance, only the 50% reduction is coded. If, however, there is a sanction for immunization non-compliance and a sanction for health screening non-compliance, both sanction are coded in the worst case sanction variable.
Under AFDC, states and territories could have immunization and health screening sanctions only under a waiver. TANF neither requires nor prohibits immunization and health screening sanctions.
Overlap Issues:
- The existence of Immunization and Health Screening requirements is also recorded in the Contracts & Agreements category.
Special Issues:
- For consistency, when a state or territory indicates that a policy applies to children, dependent children or minor children, the variable capturing who the policy applies to should be coded "All children" and when the policy indicates children under 6, the variable should be coded "Preschool age children".
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table III.A.1 for Immunization and health screening policies | Behavioral Requirements |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
HealthReqAnyReq | im_rqany | Captures whether the state or territory has an immunization and/or health screening requirement. |
HealthReqImmunizationsReq | im_imreq | Captures whether the state or territory has an immunization requirement. |
HealthReqImmunizationsReqFor | im_imwho | Identifies who must receive immunizations. |
HealthReqHealthScreeningReq | im_hsreq | Captures whether the state or territory requires annual health checkups. |
HealthReqHealthScreeningReqFor | im_hswho | Identifies who must receive annual health checkups. |
HealthReqOtherReq | im_rqoth | Captures whether other immunization or health screening policies are required. |
HealthReqOtherReqDescribe | im_othex | Describes any requirements other than immunizations and regular checkups. |
HealthReqMostSevereSanc | im_wsanc | Describes the most severe penalty imposed on the unit for non-compliance with any other health and/or immunization requirements. |
HealthReqDatabookRecord | im_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
In-kind Income captures whether or not a state counts the value of housing assistance and/or food stamps as unearned income for purposes of determining welfare eligibility and benefits.
[Read the Full category documentation for In kind income]Description:
Starting in 1981, states and territories had the option to count a portion of the value of housing assistance and/or food stamps as unearned income for purposes of determining AFDC eligibility and benefits. Under TANF, states and territories have complete discretion in what they include in their definition of income. Only a few states and territories used this option under AFDC, but recently the number of states and territories using this policy has increased.
Overlap Issues:
- None
Special Issues:
- None
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
InKindIncPubOrSubHousing | ik_house | Indicates whether a state or territory counts some portion of housing assistance as unearned income in determining eligibility and benefits. |
InKindIncSNAP | ik_fstmp | Indicates whether a state or territory counts some portion of Food Stamps as unearned income in determining eligibility and benefits. |
InKindIncDatabookRecord | ik_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Income and Assets of Children indicates whether the income, earned and unearned, of children in an assistance unit is excluded when determining the unit's eligibility or benefit. In states and territories where children's income receives special treatment, details are provided concerning the specific type of children involved and the length of time their income is excluded.
[Read the Full category documentation for Income and assets of children]Description:
This category indicates whether the income, earned and unearned, of children in an assistance unit is excluded when determining the unit's eligibility or benefit. "Children" refers to individuals with child status under each state's or territory's AFDC/TANF definitions. In states and territories where children's income receives special treatment, details are provided concerning the specific type of children involved and the length of time their income is excluded.
Overlap Issues:
- Deductions from earned income of adults are captured in the Earned Income Disregards category. The rules captured in Earned Income Disregards also apply to the earned income of children if their income receives no special treatment.
- A complete exclusion of children's earnings could be considered a 100% disregard and could be coded in the earnings disregard category; however, the complete exclusion of children's earnings is captured in this category.
- Treatment of child support income is covered in the Child Support category.
- Deeming of income from persons outside the assistance unit is covered in the Deemed Income category.
Special Issues:
- The variable Unit Type is coded for "All" and only refers to children in an assistance unit.
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
IncAssetsChildSpecialTrtmnt | ic_sptmt | Indicates which type of children, if any, receive special treatment with regard to their earned income. |
IncAssetsIncExcluElig | ic_elmon | Indicates the number of months per year earnings of the children described in ic_sptmt are excluded when determining eligibility. |
IncAssetsIncExcluBen | ic_bnmon | Indicates the number of months per year earnings of the children described in ic_sptmt are excluded when determining an assistance unit's benefit. |
IncAssetsSummerIncTrtmnt | ic_summr | Captures whether a child's summer earnings are disregarded. |
IncAssetsChildSavingsTrtmnt | ic_trsav | Captures how a child's savings are treated when determining an assistance unit's eligibility and benefit. |
IncAssetsChildDatabookRecord | ic_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
Income Eligibility Tests outlines the details of any income eligibility tests in a state or territory, including gross income tests, net income tests, gross earnings tests, net earnings tests or unearned income tests.
[Read the Full category documentation for Income eligibility tests]Description:
Income eligibility tests began under AFDC and most states and territories continue to use them in their TANF programs. Under AFDC, recipients and applicants were subject to different sets of tests. Applicant assistance units had to pass two income tests in order to be eligible. First, a unit's gross earned and unearned income (before applying any earnings disregards) had to be less than 185 percent of the state's or territory's need standard. The need standard was based on each state's or territory's definition of the cost of meeting basic living needs for a family of a given size. Second, a unit's net income (earned after applying the earned income disregards plus unearned income) had to be less than the payment standard. After passing both of these tests, a unit was considered financially eligible, provided the value of their assets was below a designated level. Units who received benefits in the previous month only had to pass the gross income test. The net income test was implicit in the calculation of benefits. (See information under Special Issues)
Under waivers, a few states and territories made changes to income eligibility tests, such as removing the gross income test or setting income eligibility limits as a percentage of the federal poverty level. Changes to income eligibility limits were also made implicitly when states and territories changed need or payment standards or modified earnings disregards under waivers.
PRWORA did not specify the income eligibility tests that states and territories had to use under TANF, giving states and territories the flexibility to maintain the AFDC eligibility rules or create new ones.
Overlap Issues:
- The disregards used to determine net earned income are outlined in the Earned Income Disregard category.
- Earned and unearned income counted in determining gross and net income is outlined in the following categories: Countable Income, Income and Assets of Children, Deemed Income, In kind Income, Child Support and Family Caps.
- Definitions of State Dollar Amounts #1-3 are contained in the Dollar Amounts category.
- Dollar amounts for specific family sizes are described in the Dollar Amounts category.
Special Issues:
The distinction between calculating whether or not a family qualifies for a positive benefit and a net income test is not clear in many states and territories. As a result, the database is coded under a strict definition of whether tests designated by the state or territory are actually coded as tests. A rule referred to as a "test" by a state or territory is only coded as a test if the disregards and/or the dollar amounts used in that test differ from those used in calculating benefits. For example, under AFDC, some state and territory manuals stated that recipients must also pass a net income test in order to receive benefits. Net earned income was calculated by subtracting the $90 work expense disregard, the $30 and 1/3 disregard (provided the time limit on these disregards had not expired for the unit) and, the appropriate child care deductions from the unit's gross earned income. Net income was then calculated by adding the unit's net earned income to their unearned income. If this net income was less than the payment standard for the appropriate family size, the unit was considered eligible. In calculating the benefit for a recipient family, the same disregards were applied to gross earned income and then the same total net income was subtracted from the payment standard. In this case, the disregards and dollar amounts used in the net income test and the benefit calculation were the same. Consequently, the net income test described by the state or territory was not coded in the database. In this case, the benefit computation is an implicit eligibility test, even though the state or territory calls it a net income test.
