TOPEKA — The Brownback Administration has announced several changes in the state’s welfare program. Social and Rehabilitation Services secretary Rob Siedlecki said the changes are designed to push those receiving help into full-time employment. “Helping people find jobs is our first priority,” he said. The changes, which start going into effect Oct. 1, affect the way the SRS administers the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) programs. Among the changes: TANF applicants will be required to participate in a directed job search at the time they apply for benefits; individuals who commit fraud will lose eligibility permanently; families may now opt to receive a one-time diversion payment of $1,000 to solve emergency hardship situations and forego entry into TANF program for one year; TANF and Child Care Assistance will now include the income of an unmarried boyfriend or girlfriend as part of a household in determining of eligibility; TANF recipients will be required to provide proof of school enrollment for all the children in the family to qualify for cash assistance; Child Care Assistance recipients will be required to be work a minimum of 20 hours per week, including students; a lifetime limit on TANF benefits of four years. The $10 million to $15 million savings will go to strengthening and expanding SRS’ employment programs, he said.
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m.
