Chapter 412 — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

 

HUMAN SERVICES; JUVENILE CODE; CORRECTIONS

 

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

 

412.001     Definitions

 

412.002     Legislative findings

 

412.006     Administration of temporary assistance for needy families program; rules

 

412.007     Determination of amount of aid; rules

 

412.009     Engagement in JOBS; disqualification; rules

 

412.011     Support service payments to prevent loss of employment

 

412.014     State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program; rules

 

412.016     Enrollment in educational institution as allowable work activity

 

412.024     Assignment of support rights; cooperation required for establishing paternity of child or obtaining support; exceptions; sanctions; rules

 

412.026     Payment of aid to individual other than relative; rules

 

412.028     Petition for and appointment of guardian or conservator; costs; compensation

 

412.029     Expenditures limited to needs of beneficiary; rules

 

412.034     Denial of aid when unemployed parent refuses employment

 

412.039     Cooperation of department with Director of Employment Department and all available workforce services to find employment for parent

 

412.044     Cooperation with other agencies to provide vocational training

 

412.049     Powers and duties of department; rules

 

412.054     Application for aid

 

412.059     Investigation of eligibility of child; rules

 

412.064     Authority to determine eligibility

 

412.069     Appeal from denial of or failure to act on application or from modification or cancellation of aid

 

412.072     Requirements when victims of domestic violence apply for or receive TANF; confidentiality

 

412.074     Use and custody of records of temporary assistance for needy families program; rules

 

412.079     Time limits; exceptions; rules

 

412.084     Minor parents’ eligibility to receive assistance and support services

 

412.089     Referral to mental health or drug abuse professional; provision of resources; staff training

 

412.094     Public officials to cooperate in locating and furnishing information concerning parents of children receiving or applying to receive public assistance and in prosecuting nonsupport cases; use of information restricted

 

412.109     Policy on absent parent

 

412.124     Post-TANF aid to employed families; rules

 

412.139     Duties of department relating to federal law

 

412.144     Duties of department relating to other agencies

 

412.151     Statewide electronic benefits transfer system; replacement cards to display name

 

412.155     Additional monthly payments of elderly rental assistance

 

412.161     Policy on two-parent families

 

PENALTIES

 

412.991     Criminal penalties

 

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

 

      412.001 Definitions. As used in ORS 412.001 to 412.155 and 418.647, unless the context or a specially applicable statutory definition requires otherwise:

      (1) “Aid” means money payments with respect to, or on behalf of, a dependent child or children and includes:

      (a) Money payments to meet the needs of the caretaker relative with whom the child is living and the spouse of the caretaker relative if the spouse lives with the caretaker relative; or

      (b) Payments made to a representative payee or guardian pursuant to ORS 412.026 or 412.028.

      (2) “Caretaker relative” means a dependent child’s parent or other relative by blood, marriage or adoption, as defined by the Department of Human Services by rule, who lives in a residence maintained by one or more of the relatives as the child’s or the relative’s own home.

      (3)(a) “Dependent child” means a needy child:

      (A) Whose caretaker relatives are not able to provide adequate care and support for the child without public assistance, as defined in ORS 411.010;

      (B) Who lives with a caretaker relative; and

      (C) Who meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this subsection.

      (b)(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, a “dependent child” must be under the age of 18 years.

      (B) A child may qualify as a “dependent child,” subject to the availability of funds, if the child is 18 or 19 or 20 years of age and a student regularly attending a school in grade 12 or below or regularly attending a course of professional or technical training designed to fit the child for gainful employment, other than a course provided by or through a college or university.

      (C) Students under the age of 21 years and regularly attending a school, college or university or regularly attending a course of professional or technical training designed to fit the child for gainful employment may be included in the description in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph at the option of the Department of Human Services.

      (4) “Federally required participation rates” means the participation rates as required by section 407 of the Social Security Act.

      (5) “Representative payee” means an individual designated by the department to receive money payments of aid pursuant to ORS 412.026. [Formerly 418.035; 2015 c.765 §10]

 

      412.002 Legislative findings. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) The temporary assistance for needy families program is the state’s primary safety net for families with children who live in extreme poverty; and

      (b) Outcomes for disadvantaged parenting youth improve when the parenting youth have opportunities to connect to employment, training and education programs.

      (2) In order to provide a path out of poverty for families, adults and parenting youth and to maximize the services available to assist families, adults and parenting youth in moving out of poverty, the Department of Human Services shall work with other agencies and organizations to provide the resources, referrals or services described in ORS 412.006. [2015 c.765 §1; 2019 c.602 §1]

 

      Note: 412.002 was added to and made a part of 412.001 to 412.161 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.005 [1961 c.633 §2; 1965 c.94 §1; 1969 c.69 §1; 1969 c.597 §246; 1973 c.651 §3; 2001 c.900 §98; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.006 Administration of temporary assistance for needy families program; rules. (1) The Department of Human Services shall administer the temporary assistance for needy families program, consistent with the requirements in 45 C.F.R. part 260, to provide to families with children:

      (a) Aid;

      (b) Case management services that focus on the strengths of the parents or caretaker relatives;

      (c) Resources and referrals for education and training or education or training services;

      (d) Work and work preparation services; and

      (e) Resources, referrals or services to improve the family’s economic stability, including but not limited to:

      (A) Mental health and addiction treatment;

      (B) Housing; and

      (C) Child care.