Under AFDC and under many state and territory TANF plans, states and territories have different tests for applicants and recipients. Therefore, two records are coded for most states and territories.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.E.1 for Income eligibility tests | Income Eligibility Tests for Applicants |
Download databook table I.E.3 for Income eligibility tests | Eligibility Standards |
Download databook table I.E.4 for Income eligibility tests | Maximum Income for Initial Eligibility for a Family of Three |
Download databook table IV.A.4 for Income eligibility tests | Income Eligibility Tests for Recipients |
Download databook table IV.A.5 for Income eligibility tests | Earned Income Disregards for Continuing Income Eligibility Purposes |
Download databook table IV.A.6 for Income eligibility tests | Maximum Income for Ongoing Eligibility for a Family of Three |
Download databook table L3 for Income eligibility tests | Maximum Income for Initial Eligibility for a Family of Three (Longitudinal) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
IncEligTestsGrossIncTest | et_gsinc | Indicates whether the state or territory has any test that compares gross income (unearned income plus earned income without disregards) to an income threshold. |
IncEligTestsGrossIncTestPercent | et_gits% | Describes the percent by which the threshold is multiplied for the gross income test. |
IncEligTestsGrossIncTestThrshld | et_githr | Indicates the threshold against which gross income is compared. |
IncEligTestsGrossEarningsTest | et_gsern | Indicates whether the state or territory has any test that compares gross earnings (earned income without disregards) to an income threshold. |
IncEligTestsGrossEarningsTestPercent | et_gets% | Describes the percent by which the threshold is multiplied for the gross earnings test. |
IncEligTestsGrossEarningsTestThrshld | et_gethr | Indicates the threshold against which gross earnings is compared. |
IncEligTestsNetIncTest | et_ntinc | Indicates whether the state or territory has any test that compares net income (unearned income plus earned income with disregards) to an income threshold. |
IncEligTestsNetIncTestPercent | et_nits% | Describes the percent by which the threshold is multiplied for the net income test. |
IncEligTestsNetIncTestThrshld | et_nithr | Indicates the threshold against which net income is compared. |
IncEligTestsNetEarningsTest | et_ntern | Indicates whether the state or territory has any test that compares net earnings (earned income with disregards) to an income threshold. |
IncEligTestsNetEarningsTestPercent | et_nets% | Describes the percent by which the threshold is multiplied for the net earnings test. |
IncEligTestsNetEarningsTestThrshld | et_nethr | Indicates the threshold against which net earnings are compared. |
IncEligTestsUnearnedIncTest | et_unern | Indicates whether the state or territory has any test that compares unearned income to an income threshold. |
IncEligTestsUnearnedIncTestPercent | et_uets% | Describes the percent by which the threshold is multiplied for the unearned income test. |
IncEligTestsUnearnedIncTestThrshld | et_uethr | Indicates the threshold against which unearned income is compared. |
IncEligTestsDatabookRecord | et_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category is designed to capture activities and school bonuses that apply only to minor parents, as defined by each state or territory. While some states and territories capture activities required of minor parents in their activities/work programs (information coded in the Activities Exemptions, Activities Requirements, and Activities Sanctions categories), other states and territories consider minor parent requirements a separate issues/policy. This category insures that the database captures the requirements specific to minor parents, regardless of their exemption status in the Activities categories. However, these requirements may also be captured in the Activities Requirements categories if the state or territory considers these requirements part of their overall work/activity program.
[Read the Full category documentation for Minor parent activities and bonuses]Description:
This category is designed to capture activities requirements and school bonuses that apply only to minor parents, as defined by each state or territory. While some states and territories capture activities required of minor parents in their activities/work programs (information coded in the Activities Exemptions, Activities Requirements and Activities Sanctions categories), other states and territories consider minor parent requirements a separate issue/policy. This category was created to insure that the database captures the requirements specific to minor parents, regardless of their exemption status in the Activities categories. However, these requirements may also be captured in the Activities Requirements category if the state or territory considers these requirements part of their overall work/activity program.
This category divides minor parents into two groups: those without a high school diploma or GED and those with a high school diploma or a GED. The section pertaining to minor parents without a diploma or GED contains variables designed to capture the school requirements and/or work requirements that apply to these minor parents. This section also contains variables that indicate the circumstances under which minor parents are excused from meeting these requirements and the consequences for not meeting the requirements.
The second section provides information regarding the requirements of minor parents with a diploma or a GED. The first variable in this section describes the activity requirements for minor parents who have a high school diploma or GED. The remaining variables outline the consequences of not meeting the requirements and which minor parents are exempted from the requirements.
In addition to these two section, the final section in this category outlines the details of any school bonuses that apply to minor parents. In some states and territories, the monthly benefit for minor parents is increased if these parents meet specific school achievements. This category outlines the requirements necessary to receive a bonus, to whom the bonuses are available, as well as the value of the bonuses.
Overlap issues:
·This category may contain replicated information from the Activities Exemptions, Activities Requirements and Activities Sanctions categories because those category outline each state's or territory's work/activity program exactly as it is described in their manual. This category extracts the information relevant to minor parents from that program as well as any other additional program rules that apply to minor parents, 17 years old or younger
·School Policies for Dependent Children contains information regarding school requirements and bonuses for dependent children in the unit. While some states and territories treat minor parents as dependent children in a larger unit, the database only contains information regarding dependent children without children of their own in the School Policies for Dependent Children category. Information regarding school requirements and bonuses for all minor parents (including minor parents that some states and territories consider dependent children) are coded in this category.
Special Issues:
n.a.
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
MinorParActvReqNoDiplOrGEDReq | ma_noged | Describes the type of activities required of minor parents who do not have a high school diploma or GED. |
MinorParActvReqNoDiplOrGEDReqDescribe | ma_ngdsc | Explains any relevant details associated with the activities requirements for minor parents who do not have a high school diploma or GED. |
MinorParActvReqNoDiplOrGEDReqExempt | ma_ngexp | Describes the circumstances under which minor parents (who do not have a high school diploma or GED) do not have to meet the requirements described. |
MinorParActvReqNoDiplOrGEDReqSanc | ma_ngsnc | Describes the consequences/sanctions for minor parents (who do not have a high school diploma or GED) who do not participate in the required activities. |
MinorParActvReqDiplomaOrGEDReq | ma_hvged | Indicates how a minor parent with a high school diploma or GED is treated. |
MinorParActvReqDiplomaOrGEDDescribe | ma_hgdif | Explains activity requirements specific to minor parents with a high school diploma or GED, if different from all individuals descried in Activities Requirements |
MinorParActvReqDiplomaOrGEDExempt | ma_hgexp | Describes the circumstances under which minor parents (who have a high school diploma or GED) are not required to meet the requirements described. |
MinorParActvReqDiplomaOrGEDSanct | ma_hgsnc | Describe the consequences/sanctions for minor parents (who have a high school diploma or GED) who do not participate in the required activities. |
MinorParActvReqSchoolBonus | ma_bonus | Indicates whether the state or territory offers school bonuses to minor parents |
MinorParActvReqSchoolBonusDescribe | ma_sbwhy | Describes the reasons why a minor parent may receive a school bonus |
MinorParActvReqSchoolBonusElig | ma_sbwho | Describes which minor parents are potentially eligible for school bonuses |
MinorParActvReqSchoolBonusAmntFreq | ma_sbamt | Describes the amount of the minor parent's school bonus and any information regarding how often the unit may receive a school bonus |
MinorParActvReqSchoolBonusNotes | ma_sboth | Captures any additional information on the state’s or territory’s school bonuses for minor parents. |
MinorParActvReqDatabookRecord | ma_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category capures policies of Non-Parent Caretakers.
