Collapse to view only § 619. Definitions

§ 601. Purpose
(a) In general
The purpose of this part is to increase the flexibility of States in operating a program designed to—
(1) provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
(2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;
(3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and
(4) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
(b) No individual entitlement

This part shall not be interpreted to entitle any individual or family to assistance under any State program funded under this part.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 401, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2112; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620.)
§ 602. Eligible States; State plan
(a) In generalAs used in this part, the term “eligible State” means, with respect to a fiscal year, a State that, during the 27-month period ending with the close of the 1st quarter of the fiscal year, has submitted to the Secretary a plan that the Secretary has found includes the following:
(1) Outline of family assistance program
(A) General provisionsA written document that outlines how the State intends to do the following:
(i) Conduct a program, designed to serve all political subdivisions in the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner), that provides assistance to needy families with (or expecting) children and provides parents with job preparation, work, and support services to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient.
(ii) Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program to engage in work (as defined by the State) once the State determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once the parent or caretaker has received assistance under the program for 24 months (whether or not consecutive), whichever is earlier, consistent with section 607(e)(2) of this title.
(iii) Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 607 of this title.
(iv) Take such reasonable steps as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.
(v) Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and establish numerical goals for reducing the illegitimacy ratio of the State (as defined in section 603(a)(2)(C)(iii) 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title) for calendar years 1996 through 2005.
(vi) Conduct a program, designed to reach State and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.
(vii) Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 608(a)(12) of this title, including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance.
(viii) Ensure that recipients of assistance provided under the State program funded under this part have access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available.
(B) Special provisions
(i) The document shall indicate whether the State intends to treat families moving into the State from another State differently than other families under the program, and if so, how the State intends to treat such families under the program.
(ii) The document shall indicate whether the State intends to provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States, and if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.
(iii) The document shall set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how the State will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative or appeal process.
(iv) Not later than 1 year after August 22, 1996, unless the chief executive officer of the State opts out of this provision by notifying the Secretary, a State shall, consistent with the exception provided in section 607(e)(2) of this title, require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program who, after receiving such assistance for 2 months is not exempt from work requirements and is not engaged in work, as determined under section 607(c) of this title, to participate in community service employment, with minimum hours per week and tasks to be determined by the State.
(v) The document shall indicate whether the State intends to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment—(I) providing direct care in a long-term care facility (as such terms are defined under section 1397j of this title); or(II) in other occupations related to elder care determined appropriate by the State for which the State identifies an unmet need for service personnel,
and, if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.
(2) Certification that the State will operate a child support enforcement program

A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will operate a child support enforcement program under the State plan approved under part D.

(3) Certification that the State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program

A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the State plan approved under part E, and that the State will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under such part are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under subchapter XIX.

(4) Certification of the administration of the programA certification by the chief executive officer of the State specifying which State agency or agencies will administer and supervise the program referred to in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year, which shall include assurances that local governments and private sector organizations—
(A) have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and
(B) have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and the design of such services.
(5) Certification that the State will provide Indians with equitable access to assistance

A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 612 of this title, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.

(6) Certification of standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse

A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the State program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.

(7) Optional certification of standards and procedures to ensure that the State will screen for and identify domestic violence
(A) In generalAt the option of the State, a certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to—
(i) screen and identify individuals receiving assistance under this part with a history of domestic violence while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals;
(ii) refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services; and
(iii) waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause, other program requirements such as time limits (for so long as necessary) for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family cap provisions, in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance under this part to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize such individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.
(B) “Domestic violence” defined

For purposes of this paragraph, the term “domestic violence” has the same meaning as the term “battered or subjected to extreme cruelty”, as defined in section 608(a)(7)(C)(iii) of this title.

(8) Certification that the State will provide information to victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
(A) In generalA certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to—
(i) ensure that applicants and potential applicants for assistance under the State program funded under this part are notified of assistance made available by the State to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;
(ii) ensure that case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are trained in—(I) the nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking;(II) State standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for, individuals who are victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and(III) methods of ascertaining and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who have provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and
(iii) ensure that, if a State has elected to establish and enforce standards and procedures regarding the screening for, and identification of, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking pursuant to paragraph (7)—(I) the State program funded under this part provides information about the options under this part to current and potential beneficiaries; and(II) case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are provided with training regarding State standards and procedures pursuant to paragraph (7).
(B) DefinitionsFor purposes of this paragraph—
(i) the term “sexual harassment” means hostile, intimidating, or oppressive behavior based on sex that creates an offensive work environment;
(ii) the term “domestic violence” has the meaning given such term in paragraph (7); and
(iii) the terms “sexual assault” and “stalking” have the meanings given such terms in section 12291 of title 34.
(b) Plan amendments

Within 30 days after a State amends a plan submitted pursuant to subsection (a), the State shall notify the Secretary of the amendment.