      (2) The department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section. [Formerly 418.040; 2009 c.11 §53; 2015 c.765 §11; 2019 c.602 §2]

 

      412.007 Determination of amount of aid; rules. (1) The eligibility for and amount of aid to be granted for any dependent child or relative pursuant to ORS 412.006 shall be determined, in accordance with the rules of the Department of Human Services, taking into account:

      (a) The income, resources and maintenance available to such child and relative from whatever source derived, allowable deductions and the statewide income and payment standards.

      (b) The income and financial condition of the stepparent, if any, of the child for whom aid is sought.

      (2) Subsection (1)(b) of this section is not intended to relieve any parent of any legal obligation with respect to the support of the natural or adopted children of the parent.

      (3) In determining the eligibility for and amount of aid to be granted under subsection (1) of this section and under ORS 411.070, the department shall disregard:

      (a) From income, no less than $50 of the amount of child support received for each child per month, up to a total of $200 or the maximum established by federal law, for the family;

      (b) As resources, moneys held in a pension or retirement account; and

      (c) Any earnings or other income or resources of the family as the department may prescribe by rule.

      (4) As used in this section, “pension and retirement account” includes:

      (a) Benefits employees receive only when they retire or leave employment;

      (b) Pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus plans exempt from taxation by section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code;

      (c) Qualified annuities exempt from taxation by section 403(a) or (b) of the Internal Revenue Code;

      (d) Accounts or annuities exempt from taxation by section 408(a), (b), (c), (k), (p) or (q) of the Internal Revenue Code;

      (e) Roth individual retirement plans authorized by section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code;

      (f) Retirement plans offered by governments, nonprofit organizations or unions that are:

      (A) Exempt from taxation under section 457(b) or 501(c)(18) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

      (B) Contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund authorized by 5 U.S.C. 8439; and

      (g) Defined contribution plan accounts described in ORS 178.210. [2015 c.765 §4; 2018 c.56 §1]

 

      Note: 412.007 was added to and made a part of 412.001 to 412.161 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.009 Engagement in JOBS; disqualification; rules. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) There is evidence that families who experience the most disqualifications from the job opportunity and basic skills program are often those with the most barriers to employment; and

      (b) The loss of income from a program disqualification adds strain and creates instability in families already experiencing extreme poverty, and this affects the health and food security of the dependent children in the family.

      (2) The Department of Human Services by rule shall adopt proven methods of encouraging participants’ full engagement in the job opportunity and basic skills program, including the development of an individualized case plan and an ongoing process to ensure that the case plan is appropriate.

      (3)(a) The department shall facilitate the participation of needy caretaker relatives and may not reduce the family’s aid payment as a method of encouraging full engagement in the job opportunity and basic skills program pursuant to subsection (2) of this section until the department determines that the needy caretaker relative that is not fully engaged:

      (A) Has no identified barriers or refuses to take appropriate steps to address identified barriers to participation in the program; and

      (B) Refuses without good cause, as defined by the department by rule, to meet the requirements of an individualized and appropriate case plan.

      (b) The department may not reduce aid payments under this subsection to families:

      (A) Receiving aid pursuant to ORS 412.014 or 412.124;

      (B) In which the caretaker relative participates in suitable activities for the number of hours required each month to satisfy federally required participation rates; or

      (C) Until the department has screened for and, if appropriate, assessed barriers to participation, including but not limited to physical or mental health needs, substance abuse, domestic violence or learning needs.

      (c) The department may not reduce aid payments under this subsection before assessing the risk of harm posed to the children in the household by the reduction in aid payments and taking steps to ameliorate the risk.

      (4) Following notice and an opportunity for a hearing under ORS chapter 183 and subject to subsection (2) of this section, the department may reduce the aid payment to the family of an individual who refuses to participate in suitable activities required by the individual’s case plan or may terminate the aid payment to the family of a noncompliant individual in accordance with procedures adopted by the department by rule.

      (5) A caretaker relative may request a hearing to contest the basis for a reduction in or termination of an aid payment under this section within 90 days of a reduction in or termination of aid.