[Read the Full category documentation for Other Non-Parent Caretaker Policies]Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
NonParCaretakerInclCaretakerIncTrtmnt | np_inclinc | Captures when the nonparent caretaker is included in the assistance unit, is his or her income counted. |
NonParCaretakerInclCaretakerAssetTrtmnt | np_inclasset | Captures when the nonparent caretaker is included in the assistance unit, are his or her assets counted. |
NonParCaretakerExcluCaretakerIncTrtmnt | np_exclinc | Captures When the nonparent caretaker is not included in the assistance unit, is his or her income counted. |
NonParCaretakerExcludedCaretakerAssetTrtmnt | np_exclasset | Captures when the nonparent caretaker is not included in the assistance unit, are his or her assets counted. |
NonParCaretakerInclCaretakerActvReq | np_inclwork | Captures when the nonparent caretaker is included in the assistance unit, is he or she required to participate in work activity requirements. |
NonParCaretakerExcluCaretakerActvReq | np_exclwork | Captures when the nonparent caretaker is not included in the assistance unit, is he or she required to participate in work activity requirements. |
NonParCaretakerDatabookRecord | np_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category includes information on school-related requirements, school-related sanctions and school-related bonuses. All variables in the category only apply to dependent children in the assistance unit.
[Read the Full category documentation for School policies for dependent children]Description:
The School Policies for Dependent Children category includes information on school-related requirements, school-related sanctions and school-related bonuses. All variables in the category apply only to dependent children in the assistance unit.
School Requirements:
Under states' or territorys' general laws, all school-age children are required to attend school. For our purposes, however, a policy is considered a school requirement only if the state's or territory's manual explicitly mentions it as a requirement for cash assistance. These policies may require children to attend school, to achieve at least a minimal grade point average and/or parents to be involved in their children's education in some way.
School Sanctions:
A school sanction results when an assistance unit fails to meet one or more of the states' or territorys' school requirements.
The consequence of failing to meet a requirement is coded as a sanction only if it results in a direct penalty. Most often, this penalty is financial. Requiring the distribution of benefits through a protective payee is also considered a sanction because it directly impacts the receipt of benefits. However, consequences designed to avoid a financial or other direct penalty are considered conciliation processes, not sanctions. For example, consequences such as discussing the problem with a case worker, developing a formal plan for addressing the problem and even "probationary periods" in which the requirement becomes more stringent are forms of conciliation and therefore are not included as a sanction.
The maximum and minimum sanction amount and duration are coded for each school requirement.
School Bonuses:
These variables capture financial incentives for assistance units whose children meet specific attendance or achievement standards. So, whereas school sanctions penalize assistance units that do not meet school requirements, school bonuses reward units that do meet certain standards.
Some states and territories may have more than one bonus. The form only contains one set of variables for any and all school bonuses. So, if states or territories do have more than one bonus, they are all coded in the same field. For example, "Bonus 1: $25; Bonus 2: $50; Bonus 3: $100, etc".
Under AFDC, states and territories could only impose school policies using waivers. TANF neither requires nor prohibits school policies.
Overlap Issues:
- This category includes information on school policies for dependent children only. It does not cover school requirements, sanctions or bonuses for minor parents. Those policies are included in the Minor Parent Activities Requirements and Bonuses category.
It is possible that school bonuses could overlap with the Benefit Computation category. In Virginia there is a small school attendance demonstration project in three middle schools. The families of children participating in the program have their benefits calculated at 100% of the state or territory standard of need instead of the usual 90% of need, provided they meet school attendance, achievement, and involvement goals. Instead of creating new records for Virginia in the Benefit Computation category, the increased benefit level is treated as a school bonus.
Some states and territories allow individuals ages 18 and 19 who have not completed school, to remain eligible if they stay in school and are scheduled to complete their degree by the age of 19. Although, this may seem like a school requirement specifically for 18 and 19 year olds, it is really an eligibility issue. Consequently, it is captured in the Eligibility of Individual Family Members category.
Special Issues:
- A record should be coded for every state or territory/year even if they do not have any School Policies.
- The "unit type" should be coded "all", even though the policies generally apply only to the children in the unit.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table III.A.1 for School policies for dependent children | Behavioral Requirements |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
SchoolReqAnyReq | sp_screq | Captures whether the state or territory has any school requirements. |
SchoolReqAttendReq | sp_attnd | Captures whether school attendance is required. |
SchoolReqAttendReqDescribe | sp_atdef | Explains what the state or territory means by school attendance. |
SchoolReqAttendReqFor | sp_atwho | Captures which children are required to attend school. |
SchoolReqAttendSanc | sp_atsnc | Captures the minimum and maximum sanction that could be applied to a unit’s benefit if they do not comply with the school attendance requirement in the state or territory. The variable also includes the length of time each sanction is imposed. |
SchoolReqParInvolvedReq | sp_prent | Captures whether parents are required to be involved in their children's education in any way other than encouraging school attendance. |
SchoolReqParInvolvedReqDescribe | sp_ptdef | Explains any school-related parental involvement required other than encouraging school attendance. |
SchoolReqParInvolvedReqSanc | sp_ptsnc | Captures the minimum and maximum sanction that could be applied to an assistance unit’s benefit if they do not comply with the parental involvement requirement in the state or territory. The variable also discusses the length of time each sanction is imposed on the unit. |
SchoolReqSchoolAchievementReq | sp_achve | Captures whether students are required to achieve at least minimum school standards. |
SchoolReqSchoolAchievementReqDescribe | sp_acdef | Describes any school achievement requirements. |
SchoolReqSchoolAchievementReqFor | sp_acwho | Captures the age or grade range of children who must meet school achievement requirements. |
SchoolReqSchoolAchievementSanc | sp_acsnc | Captures the minimum and maximum sanction that could be applied to a unit’s benefit if they do not comply with the school achievement requirement in the state or territory. The variable also includes the length of time each sanction is imposed on the unit. |
SchoolReqCumulativeSancDescribe | sp_snctn | Captures the interaction between sanctions and/or whether the sanctions are imposed simultaneously or consecutively (if the unit is not complying with more than one requirement) . |
SchoolReqSchoolBonus | sp_bonus | Identifies whether any school bonuses are offered for compliance with school requirements. |
SchoolReqSchoolBonusDescribe | sp_bndef | Describes what a recipient must do to receive the school bonus (e.g. 'graduation from high school'; 'C average or better'). |
SchoolReqSchoolBonusFor | sp_bnwho | Identifies who is categorically eligible to receive the bonus (e.g. 'All children under 16'). |
SchoolReqSchoolBonusAmntFreq | sp_bnamt | Describes the dollar or other value of the school bonus (e.g. '$100'; 'AFDC benefits calculated at 100% of the State's standard of need.') and the amount of time the bonus is allowed (some options are 'One time bonus' or 'monthly benefit increase'). |
SchoolReqSchoolBonusNotes | sp_bnoth | Captures any additional information regarding school policies. |
SchoolReqDatabookRecord | sp_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The Time Limits category describes the various limits that either terminate or reduce an assistance unit's benefits due to the amount of time that they have received aid. Note that time limits which require a unit head to do something in order to continue receiving assistance, such as work activity time limits are not captured in this category. Only time limits that affect the unit's benefit are discussed in this category.
