Missouri Senate

Introduced

FULL FAMILY IMMEDIATE SANCTION (Section 208.026)

This act requires the Department of Social Services to immediately apply a total full family unit sanction of TANF benefits if after an investigation the Department determines that a person is not cooperating with a work activity requirement under the TANF program. The sanction shall apply for a minimum of one month. During that month of sanctions, the person shall remain on the caseload in sanction status. To cure a sanction, the person shall perform 30 consecutive days of work activities. If the person does not cure the sanction, the case shall be closed. This act allows for the person to reapply for benefits by completing 30 days of work activities within 40 days of the eligibility interview.

LIFE-TIME LIMITS, CASH DIVERSION, DANGEROUS FELONIES, WORK REQUIREMENT (208.026.1 & 208.040.5)

Beginning January 1, 2016, the following changes shall be made to the TANF program:

(1) The life-time limit for TANF shall be 24 months;

(2) The Department shall implement a cash diversion program that grants eligible TANF benefits recipients lump-sum cash grants for short-term needs in lieu of signing up for the long-term monthly cash assistance program. The lump-sum maximum limit shall be set at three times the family size allowance and for use once in a 12-month period and for only five instances in a lifetime;

(3) Persons found guilty of a dangerous felony will be banned from receiving benefits;

(4) Persons seeking benefits will be required to engage in work activities before becoming eligible.

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (208.244.1)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allows states with a certain level of unemployment to seek a waiver of the work requirement for assistance. Missouri currently has such a waiver. This act removes the waiver and reinstates the work requirements.

APPLICATION OF SAVINGS (208.244.2)

Any savings resulting from the changes to TANF and SNAP under this act shall be used to provide child care assistance for single parents, education assistance, and job training for individuals receiving benefits under the programs.

SARAH HASKINS