16 Del. Admin. Code § 3000-3009

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025

Section 3000-3009 - Defining the Contract of Mutual Responsibility

The Contract of Mutual Responsibility (CMR) is an agreement between the TANF client and DSS which sets obligations and expectations for helping the client achieve self-sufficiency. The CMR is a requirement for all TANF clients.

1. All TANF clients are required to develop a CMR with their DSS case worker. The CMR outlines the requirements that the client must fulfill to receive TANF benefits.

A. The CMR encompasses three broad categories of requirements:

i. Self-sufficiency,

ii. Enhanced family functioning, and

iii. Teen responsibility.

B. The CMR is individualized to the specific needs and situations of each family.

C. The CMR will be revised as the needs and situations of the family evolve.

2. DSS case workers will assist clients in developing the CMR when TANF cases are opened and will monitor clients' compliance with the required CMR elements.

A. DSS case workers will:

i. Explain to clients the CMR requirements and the penalties for non-compliance.

ii. Give clients the appropriate time frame to comply with each CMR element. Compliance with the CMR elements is not required to initially apply for TANF.

iii. Review the CMR for compliance during TANF redeterminations or during reapplication if the TANF case closed for non-compliance with the CMR.

iv. Identify non-compliance with CMR elements and sanction TANF cases.

v. Address barriers that may impede clients' compliance with CMR elements.

3. DSS will sanction TANF cases when clients fail to comply with the CMR requirements.

A. Sanctions for non-compliance with the CMR are fiscal penalties that reduce or close TANF benefits.

B. The intended result of the sanction process is to motivate clients to cooperate.

C. DSS encourages clients to disclose any difficulties that may create barriers for meeting the CMR requirements. DSS will not impose a sanction if good cause exists.

D. A sanction will end when DSS receives proof that the TANF client is complying with the CMR requirements.

4. DSS will ensure that supportive services related to CMR requirements are available to TANF clients.

A. DSS will work with clients to identify barriers that may hinder compliance with the CMR requirements.

B. DSS will provide supportive services to clients to assist in reducing identified barriers.

C. DSS will not sanction clients if supportive services identified in the CMR are not available.

D. DSS will revise the CMR to reflect when a supportive service is not available to the client.

Related policies:

DSSM sections 3009, 3010, 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3016, 3017

POLICY - AMENDMENT Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of Social Services Policy and Program Development Unit

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3000-3009

10 DE Reg. 706 (10/01/06)
22 DE Reg. 773( 3/1/2019) (Final)