[Read the Full category documentation for Time limits]Description:
The Time Limits category describes the various limits that either terminate or reduce an assistance unit's benefits due to the amount of time they have received aid. Note that time limits which require a unit head to do something in order to continue receiving assistance, such as work activity time limits are not captured in this category. Only time limits that affect the unit's benefit are discussed in this category.
AFDC:
There was no limit on the number of months an assistance unit could receive benefits under AFDC; however, some states and territories were granted waivers that introduced time limits to all or portions of the state or territory. Time limits can either terminate or reduce a unit's benefits after a set period of time. Most states and territories did exempt certain groups of people from time limits or granted an extension to certain groups after the time limit was reached.
PRWORA:
The federal government restricts TANF assistance to 60 months. This means, unless an assistance unit is exempted, they may only receive 60 months of benefits in their lifetime. States and territories have the option to exempt up to 20% of the caseload from the 60 month rule, in any way that they choose. However, if the state or territory wants to provide benefits to more than 20% of the caseload for more than five years, the recipients must be funded using state or territory money.
State and territory Options:
States and territories may not use TANF funds to provide benefits to unit's after the head has been receiving for more than 60 months; however, states do have several options. States and territories...
- may limit benefits to less than 60 months.
- may use state or territory funds to provide benefits to units after the 60 month limit has expired.
- that had a waiver before the reform are allowed to continue the waiver if they are less restrictive than the federal regulations.
- may employ any type or combination of time limits they choose.
Description of Time Limit Types:
States and territories have developed several different types of time limits that either reduce benefits, limit the number of consecutive months a unit can receive benefits or terminate benefits. Often states and territories use a combinations of time limits. The following describes the types of time limits captured in this category.
Lifetime Limit
Limits the number of months an assistance unit is able to receive benefits over the unit's lifetime. In other words, there is a finite number of months in which an assistance unit is eligible for benefits. The federal lifetime limit is 60 months, however, states and territories have the option to extend or shorten this limit. The months of assistance do not need to be accumulated consecutively.
Periodic Limit
Limits the number of months an assistance unit may receive benefits within a given period of time. Basically, the unit is eligible for a specified number of benefit months within another specified period of time. For example, if the periodic limit is 12 out of 24 months, the assistance unit may only receive 12 months of benefits in any 24 month period. This time limit does not require the unit to use the 12 months consecutively. A unit may, for example, receive benefits for 2 months, leave assistance for 4 months and receive another 10 months of benefits. To determine if an assistance unit is eligible in a given month, the state or territory calculates the number of months, during the previous 24, the unit received benefits. If the number of months in which benefits were received equals 12, the unit is not eligible. If the number of months is less than 12, the unit is eligible for another month of benefits. So, the 24 months is not static from the point the unit first received benefits, but can be any 24 month period.
Benefit Waiting Period
Under this type of limit, an assistance unit is ineligible for benefits for a specified number of months after they have received benefits for another specified number of months. For example, a unit is ineligible for benefits for 12 months after they have received benefits for 24 months. It does not matter how long it takes the unit to accumulate the initial 24 months, the unit is ineligible for 12 months after 24 months of receipt.
Benefit Reduction Limit
This type of limit does not terminate benefits, but it reduces an assistance unit's benefit after a specified number of months of receipt. The benefit reduction is usually permanent and does not stem from a sanction or noncooperation. Even if the unit fulfills every requirement, the unit's benefit will be reduced. Often the reduction is equivalent to the unit head's portion of the benefit. Sometimes, the reduced amount is returned to the family in the form of a voucher payment or given to a third-party as payment.
Note: If a periodic or benefit waiting period time limit does not result in the termination of benefits for the entire unit, but rather the unit head is removed (or the benefit is reduced), the limit is coded in the section devoted to the periodic or benefit waiting period and information about the benefit reduction is provided in the notes variable for that time limit.
Extensions and exemptions:
As mentioned above, the federal government allows states and territories to exempt up to 20% of their caseload from the 60 month time limit. The state or territory has full discretion in choosing which groups, if any, they exempt. Exemptions and extensions are two ways to exclude individuals from the 60 month time limit. Often state and territory definitions of and the distinction between extensions and exemptions is vague, but they can affect people in very different ways. Essentially, they do the same thing. The month that is exempted or extended is not counted toward a unit's time limit. However, if a person is exempted from the time limit, the clock stops for the unit as long as the circumstances exist. So, when their circumstances change and the clock again begins to tick, they still have 60 months of benefits. Extensions, on the other hand, only occur after the unit has reached their time limit. If the unit reaches the time limit, but meets certain criteria, their benefits will continue as long as they qualify for the extension. However, when the unit no longer meets the extension criteria, they are ineligible for assistance.
Both extensions and exemptions allow an assistance unit to remain eligible for another month. However, exemptions stop the time limit clock, while extensions only delay ineligibility for another month.
Overlap Issues:
- Work-Related Time Limits are discussed in the Activities Requirement category
Special Issues:
This category contains seven separate sections; Time Limits, Lifetime Limits, Periodic Time Limits, Benefit Waiting Period, Benefit Reduction Limits, Exemptions and Extensions, and Additional Information.
The first and last sections, Time Limits and Additional Information, address general issues related to the states' or territorys' time limit policies.
Four sections: Lifetime Limits, Periodic Time Limits, Benefit Waiting Period, Benefit Reduction Limits, describe the specifics of state or territory time limit policies. Each time limit policy contains A, B, and C variables that identify the number of months and units covered by the limit. The three variables (A, B, C) are only used if the time limit policy varies by unit type or characteristic of a unit member. For example, if the state or territory allows units with children under the age of six to receive benefits for 60 months, while units with no children under age six are only allowed to receive benefits for 48 months, Lifetime Limits A and B are coded. Limit A is coded for units with children under age six and Limit B is coded for units with no children under age six. Each section follows this same logic. Whenever a time limit policy varies by unit type or characteristic of a unit member, the limits are coded separately within one record.
The final section, Extensions and Exemption, identifies which time limits exempt or extend months for various types of situations.
The "Unit Type" variable in the header record is always coded "all". Any unit variation is coded in the record.
April 1999, the final Federal Regulation on TANF were released. The federal government clarified their position on state and territory waivers and the federal 60 month limit. They indicate that any months during which a non-exempt head of household receives TANF funded assistance under a waiver will count toward the federal time limit. Therefore, in addition to the state or territory time limit, there is also a 60 month lifetime limit that applies retroactively to all recipients as of the date TANF began or first month of receipt under the waiver, whichever is later. A note to this affect is included in the additional notes section for states and territories that have a waiver without a lifetime limit.
