Our TANF cases have started to level out during 2001, and now are starting to increase, significantly. Are any of your states having this same increasing problem during 2001? And/or is there a national survey addressing this issue, that is current for 2001 or is it too soon for all the data to be in?

A representative from ASPE would like to identify any States that have developed statute procedures or written policies for reducing or suspending state child support debt when parents marry or re-marry. Washington and Vermont have taken steps to help parents who marry or re-marry handle any state child support debt that might have accumulated while they were not living together.

New Jersey is establishing a food bank benefit consisting of a three day supply of groceries with TANF funds for families whose income is below 250% of the State's poverty level. Their concerns are that the benefit not be considered assistance, and that monitoring of usage to preclude recurrent use will present an administrative burden that will discourage contractors from joining the program. The non-recurrent, short-term benefit exclusion to the definition of assistance requires that the benefit is not intended to meet recurrent needs. This implies that a State should monitor usage. We are advising the State that they could develop guidelines recommending notification to the appropriate State agency if the contractor notices that the family is using the food bank on an on-going basis. The State has requested to know what practices other states have developed to define, monitor and resolve recurrent usage of food bank benefits that are classified as non-assistance. Please provide the names of states with such food bank programs, a State contact person, and a brief description of how recurrent usage is defined, monitored and resolved. Results of survey will be provided.

In what ways are State using volunteers to serve clients?

What States have an easy to use on-line Policy and Procedures Manual? Is it a main frame system, internet or other?

What is the average (target) caseload size for staff overseeing the work activities? Please also describe the rationale for determining the caseload size.

A family is comprised of a mother, who is the head of household (but is not eligible for TANF assistance because she is receiving SSI), her live-in boyfriend (to whom she is not married), and their child in common. Do the months for which this family receives assistance count towards the time limit?

What States provide legal services to welfare recipients? Describe the types of legal services provided.

How are States defining "hardship" for the purposes of exemption clients from or extending TANF benefits beyond the State time limit?

Do any States provide bonuses to county or local agencies as a reward for successful program outcomes? If so, provide details on the purpose of the bonus and the types of agencies that are eligible to receive it.