      (6) Every six months, the department shall report to the Family Services Review Commission established under ORS 411.075 the status of and outcomes for families for whom aid has been reduced or terminated under subsection (4) of this section. The department shall work with the commission to establish the details to be provided in the report. [Formerly 418.045; 2011 c.604 §2; 2015 c.765 §12; 2019 c.602 §9]

 

      412.010 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.011 Support service payments to prevent loss of employment. The Department of Human Services may provide support service payments, as prescribed by rule, for transportation, housing or other costs as necessary to prevent the loss of employment that will result in the family qualifying for temporary assistance for needy families program aid under ORS 412.006. [2015 c.765 §2; 2019 c.602 §3]

 

      Note: 412.011 was added to and made a part of 412.001 to 412.161 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.014 State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program; rules. (1) There is created in the Department of Human Services the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program. The department shall provide aid under this section to families that are eligible for temporary assistance for needy families under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 and that include a needy caretaker relative who is unable to maintain substantial gainful activity due to a disability or combination of disabilities that meet the criteria of section 216 of the Social Security Act.

      (2) The department shall assist families receiving aid under this section in qualifying for federal Supplemental Security Income and Social Security disability benefits, including obtaining necessary medical records and evaluations. The department shall maintain a list of lawyers admitted to the bar of any state and approved by the Social Security Administration and nonprofit legal services organizations that represent Oregon residents in administrative hearings before the Social Security Administration Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

      (3) The department shall adopt rules for determining the amount of aid granted under this section that is not less than the amount of aid granted under ORS 412.006 (1).

      (4) Participation in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program shall be voluntary. The department shall provide information to potential participants in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program about the opportunities for employment while receiving Supplemental Security Income and about employment resources available to State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program participants. The information must be in a format accessible to the potential participant.

      (5) Participants in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program must cooperate with the department in establishing eligibility for Supplemental Security Income including, but not limited to, signing an interim assistance reimbursement agreement. The department by rule may establish policies for monitoring and encouraging full engagement in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program, including activities that promote family stability. The department shall offer participants the opportunity to participate in any suitable activity in the job opportunity and basic skills program under ORS 412.009. [2007 c.861 §8; 2009 c.11 §54; 2011 c.46 §1; 2011 c.604 §§3,4; 2019 c.602 §4]

 

      412.015 [1961 c.633 §1; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.016 Enrollment in educational institution as allowable work activity. (1) A parent who applies for or receives temporary assistance for needy families under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 and who meets the criteria described in subsection (2) of this section may enroll in and attend an educational institution as an allowable work activity for purposes of ORS 412.001 to 412.069.

      (2) To enroll in and attend an educational institution as an allowable work activity, a parent must:

      (a) Be accepted for full-time attendance into or be enrolled full-time at an educational institution;

      (b) Demonstrate that completion of the educational program is likely to result in employment that provides the wages and benefits necessary for the parent to support the parent’s family without temporary assistance for needy families; and

      (c) Make satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the educational institution, toward a degree or certificate.

      (3) A parent who is enrolled at an educational institution under this section shall receive temporary assistance for needy families under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 as well as be eligible for other support services under the temporary assistance for needy families program.

      (4) The Department of Human Services shall inform all parents applying for or participating in the temporary assistance for needy families program of the option to enroll in an educational institution and the requirements under subsection (2) of this section.

      (5) The department shall adopt rules to implement and administer this section.

      (6) As used in this section, “educational institution” has the meaning given that term in ORS 348.105. [2003 c.212 §1; 2009 c.11 §55; 2019 c.602 §5]

 

      Note: 412.016 was added to and made a part of 412.001 to 412.161 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.017 [2003 c.212 §2; 2009 c.335 §1; repealed by 2019 c.602 §17]

 

      412.020 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.024 Assignment of support rights; cooperation required for establishing paternity of child or obtaining support; exceptions; sanctions; rules. (1) An applicant or recipient of aid, except for recipients of aid under the JOBS Plus Program established in ORS 411.878, must assign to the state any rights to support that may be due from any other person to a family member for whom the applicant is applying for or receiving aid. If aid is paid and received for the support of a child, the rights to child support that any person may have for the child are deemed to have been assigned by operation of law to the state. Notice of the assignment by operation of law shall be given to the applicant at the time of application for public assistance, and shall be given to any obligee who may hold some interest in such support rights by depositing a notice in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the last-known address of such person. Assignment of support rights to the state shall be as set forth in rules adopted by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Justice.

      (2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an applicant or recipient who receives aid shall cooperate with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Justice in establishing the paternity of the applicant’s or recipient’s child born out of wedlock and in obtaining support or other payments or property due the applicant or child. An applicant or recipient is not required to cooperate if there is good cause or some other exception to the cooperation requirement that takes into account the best interest of the child. The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules defining good cause, other exceptions to cooperation and noncooperation by an applicant or recipient, and setting the sanction for noncooperation. The sanction may include total ineligibility of the family for aid, but in no situation may the sanction be less than a 25 percent reduction of the monthly grant amount. At the time an applicant applies for aid, the Department of Human Services shall inform the applicant, in writing, of the requirement of and exceptions to cooperation and the sanctions for noncooperation, and shall inform recipients, in writing, whenever eligibility for aid is redetermined.

