Resource Number: 171197
Description
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Welfare reform program designed to help families to become independent of welfare support through work, personal responsibility and community involvement. TCA has a 5-year lifetime limit for benefits. Single adult households are required to participate in work activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week, in exchange for temporary cash assistance, training, and emergency assistance.

-Work Activities: Can include: job search, unsubsidized and subsidized employment, work experience, on-the-job training and/or community service. Education activity for adults must be approved and is required for minors with infants. Exemption from work activities: parent of children under 1 year; teen mothers with children less than 12 weeks; severely disabled adult or child (SSI application required).

-Welfare Avoidance Grants (WAGS): Client, at caseworker's recommendation, can receive up to 12 months of cash assistance at the agency's discretion. Must be evaluated by TCA first.

-Sanctions: A loss of entire cash benefit because of non-compliance with program requirements. Cash can be restored upon compliance. The family does retain Food Stamps and Medical Assistance during this time.

Program Phones: 410-677-4200 Main 410-677-4300 Fax

Senior Administrator Brenda Bailey Assistant Director of Family Investments

Website: dhs.maryland.gov/ Email: [email protected]