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table IV.C.1 for Time limits | State Time Limit Policies |
Download databook table IV.C.2-A for Time limits | Time Limit Exemption Policies |
Download databook table IV.C.2-B for Time limits | Time Limit Exemption Policies (continued) |
Download databook table IV.C.3-A for Time limits | Time Limit Extension Policies |
Download databook table IV.C.3-B for Time limits | Time Limit Extension Policies (continued) |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
TimeLimitsType | tl_types | Describes which combination of time limits the state or territory employs |
TimeLimitsMaxMonthsLifetimeLimitA | tl_lamos | Describes the maximum number of months an assistance unit is eligible for benefits for the Group described in Lifetime Limit A |
TimeLimitsLifetimeLimitAAppliesTo | tl_lawho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Lifetime Limit A. |
TimeLimitsMaxMonthsLifetimeLimitB | tl_lbmos | Describes the maximum number of months an assistance unit is eligible for benefits for the group described in Lifetime Limit B |
TimeLimitsLifetimeLimitBAppliesTo | tl_lbwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Lifetime Limit B |
TimeLimitsMaxMonthsLifetimeLimitC | tl_lcmos | Describes the maximum number of months an assistance unit is eligible for benefits for the group described in Lifetime Limit C |
TimeLimitsLifetimeLimitCAppliesTo | tl_lcwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Lifetime Limit C |
TimeLimitsLifetimeLimitImplemented | tl_limpl | Captures the Lifetime Limit implementation date. |
TimeLimitLifetimeLimitClockStarts | tl_lwhen | Describes when the Lifetime Limit begins for the assistance unit |
TimeLimitsLifetimeLimitNotes | tl_lloth | Includes any special notes on Lifetime Limits. |
TimeLimitsXMonthsPeriodicLimitA | tl_paxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits in Periodic Limit A. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsYMonthsPeriodicLimitA | tl_paymo | Captures the period (Y) in which the assistance unit may acculmulate benefits in Periodic Limit A. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitAAppliesTo | tl_pawho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Periodic Limit A. |
TimeLimitsXMonthsPeriodicLimitB | tl_pbxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits in Periodic Limit B. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsYMonthsPeriodicLimitB | tl_pbymo | Captures the period (Y) in which the assistance unit may acculmulate benefits in Periodic Limit B. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitBAppliesTo | tl_pbwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Periodic Limit B. |
TimeLimitsXMonthsPeriodicLimitC | tl_pcxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits in Periodic Limit C. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsYMonthsPeriodicLimitC | tl_pcymo | Captures the period (Y) in which the assistance unit may acculmulate benefits in Periodic Limit C. The limit equals X months of assistance allowed during Y months. |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitCAppliesTo | tl_pcwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Periodic Limit C. |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitImplemented | tl_pimpl | Captures the Periodic Limit implementation date |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitClockStarts | tl_pwhen | Describes when the Periodic Limit begins for the assistance unit |
TimeLimitsPeriodicLimitNotes | tl_ploth | Includes any special notes on Periodic Limits |
TimeLimitsXMonthsBenWaitingPeriodA | tl_waxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits before ineligible in Benefit Waiting Period A. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsYMonthsBenWaitingPeriodA | tl_waymo | Captures the number of months an assistance unit is ineligible (Y) after receiving benefits for a certain number of months in Benefit Waiting Period A. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodAAppliesTo | tl_wawho | Describes the types of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Waiting Period A. |
TimeLimitsXMonthsBenWaitingPeriodB | tl_wbxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits before ineligible in Benefit Waiting Period B. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsYMonthsBenWaitingPeriodB | tl_wbymo | Captures the number of months an assistance unit is ineligible (Y) after receiving benefits for a certain number of months in Benefit Waiting Period B. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodBAppliesTo | tl_wbwho | Describes the types of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Waiting Period B. |
TimeLimitsXMonthsBenWaitingPeriodC | tl_wcxmo | Captures the number of months (X) an assistance unit may receive benefits before ineligible in Benefit Waiting Period C. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsYMonthsBenWaitingPeriodC | tl_wcymo | Captures the number of months an assistance unit is ineligible (Y) after receiving benefits for a certain number of months in Benefit Waiting Period C. The limit states, may receive X months of assistance, then ineligible for Y months |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodCAppliesTo | tl_wcwho | Describes the types of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Waiting Period C. |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodImplemented | tl_wimpl | Captures the Benefit Waiting Period implementation date |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodIClockStarts | tl_wwhen | Describes when the the Benefit Waiting Period begins for the assistance unit |
TimeLimitsBenWaitingPeriodNotes | tl_wpoth | Includes any special notes on Benefit Waiting Period |
TimeLimitsMonthsBenReductionLimitA | tl_ramos | Describes the number of months an assistance unit can receive benefits before their benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction A |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitAAppliesTo | tl_rawho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Reduction A |
TimeLimitsTypeBenReductionLimitA | tl_rahow | Describes how the benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction A |
TimeLimitsMonthsBenReductionLimitB | tl_rbmos | Describes the number of months an assistance unit can receive benefits before their benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction B |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitBAppliesTo | tl_rbwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Reduction B |
TimeLimitsTypeBenReductionLimitB | tl_rbhow | Describes how the benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction B |
TimeLimitsMonthsBenReductionLimitC | tl_rcmos | Describes the number of months an assistance unit can receive benefits before their benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction C |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitCAppliesTo | tl_rcwho | Describes the type of assistance units that are affected by Benefit Reduction C |
TimeLimitsTypeBenReductionLimitC | tl_rchow | Describes how the benefit is reduced in Benefit Reduction C |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitImplemented | tl_rimpl | Captures the Benefit Reduction implementation date |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitClockStarts | tl_rwhen | Describes when the Benefit Reduction Limit begins for the assistance unit |
TimeLimitsBenReductionLimitNotes | tl_rdoth | Includes any special notes on Benefit Reduction |
TimeLimitsExtensionType | tl_extyp | Captures how the extension policy is implemented in the state or territory. Basically, this variable describes if the state or territory has a set policy on granting extensions or if each case is evaluated on its own personal merits |
TimeLimitsreceivedBenOthrStateExemption | tl_steex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which benefits were received in another state or territory |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenOthrStateExtension | tl_steen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which benefits were received in another state or territory |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenOthrStateExtensionLength | tl_stelg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which benefits were received in another state or territory |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenWaiverExemption | tl_wavex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months, after TANF began, in which benefits were received under a waiver |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenWaiverExtension | tl_waven | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months, after TANF began, in which benefits were received under a waiver |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenWaiverExtensionLength | tl_wavlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months, after TANF began, in which benefits were received under a waiver |
TimeLimitsReceivedDiversionExemption | tl_divex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which a diversionary payment was received |
TimeLimitsReceivedDiversionExtension | tl_diven | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which a diversionary payment was received |
TimeLimitsReceivedDiversionExtensionLength | tl_divlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which a diversionary payment was received |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenMinorParExemption | tl_minex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which a minor parent received benefits as a unit head |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenMinorParExtensionLength | tl_minen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which a minor parent received benefits as a unit head |
TimeLimitsReceivedBenMinorParExtension | tl_minlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which a minor parent received benefits as a unit head |
TimeLimitsOlderAdultExemption | tl_eldex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head is elderly |
TimeLimitsOlderAdultExtension | tl_elden | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head is elderly |
TimeLimitsOlderAdultExtensionLength | tl_eldlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head is elderly |