      (3) This section shall apply to recipients of aid pursuant to the temporary assistance for needy families program as long as the aid is funded in whole or in part with federal grants under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. [Formerly 418.042; 2009 c.80 §7; 2011 c.604 §5; 2015 c.765 §13]

 

      412.025 [1961 c.633 §5; 1963 c.446 §1; 1965 c.40 §1; 1973 c.651 §4; 2005 c.22 §280; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.026 Payment of aid to individual other than relative; rules. Subject to rules of the Department of Human Services and to such conditions and limitations as may be prescribed pursuant to the temporary assistance for needy families program:

      (1) Money payments of aid with respect to the temporary assistance for needy families program, including payments to meet the needs of the relative, and the relative’s spouse, with whom a dependent child is living, may be made to an individual other than such relative or spouse if it is determined by the department that the relative to whom such payments are made has such inability to manage funds that continuation of such payments to the relative would be contrary to the welfare of such child and that, therefore, it is necessary to provide such aid through payments in the manner authorized by this section. Such determination shall be subject to review and hearing, upon application of such relative, in the manner prescribed pursuant to ORS 412.069. However, the pendency of such application, review or hearing shall not stay the effect of such determination.

      (2) The department may designate any responsible individual, including any public officer or employee, as a representative payee if such individual is willing to act in such capacity. Representative payees shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties under ORS 412.029. Such expenses shall be paid from funds appropriated to the department for administrative expenditures.

      (3) During the time payments of aid pursuant to the temporary assistance for needy families program with respect to a dependent child or relative are made to a representative payee, the department shall:

      (a) Undertake and continue special efforts to develop greater ability on the part of such relative to manage funds in such manner as to protect the welfare of the relative and the family of the relative; and

      (b) Periodically review the determination made pursuant to subsection (1) of this section and terminate payments to the representative payee if it is established by such review that the conditions justifying such determination no longer exist. [Formerly 418.050]

 

      412.028 Petition for and appointment of guardian or conservator; costs; compensation. (1) If, after such period as may be prescribed by the Department of Human Services, it appears to the department that the need for money payments of aid to a representative payee is continuing or likely to continue in any case, the department may petition for the judicial appointment of a guardian or a conservator of the estate of the relative referred to in ORS 412.026 (1). If a guardian or a conservator of the estate of the relative is appointed and duly qualified, money payments of aid otherwise payable to the relative, or representative payee, shall be paid to the guardian or the conservator until the department determines that the conditions which would justify money payments of aid to a representative payee under ORS 412.026 no longer exist.

      (2) Subject to funds made available to the department for administrative expenditures, the department shall, with respect to any guardianship or conservatorship established under this section:

      (a) Pay all costs and fees reasonably incurred in obtaining the appointment of the guardian or the conservator, including any necessary bond premiums;

      (b) Pay all costs and fees necessarily incurred by the guardian or the conservator in administering money payments of aid received by the guardian or conservator under this section; and

      (c) Compensate the guardian or the conservator, for the fees in administering the money payments, according to schedules of fees prescribed by rule or regulation of the department. [Formerly 418.054]

 

      412.029 Expenditures limited to needs of beneficiary; rules. Each money payment of aid made to a representative payee or to a guardian or a conservator under ORS 412.026 or 412.028 shall be expended by the representative payee, guardian or conservator solely to make purchases to meet the needs of the individuals with respect to whom the payment is made. However, the individuals may receive from the representative payee, guardian or conservator such portions of the money payments, and at such intervals, as may be permitted by rules adopted by the Department of Human Services. [Formerly 418.059; 2015 c.765 §14; 2019 c.602 §11]

 

      412.030 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.034 Denial of aid when unemployed parent refuses employment. Aid under ORS 412.006 shall not be granted with respect to, or on behalf of, a dependent child living with an unemployed parent if, and for as long as, the unemployed parent of such child refuses without good cause to accept employment in which the unemployed parent is able to engage and which is offered through any employment office defined in ORS 657.010 or which is otherwise offered by any employer if such offer is determined by the Department of Human Services after notification by such employer to be a bona fide offer of such employment. [Formerly 418.075]

 

      412.035 [1961 c.633 §3; 1963 c.446 §2; 1967 c.204 §1; 1969 c.468 §2; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.039 Cooperation of department with Director of Employment Department and all available workforce services to find employment for parent. (1) The Legislative Assembly declares that it is in the public interest of the State of Oregon that all available workforce services, including those authorized under other provisions of law, be utilized to provide incentives, opportunities and necessary services to appropriate individuals in order that they may be employed in the regular economy, may be trained for regular employment and may participate in special work projects.