(c) Public availability of State plan summary

The State shall make available to the public a summary of any plan or plan amendment submitted by the State under this section.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 402, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2113; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5501, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 606, 620; Pub. L. 106–169, title IV, § 401(a), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1858; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, § 6703(a)(2)(A), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4004(c), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 198; Pub. L. 117–103, div. W, title VII, § 703(a)(1), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 892.)
§ 603. Grants to States
(a) Grants
(1) Family assistance grant
(A) In general

Each eligible State shall be entitled to receive from the Secretary, for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, a grant in an amount equal to the State family assistance grant.

(B) State family assistance grant

The State family assistance grant payable to a State for a fiscal year shall be the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount specified in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph (as in effect just before February 22, 2012), reduced by the percentage specified in section 613(h)(1) of this title with respect to the fiscal year, as the amount required to be paid to the State under this paragraph (as so in effect) for fiscal year 2002 (determined without regard to any reduction pursuant to section 609 or 612(a)(1) of this title) bears to the total amount required to be paid under this paragraph for fiscal year 2002 (as so determined).

(C) Appropriation

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018 $16,566,542,000 for grants under this paragraph.

(2) Healthy marriage promotion and responsible fatherhood grants
(A) In general
(i) Use of funds

Subject to subparagraphs (B), (C), and (E), the Secretary may use the funds made available under subparagraph (D) for the purpose of conducting and supporting research and demonstration projects by public or private entities, and providing technical assistance to States, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and such other entities as the Secretary may specify that are receiving a grant under another provision of this part.

(ii) LimitationsThe Secretary may not award funds made available under this paragraph on a noncompetitive basis, and may not provide any such funds to an entity for the purpose of carrying out healthy marriage promotion activities or for the purpose of carrying out activities promoting responsible fatherhood unless the entity has submitted to the Secretary an application (or, in the case of an entity seeking funding to carry out healthy marriage promotion activities and activities promoting responsible fatherhood, a combined application that contains assurances that the entity will carry out such activities under separate programs and shall not combine any funds awarded to carry out either such activities) which—(I) describes—(aa) how the programs or activities proposed in the application will address, as appropriate, issues of domestic violence; and(bb) what the applicant will do, to the extent relevant, to ensure that participation in the programs or activities is voluntary, and to inform potential participants that their participation is voluntary; and(II) contains a commitment by the entity—(aa) to not use the funds for any other purpose; and(bb) to consult with experts in domestic violence or relevant community domestic violence coalitions in developing the programs and activities.
(iii) Healthy marriage promotion activitiesIn clause (ii), the term “healthy marriage promotion activities” means the following:(I) Public advertising campaigns on the value of marriage and the skills needed to increase marital stability and health.(II) Education in high schools on the value of marriage, relationship skills, and budgeting.(III) Marriage education, marriage skills, and relationship skills programs, that may include parenting skills, financial management, conflict resolution, and job and career advancement.(IV) Pre-marital education and marriage skills training for engaged couples and for couples or individuals interested in marriage.(V) Marriage enhancement and marriage skills training programs for married couples.(VI) Divorce reduction programs that teach relationship skills.(VII) Marriage mentoring programs which use married couples as role models and mentors in at-risk communities.(VIII) Programs to reduce the disincentives to marriage in means-tested aid programs, if offered in conjunction with any activity described in this subparagraph.
(B) Limitation on use of funds for demonstration projects for coordination of provision of child welfare and TANF services to tribal families at risk of child abuse or neglect
(i) In general

Of the amounts made available under subparagraph (D) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may not award more than $2,000,000 on a competitive basis to fund demonstration projects designed to test the effectiveness of tribal governments or tribal consortia in coordinating the provision to tribal families at risk of child abuse or neglect of child welfare services and services under tribal programs funded under this part.

