Work First 102 - Short-Term Services and Benefits

II. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Emergency Assistance is designed to assist with families’ sporadic emergency needs, such as a utility cut-off or an eviction notice. All counties are required to operate Emergency Assistance Programs. The procedures for determining eligibility for and providing Emergency Assistance are described in each county’s Work First Plan.

To be eligible for Emergency Assistance:

• The family must have a child who lives with a relative as defined for Work First Family Assistance and who meets the age limit for Work First Family Assistance.
• Total gross family income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty, or a lower limit, if specified in the County Work First Plan.
• The caseworker may accept the family’s statement regarding U.S. citizenship, unless it is questionable. If in doubt, request appropriate verification from the individuals applying for benefits.
• The applicant(s) for benefits must meet all other eligibility requirements for Emergency Assistance that are included in the County Work First Plan.

Benefits provided through Emergency Assistance must not meet the TANF definition of assistance. Emergency Assistance is limited to:

• Nonrecurring, short-term benefits designed to deal with a specific episode of need;
• Not intended to meet recurring or ongoing needs; and
• Not extending beyond four months.

Document eligibility for emergency assistance in the family’s case record or in a separate emergency assistance file.