      (2) During any period in which aid may be granted under ORS 412.006 with respect to, or on behalf of, a dependent child living with an unemployed caretaker relative, the Department of Human Services and the Director of the Employment Department shall enter into cooperative arrangements looking toward employment of or training services for the unemployed caretaker relative and shall provide for the registration and periodic reregistration of such caretaker relative at employment offices established pursuant to ORS 657.705 to 657.725 to effect maximum utilization of the job placement services and other services and facilities of such offices. [Formerly 418.085; 2015 c.765 §15]

 

      412.040 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.044 Cooperation with other agencies to provide vocational training. The Department of Human Services and any other state agency, which administers, supervises or participates in the administration of programs of public vocational or adult education services available in this state, may enter into and execute cooperative arrangements looking toward maximum utilization of such services to encourage the training or retraining of individuals participating in a community work and training program as defined in ORS 411.855, and otherwise to assist such individuals in preparing for regular employment. [Formerly 418.097]

 

      412.045 [1961 c.633 §4; 1965 c.556 §19; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.049 Powers and duties of department; rules. The Department of Human Services shall:

      (1) Supervise the administration of the temporary assistance for needy families program under ORS 412.001 to 412.155.

      (2) Make such rules and regulations and take such action as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out ORS 412.001 to 412.155.

      (3) Prescribe the form of and print and supply such forms as it deems necessary and advisable.

      (4) Cooperate with the federal government in matters of mutual concern pertaining to temporary assistance for needy families, including the adoption of such methods of administration as are found by the federal government to be necessary for the efficient operation of the plan for such aid.

      (5) Accept and disburse any and all federal funds made available to the State of Oregon for temporary assistance for needy families purposes. [Formerly 418.100; 2015 c.765 §16]

 

      412.050 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.054 Application for aid. Application for aid under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 shall be made to the Department of Human Services by the relative with whom the child lives. The application shall be in the manner and upon the form prescribed by the department. [Formerly 418.110; 2015 c.70 §9; 2015 c.765 §17]

 

      412.055 [1961 c.633 §6; 1965 c.468 §1; 1967 c.116 §1; 1969 c.69 §2; 1969 c.636 §1; 1973 c.394 §1; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.059 Investigation of eligibility of child; rules. Whenever the Department of Human Services receives a notification of the dependency of a child or an application for aid, a record shall promptly be made of the circumstances, relating the facts supporting the application and such other information as may be required by the rules and regulations of the department. [Formerly 418.115]

 

      412.060 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.064 Authority to determine eligibility. The Department of Human Services shall decide whether the child is eligible for aid under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 and determine the date on which the aid granted shall begin. [Formerly 418.120; 2015 c.70 §10; 2015 c.765 §18]

 

      412.065 [1961 c.633 §7; 1967 c.285 §1; 1969 c.68 §5; 1971 c.779 §31; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.069 Appeal from denial of or failure to act on application or from modification or cancellation of aid. If an application is not acted upon within a reasonable time after the filing of the application or is denied in whole or in part, or if any grant of aid is modified or canceled, the applicant or recipient may petition the Department of Human Services for review in the county which the applicant or recipient elects as provided by ORS chapter 183. [Formerly 418.125]

 

      412.070 [Amended by 1955 c.364 §5; repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.072 Requirements when victims of domestic violence apply for or receive TANF; confidentiality. (1) The Department of Human Services shall:

      (a) Identify applicants for and recipients of assistance under the temporary assistance for needy families program who are currently victims of domestic violence, have been victims of domestic violence or are at risk of victimization by domestic violence.

      (b) Ensure that appropriate individuals on the local level who provide assistance to domestic violence victims participate in individualized case management with the department.

      (c) Refer individuals identified under this subsection to appropriate counseling and support services.

      (d) Waive or modify any temporary assistance for needy families program requirements that may make it more difficult for individuals identified under this subsection to escape domestic violence or place those individuals at risk of further or future domestic violence, including but not limited to:

      (A) Time limits on receipt of benefits;

      (B) Work requirements;

      (C) Paternity establishment and child support cooperation requirements;

      (D) Residency requirements;

      (E) Family cap provisions; and

      (F) Penalties for failure to comply with a program requirement.

      (e) Maintain emergency assistance eligibility and payment limits for victims of domestic violence or persons at risk of victimization by domestic violence identified under this section at no less than the levels in effect on January 1, 1997.

      (f) Allow eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families for persons identified under this section as victims of domestic violence or persons identified as at risk of victimization by domestic violence who would otherwise be eligible except for the fact that they are noncitizens.

      (2) All information received by the department in identifying the individuals described in subsection (1) of this section shall remain confidential.

      (3) For purposes of this section, “domestic violence” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family members, intimate partners or household members:

      (a) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury or emotional, mental or verbal abuse;

      (b) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly placing another in fear of imminent serious physical injury;

      (c) Committing sexual abuse in any degree as defined in ORS 163.415, 163.425 and 163.427; or

      (d) Using coercive or controlling behavior.