(ii) Limitation on use of fundsA grant made pursuant to clause (i) to such a project shall not be used for any purpose other than—(I) to improve case management for families eligible for assistance from such a tribal program;(II) for supportive services and assistance to tribal children in out-of-home placements and the tribal families caring for such children, including families who adopt such children; and(III) for prevention services and assistance to tribal families at risk of child abuse and neglect.
(iii) Reports

The Secretary may require a recipient of funds awarded under this subparagraph to provide the Secretary with such information as the Secretary deems relevant to enable the Secretary to facilitate and oversee the administration of any project for which funds are provided under this subparagraph.

(C) Limitation on use of funds for activities promoting responsible fatherhood
(i) In general

Of the amounts made available under subparagraph (D) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may not award more than $75,000,000 on a competitive basis to States, territories, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and public and nonprofit community entities, including religious organizations, for activities promoting responsible fatherhood.

(ii)In this paragraph, the term “activities promoting responsible fatherhood” means the following:(I) Activities to promote marriage or sustain marriage through activities such as counseling, mentoring, disseminating information about the benefits of marriage and 2-parent involvement for children, enhancing relationship skills, education regarding how to control aggressive behavior, disseminating information on the causes of domestic violence and child abuse, marriage preparation programs, premarital counseling, marital inventories, skills-based marriage education, financial planning seminars, including improving a family’s ability to effectively manage family business affairs by means such as education, counseling, or mentoring on matters related to family finances, including household management, budgeting, banking, and handling of financial transactions and home maintenance, and divorce education and reduction programs, including mediation and counseling.(II) Activities to promote responsible parenting through activities such as counseling, mentoring, and mediation, disseminating information about good parenting practices, skills-based parenting education, encouraging child support payments, and other methods.(III) Activities to foster economic stability by helping fathers improve their economic status by providing activities such as work first services, job search, job training, subsidized employment, job retention, job enhancement, and encouraging education, including career-advancing education, dissemination of employment materials, coordination with existing employment services such as welfare-to-work programs, referrals to local employment training initiatives, and other methods.(IV) Activities to promote responsible fatherhood that are conducted through a contract with a nationally recognized, nonprofit fatherhood promotion organization, such as the development, promotion, and distribution of a media campaign to encourage the appropriate involvement of parents in the life of any child and specifically the issue of responsible fatherhood, and the development of a national clearinghouse to assist States and communities in efforts to promote and support marriage and responsible fatherhood.
(D) AppropriationOut of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018 for expenditure in accordance with this paragraph—
(i) $75,000,000 for awarding funds for the purpose of carrying out healthy marriage promotion activities; and
(ii) $75,000,000 for awarding funds for the purpose of carrying out activities promoting responsible fatherhood.
If the Secretary makes an award under subparagraph (B)(i) for fiscal year 2017 or 2018, the funds for such award shall be taken in equal portion from the amounts appropriated under clauses (i) and (ii).
(E) Preference

In awarding funds under this paragraph for fiscal year 2011, the Secretary shall give preference to entities that were awarded funds under this paragraph for any prior fiscal year and that have demonstrated the ability to successfully carry out the programs funded under this paragraph.

(3) Supplemental grant for population increases in certain States
(A) In generalEach qualifying State shall, subject to subparagraph (F), be entitled to receive from the Secretary—
(i) for fiscal year 1998 a grant in an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the total amount required to be paid to the State under former section 603 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994; and
(ii) for each of fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, a grant in an amount equal to the sum of—(I) the amount (if any) required to be paid to the State under this paragraph for the immediately preceding fiscal year; and(II) 2.5 percent of the sum of—(aa) the total amount required to be paid to the State under former section 603 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994; and(bb) the amount (if any) required to be paid to the State under this paragraph for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the grant is to be made.
(B) Preservation of grant without increases for States failing to remain qualifying States

Each State that is not a qualifying State for a fiscal year specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) but was a qualifying State for a prior fiscal year shall, subject to subparagraph (F), be entitled to receive from the Secretary for the specified fiscal year, a grant in an amount equal to the amount required to be paid to the State under this paragraph for the most recent fiscal year for which the State was a qualifying State.

