207.07 Dependent Children Who Are Students SR 98-29, 06/98 (FAM-A)

An 18 or 19 year old dependent child must be in school full-time to be eligible for TANF benefits. The school determines full time status. The school must be a secondary school or equivalent. Eligibility ceases at age 20.

Exception: KidsCare PLUS children are not required to be enrolled in school.

An otherwise eligible child under age 18 may receive TANF financial and/or medical assistance regardless of whether the child attends school or makes satisfactory grades. Eligible children age 18 and 19 must attend high school or its equivalent full time in order to receive financial and/or medical assistance. However, certain other eligibility requirements, such as NHEP Program requirements are dependent upon a determination of the child’s student status.

To be classified a student, the 18 or 19 year old dependent child must meet all the conditions below:

• be officially enrolled,

• physically attend courses (correspondence courses do not qualify), and

• be in regular attendance of a curriculum of study or training leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree. Regular attendance is any of the following:

- full-time (as defined by the school) in a curriculum leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree.

- half-time in (as defined by the school) in a curriculum leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree. The student must also be regularly employed or available for and actively seeking part-time employment.

- half-time (as defined by the school) in a curriculum of study leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree. The student must also be precluded from full-time attendance or part-time employment because of a verified physical handicap.

Consider an 18 year old dependent child a student through the end of the month in which they complete or discontinue their school or training program.

Exceptions:

• When an 18 or 19 year old dependent child meets school attendance criteria, but is not actually attending school because of one of the reasons below, consider the individual a student.

- official vacation—including summer—of the school or training program,

- illness or convalescence,

- family emergency, or

- semester breaks.

 The 18 or 19 year old dependent child must intend to return to school when the reason for the absence is ended.

• When an 18 or 19 year old dependent child has already received a certificate, degree, or diploma, but is repeating a course or program to obtain better grades or skills in order to improve employment opportunities, consider the individual a student. The student must meet school attendance criteria.