      (4) Nothing in this section prohibits disclosure of information for the purposes of making a report of suspected abuse as required under ORS 124.060, 419B.010, 430.765 or 441.640. [Formerly 411.117]

 

      Note: 412.072 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 412 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.074 Use and custody of records of temporary assistance for needy families program; rules. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the temporary assistance for needy families program, delivery or administration of programs and services the Department of Human Services is authorized to deliver and administer pursuant to ORS 409.010 or as necessary to assist public assistance applicants and recipients in accessing and receiving other governmental or private nonprofit services and in accordance with the rules of the department, a person may not solicit, disclose, receive, make use of, or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in, or acquiesce in the use of, any list of or names of, or any information concerning, persons applying for or receiving such aid, directly or indirectly derived from the records, papers, files or communications of the department or acquired in the course of the performance of official duties.

      (2) Nothing in this section prohibits the disclosure and use of information about applicants and recipients as is necessary to carry out the child support enforcement laws of this state and of the United States.

      (3) Nothing in this section prohibits the disclosure of the address of any applicant or recipient to a law enforcement official at the request of such official. To receive information pursuant to this section, the official must furnish the agency the name of the applicant or recipient and advise that the applicant or recipient:

      (a) Is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement after conviction for a felony;

      (b) Is violating a condition of probation or parole; or

      (c) Has information that is necessary for the official to conduct the official duties of the official and the location or apprehension of the applicant or recipient is within such official duties.

      (4) Nothing in this section prohibits disclosure of information for the purposes of making a report of suspected abuse as required under ORS 124.060, 419B.010, 430.765 or 441.640. [Formerly 418.130; 2023 c.271 §4]

 

      412.075 [1961 c.633 §8; 1971 c.734 §42; 1971 c.779 §32; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.076 [Formerly 418.150; repealed by 2015 c.765 §28]

 

      412.079 Time limits; exceptions; rules. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a needy caretaker relative may not receive aid under ORS 412.006 if the needy caretaker relative has received aid under the temporary assistance for needy families program in this state or any other state for more than a total of 60 months.

      (2) The Department of Human Services may not count toward the 60-month limit on receipt of aid described in subsection (1) of this section any month in which a needy caretaker relative:

      (a) Receives a grant of temporary assistance for needy families under ORS 412.001 to 412.069, or assistance funded under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act in this or another state, prior to July 1, 2003;

      (b) Resides in an area described in 18 U.S.C. 1151, and 50 percent or more of the adult residents in the area are unemployed;

      (c) Is, in that month, a minor child and neither the head of the household nor married to the head of the household; or

      (d) Receives aid under ORS 411.878, 412.014 or 412.124.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a needy caretaker relative may receive aid for more than 60 months if the needy caretaker relative:

      (a) Is enrolled at an educational institution under ORS 412.016;

      (b) Is exempt from time limits pursuant to rules adopted by the department in accordance with section 408(a)(7)(C) of the Social Security Act; or

      (c) Is unable to obtain or maintain employment that provides earnings in excess of income limits established by the department under ORS 412.007 because the needy caretaker relative:

      (A) Is a victim of domestic violence as defined in ORS 412.072;

      (B) Has a certified learning disability;

      (C) Has a mental health condition or an alcohol or drug abuse problem;

      (D) Has a disability as defined by the department by rule in a manner consistent with the definition of disability in the Americans with Disabilities Act;

      (E) Has a child with a disability;

      (F) Is deprived of needed medical care;

      (G) Is subjected to battery or extreme cruelty as defined by the department by rule; or

      (H) Qualifies as having a hardship as defined by the department by rule.

      (4)(a) The Department of Human Services shall monitor the average period of time a family receives aid and shall record such information by family demographics. The department shall monitor the wages and benefits received by an individual who becomes employed while receiving aid, including child care benefits. The department shall monitor and record the rate at which families who cease receiving aid for employment subsequently apply for and receive aid.

      (b) The department shall report the results of the monitoring required under paragraph (a) of this subsection to the Legislative Assembly not later than the 15th day of each odd-numbered year regular session. [Formerly 418.131; 2009 c.11 §56; 2011 c.9 §54; 2011 c.545 §47; 2012 c.107 §80; 2015 c.765 §19]

 

      412.080 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.084 Minor parents’ eligibility to receive assistance and support services. (1) A person who is a minor parent of a child and is receiving or applying for aid shall reside with the person’s parent, parents or legal guardian. The person may substitute an alternative supervised living arrangement if the Department of Human Services determines that it is unsafe or impractical for the person to reside with the person’s parent, parents or legal guardian. Failure of a minor parent applying for or receiving temporary assistance for needy families to reside with the person’s parent, parents or legal guardian or in an alternative supervised living arrangement shall result in the termination of aid.

      (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to an applicant for or recipient of temporary assistance for needy families when circumstances or conditions exist that the department by rule establishes are not in the best interest of the child.

