Best Practices

Lynn Rogers

Berrien/Clinch Counties

301 S. Jefferson Street

Nashville, GA 31639

(229) 686- 5568

(229) 686-3933 (fax)

jlrogers@dhr.state.ga.us

 

 

Many counties have undocumented aliens receiving TANF cash assistance as payees for their children. Since we cannot make them mandatory, many of these clients are using their TANF months up quickly. In an effort to reduce the number of TANF months an undocumented alien receives, Berrien County has decided to start making appointments to meet with them to encourage them to use their TANF months wisely. Many of the undocumented aliens work in the fields during the spring and summer months. It may be that they can close their case during these months since they have other income coming into the home. The winter months are when most of them do not have any work to do. Our goal is to make the clients realize that TANF should be used when they have no other resources available. This will spread out their number of TANF months used and hopefully will teach them not to use their TANF months just because it is available to them. The appointments can be made during the beginning of spring when they may be starting work or in conjunction with their 6 months food stamp reviews.


 

 

 

 

                                                             BJ Walker, Commissioner

 


Berrien County Department of Family and Children Services

 Annie Clark, Director  · 301 S. Jefferson St.  Nashville, Georgia 31639 ·     (229) 686-5568 · FAX (229) 686-3933

 

February 10, 2006

 

 

Mrs. Janey Doe

402Giddens Drive

Enigma. GA 31632

 

 

 

Dear Ms. Doe:

 

 

 

As a recipient of TANF in Georgia, you are limited to the number of months that you can receive cash assistance. The state of Georgia allows a person to receive only cash assistance for only forty eight (48) months in a lifetime.

 

TANF is a work program and should be used only temporarily until work can be obtained. When work is available, even if it is seasonal or temporary, you need to work and not use your TANF months simply because it is available to you. The state of Georgia recognizes that many of the undocumented aliens like yourself have income during the spring and summer months far more often than the winter months. The months that you find work are the times you need to reserve your cash assistance to a time when it may be needed much more.

 

We would like to discuss the importance of using your TANF months only when work is not available. We have set aside an appointment for you to come into the local office on Monday February 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss this matter. Please call the office if you are unable to attend.

 

 

Thank You,

 

 

 

Lynn Rogers

Community Resource Specialist (CRS)