OFA Issues Program Instruction on Ensuring Access to Cash Assistance

The Office of Family Assistance published a Program Instruction (PI) on the adequate access provisions of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) EBT regulation. Section 4004 of Pub. L. 112-96, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, requires states to maintain policies and practices that prevent TANF-funded assistance from being used in any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction in any liquor store, casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment, or any retail establishment that provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. Public Law 112-96 also requires states to include in their state TANF plans an explanation of how the state will ensure that recipients of TANF assistance: have adequate access to their cash assistance; have access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fees or charges; and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance. The state must also ensure that such information is made publicly available. This PI provides examples of strategies that state TANF agencies may use to ensure access to cash assistance and minimize or eliminate fees for recipients, as required by law.