      (3) If a person who is a minor parent receiving aid and who is not living with the person’s parent, parents or legal guardian subsequently returns to reside with the parent, parents or guardian and is determined ineligible to receive aid by reason of the parent’s or guardian’s income, the minor parent shall be eligible to receive such services, including medical care, as the department determines are necessary to allow the minor parent to attain a high school diploma or the equivalent, or to participate in the job opportunity and basic skills program as described in ORS 412.009. [Formerly 418.132; 2019 c.602 §10]

 

      412.085 [1961 c.633 §13; 1967 c.285 §2; 1971 c.779 §33; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.089 Referral to mental health or drug abuse professional; provision of resources; staff training. (1) The Department of Human Services shall refer a person applying for or receiving temporary assistance for needy families to an evaluation by a mental health or drug abuse professional if the department reasonably believes such referral is necessary. The Department of Human Services shall develop guidelines to assist in the identification and referral of individuals requiring mental health or drug abuse treatment.

      (2) If an evaluation conducted under subsection (1) of this section determines that mental health or drug abuse treatment is necessary for the person to function successfully in the workplace, the department shall provide such resources as are necessary and available for the person to participate in and successfully complete treatment.

      (3) A person who refuses to participate in an evaluation under subsection (1) of this section or treatment under subsection (2) of this section shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 412.009 (3) and (4).

      (4) The department shall provide training to staff who work directly with persons applying for or receiving temporary assistance for needy families in assessment and evaluation of mental health disorders, addictions and domestic violence as may be necessary to implement the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. [Formerly 418.134; 2015 c.765 §20]

 

      412.090 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.094 Public officials to cooperate in locating and furnishing information concerning parents of children receiving or applying to receive public assistance and in prosecuting nonsupport cases; use of information restricted. (1) All state, county and city agencies, officers and employees shall cooperate in the location of parents who have abandoned or deserted, or are failing to support, children receiving or applying to receive public assistance and shall on request supply the Department of Human Services, the Division of Child Support of the Department of Justice or the district attorney of any county in the state with all information on hand relative to the location, income and property of such parents, including information disclosed to the Division of Child Support under ORS 314.840 (2)(k). The granting of aid to the applicant shall not be delayed or contingent upon receipt of the answer to such requests by the Department of Human Services, the Division of Child Support or the district attorney. The Department of Human Services shall use such information only for the purposes of administration of public assistance to such children, and the district attorney and the Division of Child Support shall use such information only for the purpose of enforcing the liability of such parents to support such children, and neither shall use the information or disclose it for any other purpose. Any person who violates this prohibition against disclosure, upon conviction, is punishable as provided in ORS 314.991 (2).

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall cooperate with the Division of Child Support or the district attorney prosecuting or considering the prosecution of such parent for nonsupport and shall report to the Division of Child Support or the district attorney all information contained in the case record which concerns the question of nonsupport and the suitability of prosecution as a method of obtaining support for the child in each case. [Formerly 418.135; 2013 c.36 §72]

 

      412.095 [1961 c.633 §9; 1969 c.69 §3; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.099 [Formerly 418.140; repealed by 2015 c.765 §28]

 

      412.100 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.104 [Formerly 418.145; repealed by 2015 c.765 §28]

 

      412.105 [1961 c.633 §10; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.108 [1967 c.217 §3; 1973 c.823 §129; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.109 Policy on absent parent. (1) The Legislative Assembly declares that the policy of this state is that, to the extent consistent with federal law, the temporary assistance for needy families program policy and practice shall recognize that an absent parent is often an important influence in the life of a child.

      (2) Program policy and practice:

      (a) Shall recognize that regular, frequent visits with absent parents are often in the best interests of needy children;

      (b) Shall not interfere with the continuing relationship of absent parents with their children, whether the parents are temporarily or permanently out of the homes of their children; and

      (c) Shall not restrict parents in adopting plans that they consider to be in the best interests of their children. [Formerly 418.147]

 

      412.110 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.113 [1967 c.217 §2; 1969 c.597 §247; 1971 c.779 §34; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.114 [Formerly 418.149; repealed by 2015 c.765 §28]

 

      412.115 [1961 c.633 §11; 1999 c.745 §4; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.120 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.124 Post-TANF aid to employed families; rules. (1) As used in this section, “aid” means:

      (a) Cash payments to a family; and

      (b) Support service payments and services through the job opportunity and basic skills program necessary to maintain employment to assist the family, directly or indirectly, in achieving long term stability.

      (2) The Department of Human Services may provide aid for up to 12 months to a family if:

      (a) The family is residing in this state;

      (b) The family becomes ineligible for aid under the temporary assistance for needy families program due to employment or increased hours of work; and

      (c) The caretaker relative is employed.

