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:
(OMB Control Number: 0970-0145)
m. Provide for all MOE-funded services the following information: the name of the program benefit or service, and the financial eligibility criteria that families must meet in order to receive that benefit or service. In addition, for TANF MOE-funded services (co-mingled or segregated MOE) describe the program benefit provided to eligible families (SSP services do not have to include a description but the Department of Health and Human Services encourages it) (§263.2(b)(3) & §263.2(c) preamble pages 17826-7)
Current Narrative:
State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The State EITC is provided to families with dependents and includes the amount of the State EITC that exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability (amount owed prior to application of any other credits). It is available to Louisiana residents who claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
These services meet TANF goal 2 to end the dependence of needy parent on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA)
The department through an agreement with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) collects information on tuition assistance expenditures provided to eligible low income students who are pursuing postsecondary education for the purpose of claiming eligible expenditures that may count as Maintenance of Effort (MOE) effective TANF State Plan FY 2011 for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant. The eligible tuition assistance expenditures that may be claimed as MOE are from the following programs:
- Louisiana Go Grants — A need based student financial aid grant that supports nontraditional and low income students in their pursuit of postsecondary education. To receive the Go Grants, a student must be receiving a federal Pell grant and have remaining financial need, as determined in accordance with a formula established by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The formula for determining financial need is subject to change on a yearly basis in order to ensure that the greatest number of students will benefit from the funds appropriated for the program by the Louisiana Legislature.
- Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) — A state scholarship program for Louisiana residents who attend Louisiana postsecondary institutions. These services meet TANF goal 3, to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, by providing financial aid to eligible students who are pursuing postsecondary education. The services provide the students with the tools necessary to reduce risky behaviors and increase positive decision making.
Financial eligibility for these services attributable to TANF/Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds is limited as follows:
Certification for TANF MOE for Go Grant expenditures will be those students who receive Pell Grants and have a remaining financial need and are defined as dependent by the U.S. Department of Education. The amount used for TANF maintenance of effort is not duplicated in determining match or maintenance of effort for any other program.
TANF eligibility for students receiving TOPS will be determined by receipt of a Go Grant. Certification for TANF MOE for TOPS expenditures will be for those students who simultaneously receive TOPS and Go Grants and are defined as dependent by the U.S. Department of Education.
Services are considered non-assistance by the department. State dollars associated with Louisiana Go Grants and TANF eligible TOPS expenditures may be applied to MOE funding requirements for Louisiana’s federal TANF grant.
Louisiana State Child Care Tax Credit
This is an annual refundable tax credit for low—income individuals and families who have a qualified dependent who is under the age of 13, and the parent or qualified relative has paid someone to provide care so that they can work or look for work.
Eligibility is limited to those families with minor children who meet the Louisiana Department of Revenue Child Care Tax Credit eligibility standards.
These services meet TANF Goal 2, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits, by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.
Louisiana 4 Public Pre—Kindergarten Program (LA4)
The LA4 program provides high quality early childhood education for low-income 4-year-olds in participating public school districts and charter schools.
Services are for children of at risk families in which the child is one year younger than the eligible age for kindergarten and is financially eligible to receive free or reduced school lunch meals pursuant to the Federal Child Nutrition Program as documented by a completed application for such meals, whether or not such meals are sought.
These services meet TANF goal 3, to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and TANF goal 4, to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families by placing children in learning environments at the preschool level to foster an interest in learning, increase literacy levels, and increase the likelihood of developing responsible behavior.