311.07 Assignment to DHHS of Rights to Support Income SR 08-04, 04/08 (FAM-A)

Assignment of child/spousal support rights to DHHS is a condition of eligibility for TANF financial and medical assistance, and support rights are automatically assigned to DHHS upon signing the Form 800, Application for Assistance. However, all TANF applicants must additionally fully complete Form 725, Application for Child Support Services, to initiate assignment.

If an applicant of Financial Assistance To Needy Families indicates an absent parent is "unknown," the individual must meet with a child support representative as a condition of eligibility.

TANF applicants who refuse to assign support, complete the Form 725, or meet with a child support representative as required, are denied assistance. No good cause exists. Document the refusal in the record.

The support that must be assigned to DHHS includes payments which are owed, are pending, or are continuing as of the date the applicant assigns rights to support income to DHHS.

Example

A mother applied for TANF financial assistance in July. In September, she received $1,800 from her ex-husband. The sum represents 6 months in back child support. The mother must give the entire accrued amount to DHHS.

Applicants and recipients of TAP/IDP/FWOC/UP financial assistance are not required to assign DHHS the rights of child/spousal support as a condition of eligibility. However, *these applicants and recipients must comply with developing all potential sources of income. See PART 317, DEVELOPING POTENTIAL SOURCES OF INCOME.