Virginia Code 63.2-607: Eligibility for TANF; minor parent residency
A. Except as provided in subsection B, an unemancipated minor custodial parent may receive TANF for himself and his child only if the individual and his child reside in the home maintained by his parent or person standing in loco parentis. For purposes of TANF eligibility determination, a minor who receives government-provided public assistance is not considered emancipated unless married.
Terms Used In Virginia Code 63.2-607
- Adult: means a person 18 years of age or more. See Virginia Code 1-203
- Department: means the State Department of Social Services. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
- Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
- Local department: means the local department of social services of any county or city in the Commonwealth. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
- Person: includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof. See Virginia Code 1-230
- Public assistance: means Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); auxiliary grants to the aged, blind, and disabled; medical assistance; energy assistance; food stamps; employment services; child care; and general relief. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
- Social services: means foster care, adoption, adoption assistance, child-protective services, domestic violence services, or any other services program implemented in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
- TANF: means the program administered by the Department through which a relative can receive monthly cash assistance for the support of his eligible children. See Virginia Code 63.2-100
B. The provisions of subsection A shall not apply if:
1. The individual has no parent or person standing in loco parentis who is living or whose whereabouts are known;
2. The local department determines that the physical or emotional health or safety of the individual or his dependent child would be jeopardized if the individual and dependent child lived in the same residence with the individual’s parent or the person standing in loco parentis for the individual; or
3. The local department otherwise determines, in accordance with Board regulations, that there is good cause for waiving the requirements of subsection A.
C. If the individual and his dependent child are not required to live with the individual’s parent or the person standing in loco parentis for the individual, the local department shall assist the individual in locating an appropriate adult supervised supportive living arrangement taking into consideration the needs and concerns of the minor and thereafter shall require that the individual and his child reside in such living arrangement or an alternative appropriate arrangement as a condition of the continued receipt of TANF. If the local department is unable, after making diligent efforts, to locate any such appropriate living arrangement, it shall provide case management and other social services consistent with the best interests of the individual and child who live independently.