      (3) The department shall adopt by rule standards for the aid provided under this section. The department may disregard the aid in determining eligibility for publicly subsidized child care assistance. [Formerly 418.155; 2015 c.765 §§6,7; 2019 c.602 §6]

 

      412.125 [1961 c.633 §12; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.130 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.139 Duties of department relating to federal law. The Department of Human Services shall have the responsibility and authority to provide such services as are necessary to maintain the intent of and compliance with federal requirements for the program described in ORS 412.124. [Formerly 418.160]

 

      412.140 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.144 Duties of department relating to other agencies. The Department of Human Services shall have the responsibility and authority to provide such services and engage in such cooperative and coordinated efforts with the Employment Department and other appropriate agencies as are necessary to maintain the intent of and compliance with federal requirements for the program described in ORS 412.124. [Formerly 418.163]

 

      412.150 [Repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.151 Statewide electronic benefits transfer system; replacement cards to display name. (1) The Department of Human Services shall provide temporary assistance for needy families and supplemental nutrition assistance to eligible individuals through an electronic benefits transfer system that uses an electronic benefits transfer card. Any time the department issues an electronic benefits transfer card to replace a card that was reported lost or stolen, the replacement card must display the name of the individual to whom the card is issued.

      (2) The department shall seek all state and federal approvals necessary for implementation of an electronic benefits transfer system as described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) This section does not apply to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits issued to a senior citizen under a demonstration project approved by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture or to benefits received by a recipient of federal Supplemental Security Income in the form of a check in lieu of an electronic benefits transfer card. [Formerly 418.047; 2009 c.599 §20; 2015 c.710 §1]

 

      Note: 412.151 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 412 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      412.155 Additional monthly payments of elderly rental assistance. The Department of Human Services shall include in the payment made under ORS 412.001 to 412.155 and 418.647 a monthly amount to be designated elderly rental assistance. The amount shall be determined by the department, subject to the total amount appropriated for that purpose by the Legislative Assembly. [Formerly 418.172]

 

      412.160 [Amended by 1957 c.56 §1; repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.161 Policy on two-parent families. The Legislative Assembly finds:

      (1) That the provision of public assistance to children in very low income families would help keep families together and reduce hardship in times of high unemployment;

      (2) That the lack of public assistance to two-parent unemployed families does not produce significant financial savings for the State of Oregon since family break-up increases the number of single-parent families receiving public assistance;

      (3) That children in two-parent unemployed families have needs as urgent as those of children in single-parent unemployed families;

      (4) That the provision of public assistance to two-parent unemployed families may provide access to medical care for these families, health being one of the prerequisites to seeking and maintaining employment;

      (5) That because federal law requires active participation in employment and other alternatives to be eligible for federal funds for public assistance, the availability of federal funds helps those families who are trying hardest to help themselves be self-supporting; and

      (6) That additional funds need to be made available in the temporary assistance for needy families program to effectuate this policy. [Formerly 418.180; 2015 c.765 §21]

 

      412.170 [Amended by 1955 c.444 §3; repealed by 1961 c.633 §14]

 

      412.180 [Repealed by 1953 c.550 §12]

 

      412.510 [Amended by 1959 c.409 §1; 1969 c.69 §4; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.520 [Amended by 1959 c.409 §2; 1965 c.556 §20; 1969 c.69 §5; 1969 c.468 §3; 1973 c.651 §5; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.530 [Amended by 1963 c.71 §1; 1965 c.42 §1; 1971 c.779 §35; 1973 c.651 §6; 2005 c.22 §281; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.540 [Amended by 1959 c.409 §3; 1965 c.93 §1; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.550 [Amended by 1959 c.409 §4; repealed by 2001 c.900 §261]

 

      412.560 [Amended by 1959 c.409 §5; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.570 [Amended by 1955 c.364 §6; 1969 c.68 §6; 1971 c.779 §36; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.580 [Amended by 1969 c.597 §248; 1971 c.734 §43; 2001 c.900 §99; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.590 [Amended by 1953 c.500 §12; 1959 c.409 §6; 1971 c.779 §37; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.600 [Amended by 1971 c.335 §1; 1975 c.386 §2; 1985 c.522 §2; 1993 c.249 §3; 1995 c.664 §92; 2001 c.900 §221; 2005 c.22 §282; 2005 c.381 §12; renumbered 411.708 in 2005]

 

      412.610 [Amended by 1999 c.745 §5; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.620 [Repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.625 [1967 c.217 §5; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.630 [Amended by 1957 c.56 §2; repealed by 2005 c.381 §30]

 

      412.700 [1989 c.922 §§1,2,3,4; 1991 c.412 §1; renumbered 410.730 in 2005]

 

      412.710 [1989 c.922 §5; 1991 c.412 §2; 2003 c.14 §183; renumbered 410.732 in 2005]

 

      412.990 [Repealed by 1953 c.500 §12]

 

PENALTIES

 

      412.991 Criminal penalties. A person who violates ORS 412.074 commits a Class A misdemeanor. [Formerly subsection (1) of 418.990; 2015 c.765 §26b]

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