TimeLimitsCaringForYoungChildExemption | tl_chlex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head is caring for a young child |
TimeLimitsCaringForYoungChildExtension | tl_chlen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head is caring for a young child |
TimeLimitsCaringForYoungChildExtensionLength | tl_chllg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head is caring for a young child |
TimeLimitsIllDisabledExemption | tl_illex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head is ill/incapacitated/disabled |
TimeLimitsIllDisabledExtension | tl_illen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head is ill/incapacitated/disabled |
TimeLimitsIllDisabledExtensionLength | tl_illlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head is ill/incapacitated/disabled |
TimeLimitsCaringForIllDisabledExemption | tl_creex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head cares for an ill/incapacitated/disabled adult relative or child |
TimeLimitsCaringForIllDisabledExtension | tl_creen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head cares for an ill/incapacitated/disabled adult relative or child |
TimeLimitsCaringForIllDisabledExtensionLength | tl_crelg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head cares for an ill/incapacitated/disabled adult relative or child |
TimeLimitsSubstUseTrtmntExemption | tl_tmtex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head participates in drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment |
TimeLimitsSubstUseTrtmntExtension | tl_tmten | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head participates in drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment |
TimeLimitsSubstUseTrtmntExtensionLength | tl_tmtlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head participates in drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment |
TimeLimitsDomesticViolenceExemption | tl_dvlex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the assistance unit is fleeing from or receiving treatment for domestic violence or abuse |
TimeLimitsDomesticViolenceExtension | tl_dvlen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the assistance unit is fleeing from or receiving treatment for domestic violence or abuse |
TimeLimitsDomesticViolenceExtensionLength | tl_dvllg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the assistance unit is fleeing from or receiving treatment for domestic violence or abuse |
TimeLimitsNotJobReadyExemption | tl_njrex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head is not job ready due to limited job skills, poor education, and/or illiteracy |
TimeLimitsNotJobReadyExtension | tl_njren | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head is not job ready due to limited job skills, poor education, and/or illiteracy |
TimeLimitsNotJobReadyExtensionLength | tl_njrlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head is not job ready due to limited job skills, poor education, and/or illiteracy |
TimeLimitsSuppServicesUnavailExemption | tl_nssex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which support services are not available |
TimeLimitsSuppServicesUnavailExtension | tl_nssen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which support services are not available |
TimeLimitsSuppServicesUnavailExtensionLength | tl_nsslg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which support services are not available |
TimeLimitsHighLocalUnemployExemption | tl_uneex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which jobs are unavailable due to high local unemployment |
TimeLimitsHighLocalUnemployExtension | tl_uneen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which jobs are unavailable due to high local unemployment |
TimeLimitsHighLocalUnemployExtensionLength | tl_unelg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for monthsin which jobs are unavailable due to high local unemployment |
TimeLimitsActivitiesNotReqExemption | tl_nrqex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which unit head is not required to participate in work activities |
TimeLimitsActivitiesNotReqExtension | tl_nrqen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which unit head is not required to participate in work activities |
TimeLimitsActivitiesNotReqExtensionLength | tl_nrqlg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which unit head is not required to participate in work activities |
TimeLimitsUnsubsidizedJobExemption | tl_jobex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which unit head works at an unsubsidized job |
TimeLimitsUnsubsidizedJobExtension | tl_joben | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which unit head works at an unsubsidized job |
TimeLimitsUnsubsidizedJobExtensionLength | tl_joblg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which unit head works at an unsubsidized job |
TimeLimitsEmploymentUnavailExemption | tl_copex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head has fully cooperated with program requirements and still cannot find employment |
TimeLimitsEmploymentUnavailExtension | tl_copen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head has fully cooperated with program requirements and still cannot find employment |
TimeLimitsEmploymentUnavailExtensionLength | tl_coplg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head has fully cooperated with program requirements and still cannot find employment |
TimeLimitsSanctionedUnitExemption | tl_sncex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit is sanctioned |
TimeLimitsSanctionedUnitExtension | tl_sncen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit is sanctioned |
TimeLimitsSanctionedUnitExtensionLength | tl_snclg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit is sanctioned |
TimeLimitsOtherDescribe1 | tl_ot1de | Describes any other extension/exemption (#1). |
TimeLimitsOtherExemption1 | tl_ot1ex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for Other #1. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtension1 | tl_ot1en | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for Other #1 |
TimeLimitsOtherExtensionLength1 | tl_ot1lg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for Other #1. |
TimeLimitsOtherDescribe2 | tl_ot2de | Describes any of other extension/exemption (#2). |
TimeLimitsOtherExemption2 | tl_ot2ex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for Other #2. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtension2 | tl_ot2en | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for Other #2. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtensionLength2 | tl_ot2lg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for Other #2. |
TimeLimitsOtherDescribe3 | tl_ot3de | Describes any other extension/exemption (#3). |
TimeLimitsOtherExemption3 | tl_ot3ex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for Other #3. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtension3 | tl_ot3en | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for Other #3. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtensionLength3 | tl_ot3lg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for Other #3. |
TimeLimitsOtherDescribe4 | tl_ot4de | Describes any other extension/exemption (#4). |
TimeLimitsOtherExemption4 | tl_ot4ex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for Other #4. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtension4 | tl_ot4en | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for Other #4. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtensionLength4 | tl_ot4lg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for Other #4. |
TimeLimitsOtherDescribe5 | tl_ot5de | Describes any other extension/exemption (#5). |
TimeLimitsOtherExemption5 | tl_ot5ex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for Other #5. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtension5 | tl_ot5en | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for Other #5. |
TimeLimitsOtherExtensionLength5 | tl_ot5lg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for Other #5. |
TimeLimitsNotesExemptExten | tl_exadd | Captures any additional notes on the application of extensions and exemptions. |
TimeLimitsMaxExtensions | tl_exmax | Captures the maximum number of extensions or maximum months of extended benefits. |
TimeLimitsNoLifetimeLimit | tl_nolmt | Describes the funding source or program change that occurs when a non-exempt assistance unit continues to receive benefits after they have reached the federal, state, or territory time limit. |
TimeLimitsCaseClosureEffect | tl_fsmef | Includes any information on how other programs, such as Food Stamps, child care, Medicaid and General Assistance, are affected by the termination of benefits due to the expiration of a time limit. |
TimeLimitsExcluParActvReq | tl_workreq | Captures when a parent is excluded from the assistance unit due to time limits, is he or she still required to participate in work-related activities. |
TimeLimitsPregnancyExemption | tl_pregex | Describes which time limit(s) exempt units for months in which the unit head is pregnant. |
TimeLimitsPregnancyExtension | tl_pregen | Describes which time limit(s) extend benefits to units for months in which the unit head |
TimeLimitsPregnancyExtensionLength | tl_preglg | Describes how long benefits are extended to units for months in which the unit head is pregnant |
TimeLimitsMonthOfPregnancy | tl_pregmo | Describes the month of pregnancy in which the unit head is exempt/receives an extension |
TimeLimitsOlderAdultAge | tl_eldyr | Describes the age (in years) in which the unit head is considered elderly for an exemption/extension |
TimeLimitsYoungChildAge | tl_chlmo | Unit head is exempt/receives an extension if caring for a child under X months. |
TimeLimitsDatabookRecord | tl_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
The Transitional Benefits category describes the services that assistance units are eligible for after losing AFDC/TANF benefits. This category focuses on transitional child care and transitional Medicaid; however, any other transitional benefits a state or territory offers are also captured in this category.
