Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Eligibility

(1) Eligibility. A refugee who the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) determines is eligible for TAFDC, is not eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance. (2) Applicants. If a refugee appears to be eligible for TAFDC at the time of application for the MRRP, the Case Management Provider must refer the refugee to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to apply for TAFDC as soon as possible after date of entry. Only upon DTA denial of TAFDC eligibility can the Case Management Provider determine whether a client is eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance. The denial must be verified by a copy of the notice from the DTA or other written or oral communication from the Department to the case manager. Oral communication, including the reason for denial, shall be noted in the case record. If TAFDC is denied, Refugee Cash Assistance, subject to the time limitations of the program, shall be retroactive to the date of the MRRP application. (3) Open Refugee Cash Assistance Cases. If a refugee who is receiving Refugee Cash Assistance appears to have become eligible for TAFDC because of changed circumstances, for example birth of a child or pregnancy, he or she must apply for TAFDC immediately. Refugee Cash Assistance will be authorized for up to 30 days from the date the case manager refers the refugee to the Department of Transitional Assistance for application, unless TAFDC is denied. The denial shall be verified by a copy of the notice from the Department of Transitional Assistance or other written or oral communication from the Department to the case manager. Oral communication, including the reason for denial, shall be noted in the case record. (4) Delay in TAFDC Application. The Case Management Provider shall inquire at the local Department of Transitional Assistance office if a refugee has not received a written notice of approval or denial for TAFDC within 30 days of the date of application. In the case of an open Refugee Cash Assistance case, if no decision has been made because of missing verification, Refugee Cash Assistance shall be continued until the TAFDC application is acted upon. The Case Management Provider shall assist in securing verifications. (5) Termination of Refugee Cash Assistance. When a refugee who is receiving Refugee Cash Assistance is approved for TAFDC, adequate notice given to the refugee, or mailed so as to arrive, on or before the next scheduled Refugee Cash Assistance payment, shall be sufficient notice to terminate Refugee Cash Assistance. (6) Employment Services. A refugee who is not eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance because of eligibility for TAFDC is eligible for employment services.