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Cash grants are affected by household size. Grant levels are determined by the number of children in the household, not by family location. Cash grants are affected by the amount of household income earned. For the first four months a former recipient is employed, the state disregards $30 plus 30 percent of earnings for cash assistance eligibility. Starting the fifth month, $30 is disregarded. This does not result in a dollar-to-dollar cash reduction.
Child Care Assistance
State childcare costs are linked to employing welfare recipients, and to improving the wage levels of low-income workers. Applicants for cash assistance entering Work First are immediately eligible for complete reimbursement of childcare costs. Once a recipient is employed, childcare assistance is provided on a sliding fee scale based on family income and size.
Medical Assistance
Medical assistance is not linked to participation in TANF programs. The CHIPs program in Missouri extends Medicaid coverage to all children and many adults in families up to 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Medical assistance can be withheld in Missouri if an applicant refuses to name a child's father.
Housing Assistance
Housing assistance and welfare reform are not bundled.
Food Stamps
Food stamp allocation in Missouri is based on total household composition. Moving a family from welfare to work does not affect Food Stamp benefits until wage levels exceed eligibility levels.
Exemptions
Recipients with children younger than one year of age can claim an exemption. However, recipients are entitled to only 12 months of exemption. Physicians may grant exemptions for physical and mental health problems.
Penalties and Sanctions
Penalties and sanctions are as follows:
- 1st non-compliance; head of household removed from grant until in compliance.
- 2nd non-compliance; head of household removed from grant for a minimum of three months or until compliance.
- 3rd non-compliance; head of household removed from grant for a minimum of six months or until compliance.
Residency Requirements
There is no waiting period in Missouri to receive benefits. All state residents are eligible for the same level of benefit.
Benefits for Legal Non-citizens
Legal immigrants are treated as state citizens and are entitled to participate in the TANF program.
Child Support
A child support enforcement officer is stationed at every DFS office. Complying with the support enforcement process is a requirement of participation in the cash assistance program.
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