[Read the Full category documentation for Transitional benefits]Description:
The Transitional Benefits category describes the services that assistance units are eligible for after losing AFDC/TANF benefits. This category focuses on transitional child care and transitional Medicaid; however, any other transitional benefits a state or territory offers are also captured in this category.
Under AFDC, states and territories offered two type of transitional assistance to units that became ineligible for benefits due to increased earnings or the lose of certain earned income disregards: Transitional Child Care and Transitional Medicaid.
Transitional Child Care:
The Family Support Act of 1988 required states and territories, as of April 1990, to provide 12 months of Transitional Child Care (TCC) to former recipients who met two requirements. First, assistance units were only eligible for TCC if they lost benefits because their income exceeded the eligibility limits due to one of the following circumstances: an increase in wages, an increase in the number of hours worked or the expiration of an earned income disregard (see Overlap Issues for details). Second, units were only eligible if they received assistance for at least 3 out of the previous 6 months prior to losing benefits. In addition to these federal requirements, states and territories had the option of requiring units to pay a fee for TCC based on a sliding scale.
Transitional Medicaid Assistance:
Beginning April 1981, the federal government required states and territories to extend four months of Transitional Medicaid Assistance (TMA) to units who lost benefits due to increased earnings. The Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 expanded these Medicaid benefits. The states and territories were still required to provide 4 months of TMA to units who lost benefits due to increased earnings; however, beginning October 1984, states and territories were also required to provide 9 months of TMA to units who lost assistance due to the removal of the one-third earned income disregard. States and territories also had the option to provide 6 months of Medicaid for units that lost benefits due to the removal of the $30 and one-third earned income disregards.
The Family Support Act of 1988 revised the previous Transitional Medicaid benefits. Beginning April 1990, the federal government required states and territories to offer assistance units 12 months of TMA, provided the units met certain eligibility requirements. First, assistance units were only eligible for TMA if they lost benefits because their income exceeded the eligibility limits due to one of the following circumstances: an increase in wages, an increase in the number of hours worked or the expiration of an earned income disregard (see Overlap Issues for details). Second, units were only eligible if they received assistance for at least 3 out of the previous 6 months prior to losing benefits. Finally, after the first 6 months of TMA, units could only receive the additional 6 months if their gross earnings (net of child care expenses) were below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
In addition to these federal requirements, states and territories had the option of instituting other restrictions on TMA receipts.
During the second six months of TMA, states and territories could limit the scope of coverage, charge a premium for units with incomes above 100% of poverty and/or offer alternative sources of coverage, such as HMOs or state or territory run insurance plans. In addition to these options, states and territories could, in any of the 12 months, use Medicaid funds to pay the employee's portion of premiums if the unit received coverage from a new employer.
Under waiver demonstrations, many states and territories changed the duration of and eligibility restrictions for transitional benefits. Most states and territories extended TMA and TCC from 12 to 24 months and/or removed the 3 out of 6 months requirement. A few states and territories extended transitional benefits to units that were ineligible for reasons other than increased earnings.
Under TANF, states and territories are no longer required to operate TCC because child care funding is now dispersed through a separate child care block grant. However, many states and territories have continued their TCC programs. Although TCC is not required under TANF, the federal government still requires that states and territories provide 12 months of Medicaid for units that lose benefits due to increased earnings.
Overlap Issues:
- Expiration of earned income disregards refers to the elimination of the $30 and/or the one-third disregards. In addition to the $90 work expense disregard and the child care deduction under AFDC, states and territories allowed units to disregard $30 plus one-third of their remaining earnings for the first four months of consecutive earnings. After the first 4 months, units could disregard $30 of their earnings for an additional 8 months of consecutive earnings. After these 12 months, units were only allowed the $90 work expense and the child care disregard. More details regarding disregards are found in the Earned Income Disregard category.
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table IV.D.1 for Transitional benefits | Transitional Cash Benefits |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
TransitionalBenChildCareWho | tb_tcpvd | Indicates whether a state or territory provides Transitional Child Care to some or all former program participants. |
TransitionalBenChildCareElig | tb_tcltd | Indicates whether a state or territory limits Transitional Child Care benefits to cases that are closed because the unit’s income exceeds the eligibility limits due to increased hours of work, increased earnings or the expiration of earned income disregards. |
TransitionalBenChildCareCaseClosure | tb_tccls | Describes other situations in which a unit may lose benefits and still remain eligible for Transitional Child Care. |
TransitionalBenBenDurPriorChildCare | tb_tcdur | Describes the duration of prior assistance receipt required for a unit to be eligible for Transitional Child Care. |
TransitionalBenChildCareMonthsAvail | tb_tcmos | Indicates the number of months Transitional Child Care is available without income eligibility restrictions. |
TransitionalBenChildCareIncEligRestr | tb_tcres | Indicates whether the state or territory has any income eligibility restrictions for Transitional Child Care. |
TransitionalBenChildCareMaxInc | tb_tcmax | Describes the maximum income allowed to receive Transitional Child Care and how this restriction is applied. |
TransitionalBenChildCareNotes | tb_tcoth | Describes any additional rules that apply to Transitional Child Care. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidWho | tb_tmpvd | Indicates whether a state or territory provides Transitional Medicaid coverage to some or all former program participants. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidElig | tb_tmltd | Indicates whether a state or territory limits Transitional Medicaid to cases that are closed because the unit’s income exceeds the eligibility limits due to increased hours of work, increased earnings or the expiration of earned income disregards. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidCaseClosure | tb_tmcls | Describes other situations in which a unit may lose benefits and still remain eligible for Transitional Medicaid. |
TransitionalBenBenDurPriorMedicaid | tb_tmdur | Describes the duration of prior assistance receipt required for a unit to be eligible for Transitional Medicaid. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidMonthsAvail | tb_tmmos | Captures the number of months that Transitional Medicaid is available. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidNoFeesLength | tb_tmnof | Captures the length of time Transitional Medicaid is provided without fees. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidPremiumSchedule | tb_tmsch | Describes the premium schedule used for Transitional Medicaid after the period of no fees has been reached. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidMaxInc | tb_tmmax | Describes the maximum income rules for Transitional Medicaid. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidEmployerInsur | tb_tmemp | Indicates whether Medicaid funds can be used to pay an assistance unit's expenses for employer provided insurance during Transitional Medicaid receipt (Known as a "wraparound" option.) |
TransitionalBenMedicaidCoverageScope | tb_tmscp | Indicates whether the scope of Transitional Medicaid coverage is limited after the period of no fee has been reached. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidAltCoverage | tb_tmalt | Indicates whether states or territories offer any alternative medical coverage for former recipients. |
TransitionalBenMedicaidNotes | tb_tmoth | Describes additional rules that apply to Transitional Medicaid. |
