Located in:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:
b. Require a Parent or Caretaker Receiving Assistance to Engage in Work (defined by the State) Once the State Determines the Parent or Caretaker is Ready to Engage in Work, or Once He or She Has Received 24 Months of Assistance, Whichever is Earlier, Consistent with the Child Care Exception at 407(e)(2) (section 402(a)(1)(a)(ii) of the Social Security Act)
Current Narrative:
Assessment and Individualized Employment Plans.All applicants for Colorado Works are assessed no later than 30 days after the application date. The initial assessment focuses on identifying what services and assistance will support the family in achieving economic stability, and are particularly centered on obtaining meaningful employment. All assessments, both initial and ongoing, are individualized and include formal and informal evaluations to determine strengths and challenges to obtaining economic stability, such as recent work history and skills, education level, needs of the assistance unit, and other relevant factors. Counties may utilize specialized assessment tools, such as those for substance abuse or vocational interest, depending upon the circumstances of the family, in order to fully develop a suitable and individualized plan. All plans identify a goal for lasting economic security, and are intended to support not only the process components of work participation and verification, but the attainment of a long-term outcome or goal. Strategies and accommodations to address challenges are included in the individualized plan developed from the assessment, and roles are clearly delineated. A contract between the work eligible individual(s) in the family and the county agency focuses on each party’s responsibilities, and clearly states the terms and conditions of benefit receipt. The specific actions, activities, goals, and supports needed are outlined in the individualized plan. Whether assistance is one-time (diversion) or recurrent (basic cash assistance), a plan is developed and agreed to by both the participant and the county human service department.
Colorado places a strong emphasis on employment as the most likely path to economic stability for families in need of assistance, and as such, works closely with existing agencies at the State and county levels to ensure service integration and innovative practices. This includes partnerships with the State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Investment Board, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Higher Education and Community Colleges, and local workforce and education partners.
Work Eligible Individuals. Work eligible individuals are identified through logic in the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS), which is the State’s eligibility and work program tracking system for Colorado Works participants, as well as other public assistance. Colorado does not employ separate state programs under TANF and has executed sanctions since PRWORA was signed into law in 1996. Non-recipient parents are not considered work eligible individuals in Colorado for reasons outlined in the TANF Final Rule, such as non-citizen status and minor parents who are not a head of household. Colorado does not include SSI/SSDI recipients in the work participation rate calculations. CBMS identifies cases where a parent is caring for a disabled family member and should not be categorized as a work eligible individual. County departments are trained and formally advised of the need to document medical verifications in the case file for this purpose. Medical verification will be updated at each redetermination of Colorado Works eligibility, or before, if warranted. A family member for the purpose of this coding is considered to be any person living in the household who is dependent on the work eligible individual(s) for care and receiving financial support.