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An Act Creating the Post-TAFDC Self-Sufficiency Program
H. 1749
Sponsored by Representative Fitzgerald (D-Boston)
Co-sponsors include: Reps. Malia, Cabral, and Story; Senator Montigny.
MASSCAP's Suggested Revisions are Included Below
On January 1, 1999, about 5,500 families receiving cash benefits under the state’s TAFDC (Transitional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children) Program reached the end of the two-year time limit. This first wave of families, referred to by DTA (Department of Transitional Assistance) as "leading edge" families, will face the new year without cash assistance. These "leading edge" families will be followed by an estimated 1,000 additional families per month who will reach the two year time limit on cash assistance.
The policy of ceasing cash benefits after two years to many of the hardest to serve families in the Commonwealth is detrimental to the preservation of the family unit and is counter-productive to the concept of family self-sufficiency (in addition to potentially costing the state more than if cash benefits persisted).
We understand that when TAFDC benefits cease, these families--often single parent families--will be faced not only with the continuing challenge of finding employment that pays a living wage, but also with emergencies related to food and shelter.
Now, two months after the first wave of "leading edge" families reached their 24th month, over half of these families have applied for or have been granted extensions from the time limit provision. According to the DTA, some post TAFDC families are working, earning $772 a month, just $200 more than what they received on TAFDC. And, the average earnings of these post TAFDC working families is $9,300, far below the federal poverty level of $13,650 for a family of three.
Some provision must be made for families on TAFDC, those just off, and working but poor families. MASSCAP member agencies have significant experience working with this population through the a variety of programs developed and administered by our agencies.
We propose a revision to the bill making the Post TAFDC Self-Sufficiency Program a demonstration program to provide case management and emergency services to 2,000 low income families — families earning less that 200 percent of poverty. The aim of the program, modeled on the Family First Program implemented by the Montachusett Opportunity Council, would be to help TAFDC families and working poor families successfully address obstacles that prevent them from finding a job, or moving on to a job, that pays a living wage.
We anticipate serving families cut-off of TAFDC, those denied time limit extensions, those that lose their benefits after their extensions expire, families that are working but still poor, and low-income families between jobs. We estimate that the cost of such a revised program will be $3,000 per family: $2,100 for case management; $900 for emergency support to address immediate household needs such as food or rent arrearages allowing families to focus on the steps they need to take to become economically independent.
The self-sufficiency case management component would provide eligible families with intensive case management services. Working but poor families coming to the end of their two-year time limit, may face a number of needs related to housing, health, nutrition, employment, education and training, and transportation. Working closely with a case manager to identify family assets and strengths along with roadblocks to self sufficiency, the family will develop and implement a plan to meet their needs and move to self sufficiency. To remain in the program the recipient family must meet at least twice a month with the case manager and progress successfully through the plan.
We also propose removing the housing voucher component in the bill in light of the federal section 8 vouchers that will soon be available for post TAFDC recipients.
Summary of Components of the Post TAFDC Self-Sufficiency Program
Term of the program: one year
Administration: The program would be administered by the 25 community action agencies operating in Massachusetts.
Cost: $3,000 per family: $2,100 for case management; $900 for emergency support to address immediate household needs such as food or rent arrearages. Total cost of $6 million (includes study/evaluation).
Case Management Component: Based on the "Families First" program developed and run by the community action agency in Fitchburg, Montachusett Opportunity Council.
Emergency Service Component: Based on federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines (FEMA) for resource distribution for food or rent.
Eligibility: Families earning less than 200 percent of poverty (to account for different regional costs) including TAFDC, Post TAFDC, working but poor families. We anticipate a 40-40-20 distribution based on our research and experience: 40 percent working but poor families; 40 percent TAFDC recipients; 20 percent families just reaching their 24th month.
Participation: Community action agencies, working with other area human service providers, would identify participants.
Evaluation: MASSCAP will work with a Massachusetts institution of higher education to the effectiveness of the program a cost of $25,000 and will make a report to the Human Services Committee no later than 3 months after the program ends.
This Fact Sheet was issued March 1, 1999.
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