TransitionalBenOtherBenefits | tb_other | Describes additional transitional benefits a state or territory provides (other than child care and medical benefits). |
TransitionalBenCashWho | tb_cbpvd | Indicates whether the state or territory provides a cash benefit to some or all participants transitioning off basic TANF assistance. |
TransitionalBenCashElig | tb_cbltd | Describes whether transitional cash benefits are limited to cases closed or facing case closure due to increased hours of work, increased earnings, or duration of work (sometimes referred to as worker supplement programs). |
TransitionalBenCashActvReqElig | tb_cbwor | Indicates whether the receipt of transitional cash benefits is tied to continuing participation in work activities. |
TransitionalBenCashMinWrkHrs | tb_cbhrs | If the receipt of transitional cash benefits is tied to work participation, indicates the minimum number of hours of work required. |
TransitionalBenCashBenAmount | tb_cbx$s | Indicates the dollar amount value per month of transitional cash benefits. |
TransitionalBenCashBenMonths | tb_cbymo | Indicates the duration (in months) of transitional cash benefits. |
TransitionalBenCashEmployment | tb_cbspe | Indicates whether the receipt of transitional cash benefits is limited to special needs related to employment, such as tools, professional fees, or uniform costs. |
TransitionalBenCashTimeLimitCounts | tb_cblim | Indicates whether the transitional cash benefit counts against the federal or, if applicable, state or territory time limit. |
TransitionalBenCashIncElig | tb_cbinc | Indicates whether the family's income must be below a certain level to begin or continue receiving the transitional cash benefits. |
TransitionalBenCashChildSuppTrtmnt | tb_cbcsc | Describes the effect of transitional cash benefit receipt on the state’s or territory's treatment of child support collections. |
TransitionalBenTransportWho | tb_ttpvd | Indicates whether transitional transportation assistance is provided to some or all former program participants. |
TransitionalBenTransportType | tb_tttyp | Describes the type of transitional transportation benefits offered. |
TransitionalBenTransportAmount | tb_ttx$s | Indicates the maximum dollar amount per month in transitional transportation benefits. |
TransitionalBenTransportMonths | tb_ttymo | Indicates the maximum duration of transitional transportation benefit receipt. |
TransitionalBenTransportElig | tb_ttltd | Indicates whether transitional transportation assistance is limited to cases closed due to increased hours of work, increased earnings, or duration of work. |
TransitionalBenCaseMngmntWho | tb_cmpvd | Indicates whether case management services (such as employment counseling, caseworker assistance with assessment, information, referrals, and self-sufficiency plan development) is provided for some or all program participants. |
TransitionalBenCaseMngmntElig | tb_cmltd | Indicates whether receipt of transitional case management services is limited to cases closed due to increased hours of work, increased earnings, or duration of work. |
TransitionalBenCaseMngmntMaxMonths | tb_cmmos | Indicates the maximum number of months case management services are available. |
TransitionalBenDatabookRecord | tb_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |
This category handles the Treatment of Additional Adults in Household
[Read the Full category documentation for Treatment of Additional Adults in Household]Description:
This category describes how states and territories treat noncaretaker adults living in the household with an assistance unit. These adults include adult relatives (e.g. mother living with her daughter and her daughter's children) living with a caretaker and their children, nonparent, partners (e.g. boyfriend with no children) living with the caretaker, or nonrelative, nonpartners (e.g. a friend of the mother heading the unit) living in the household. The adults described in this category do not have children of their own living in the household and are not the primary caretaker of any of the children in the household.
The category captures information about three types of information; which adults are eligible for benefits, how income of nonunit members is treated, and how shared shelter costs affect eligibility and benefits. In some states and territories, adults who live in the household but have no children living with them may be included in the assistance unit. If the adults are included in the unit, their income is counted like all other adult members of the unit. Generally, if the adult is not included in the unit, their income is not counted against the unit for eligibility or benefits. However, in some cases, states and territories may count some portion of the nonunit adult's income against the unit's eligibility or benefits. These policies are included in this category. Finally, some states and territories reduce benefits or provide lower eligibility thresholds for those assistance units that do not pay for all or any of their shelter costs. Often these policies are imposed only when the unit lives with a relative who pays the shelter costs; however, some states and territories reduce benefits when the unit lives with any adult who pays for the family's shelter (including a boyfriend or girlfriend).
Overlap Issues:
- Other eligibility information about individuals in the household is captured in the following categories: Eligibility of Individual Family Members, Inclusion of Noncitizens in the Unit, and Units Headed by Minor Parents.
- The Dollar Amounts category contains information on decreases in benefits for families living in public or subsidized housing. Most states and territories make a distinction between families that receive housing assistance from the government versus assistance from a friend or family member (i.e. they live with a family member who pays the rental costs). For those states and territories that do not make a distinction -- indicating that any family not paying for rent will receive a lower benefit -- the information should be coded in both categories.
Special Issues:
- None
Key Databook Tables that Use Information from this Category:
Download databook table I.B.10 for Treatment of Additional Adults in Household | Inclusion of SSI Recipients in the Assistance Unit |
Download databook table I.B.11 for Treatment of Additional Adults in Household | Inclusion of Nonparent Caretakers in the Assistance Unit |
Download databook table I.B.8 for Treatment of Additional Adults in Household | Treatment of Noncaretaker Adults in Household |
Detailed Variable Name | Legacy Variable Name | Description |
---|---|---|
AdditionalAdultsRelativeInHhldIncl | ta_relel | Indicates whether an adult relative (sometimes called an essential person) living in the household with a parent caretaker and children is included in the unit. |
AdditionalAdultsPartnerInHhldIncl | ta_parel | Indicates whether an adult, nonrelative partner (a boyfriend or girlfriend who is not the parent of a child in the unit) living in the household with a parent caretaker and children is included in the unit. |
AdditionalAdultsNonRelNonPartIncl | ta_nrnel | Indicates whether an adult, nonrelative nonpartner (e.g. an adult friend with no children) living in the household with a parent caretaker and children is included in the unit. |
AdditionalAdultsNonCaretakerIncTrtmnt | ta_incon | Indicates whether income of a noncaretaker adult who is living in the household but not included in the assistance unit is counted as unearned income toward the unit's eligibility or benefit calculations. |
AdditionalAdultsOthrAdultsIncTrtmnt | ta_inwho | Describes which types of adults' income are counted as unearned income. |
AdditionalAdultsNonCaretakerIncCounted | ta_inamt | Describes what portion of the noncaretaker adult's income is counted. |
AdditionalAdultsNonCaretakerIncCountedDescribe | ta_intes | Indicates whether the income counted from a noncaretaker adult is counted as unearned income toward the unit's eligibility and/or benefit calculations. |
AdditionalAdultsPaidShelterTrtmnt | ta_prora | Indicates whether a state or territory prorates benefits for units living in households with persons excluded from the unit. |
AdditionalAdultsEffect | ta_prwhn | Describes the circumstances under which proration is applied to the eligibility and/or benefit calculations of the unit. |
AdditionalAdultsLivingArrangEffect | ta_prwho | Indicates which living arrangements cause the state or territory to reduce the unit's benefits. |
AdditionalAdultsSharedShelterEffect | ta_pramt | Describes how the prorated benefit amount is calculated. |
AdditionalAdultsSharedShelterCalc | ta_prtes | Indicates whether the reduction in benefit for sharing shelter costs impacts the unit's eligibility and/or benefit calculations. |
AdditionalAdultsDatabookRecord | ta_DatabookRecord | DatabookRecord Eligibility Flag |