(C) Qualifying State
(i) In generalFor purposes of this paragraph, a State is a qualifying State for a fiscal year if—(I) the level of welfare spending per poor person by the State for the immediately preceding fiscal year is less than the national average level of State welfare spending per poor person for such preceding fiscal year; and(II) the population growth rate of the State (as determined by the Bureau of the Census) for the most recent fiscal year for which information is available exceeds the average population growth rate for all States (as so determined) for such most recent fiscal year.
(ii) State must qualify in fiscal year 1998

Notwithstanding clause (i), a State shall not be a qualifying State for any fiscal year after 1998 by reason of clause (i) if the State is not a qualifying State for fiscal year 1998 by reason of clause (i).

(iii) Certain States deemed qualifying StatesFor purposes of this paragraph, a State is deemed to be a qualifying State for fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 if—(I) the level of welfare spending per poor person by the State for fiscal year 1994 is less than 35 percent of the national average level of State welfare spending per poor person for fiscal year 1994; or(II) the population of the State increased by more than 10 percent from April 1, 1990 to July 1, 1994, according to the population estimates in publication CB94–204 of the Bureau of the Census.
(D) DefinitionsAs used in this paragraph:
(i) Level of welfare spending per poor personThe term “level of State welfare spending per poor person” means, with respect to a State and a fiscal year—(I) the sum of—(aa) the total amount required to be paid to the State under former section 603 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994; and(bb) the amount (if any) paid to the State under this paragraph for the immediately preceding fiscal year; divided by(II) the number of individuals, according to the 1990 decennial census, who were residents of the State and whose income was below the poverty line.
(ii) National average level of State welfare spending per poor personThe term “national average level of State welfare spending per poor person” means, with respect to a fiscal year, an amount equal to—(I) the total amount required to be paid to the States under former section 603 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994; divided by(II) the number of individuals, according to the 1990 decennial census, who were residents of any State and whose income was below the poverty line.
(iii) State

The term “State” means each of the 50 States of the United States and the District of Columbia.

(E) Appropriation

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 such sums as are necessary for grants under this paragraph, in a total amount not to exceed $800,000,000.

(F) Grants reduced pro rata if insufficient appropriations

If the amount appropriated pursuant to this paragraph for a fiscal year (or portion of a fiscal year) is less than the total amount of payments otherwise required to be made under this paragraph for the fiscal year (or portion of the fiscal year), then the amount otherwise payable to any State for the fiscal year (or portion of the fiscal year) under this paragraph shall be reduced by a percentage equal to the amount so appropriated divided by such total amount.

(G) Budget scoring

Notwithstanding section 907(b)(2) of title 2, the baseline shall assume that no grant shall be made under this paragraph after fiscal year 2001.

(H) ReauthorizationNotwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph—
(i) any State that was a qualifying State under this paragraph for fiscal year 2001 or any prior fiscal year shall be entitled to receive from the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003 a grant in an amount equal to the amount required to be paid to the State under this paragraph for the most recent fiscal year in which the State was a qualifying State;
(ii) subparagraph (G) shall be applied as if “fiscal year 2011” were substituted for “fiscal year 2001”; 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by “and”.
(iii) out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003 such sums as are necessary for grants under this subparagraph.
(4) Bonus to reward high performance States
(A) In general

The Secretary shall make a grant pursuant to this paragraph to each State for each bonus year for which the State is a high performing State.

(B) Amount of grant
(i) In general

Subject to clause (ii) of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall determine the amount of the grant payable under this paragraph to a high performing State for a bonus year, which shall be based on the score assigned to the State under subparagraph (D)(i) for the fiscal year that immediately precedes the bonus year.

(ii) Limitation

The amount payable to a State under this paragraph for a bonus year shall not exceed 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(C) Formula for measuring State performance

Not later than 1 year after August 22, 1996, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Governors’ Association and the American Public Welfare Association, shall develop a formula for measuring State performance in operating the State program funded under this part so as to achieve the goals set forth in section 601(a) of this title.

(D) Scoring of State performance; setting of performance thresholdsFor each bonus year, the Secretary shall—
(i) use the formula developed under subparagraph (C) to assign a score to each eligible State for the fiscal year that immediately precedes the bonus year; and
(ii) prescribe a performance threshold in such a manner so as to ensure that—(I) the average annual total amount of grants to be made under this paragraph for each bonus year equals $200,000,000; and(II) the total amount of grants to be made under this paragraph for all bonus years equals $1,000,000,000.
(E) DefinitionsAs used in this paragraph:
(i) Bonus year

The term “bonus year” means fiscal years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003.

(ii) High performing State

The term “high performing State” means, with respect to a bonus year, an eligible State whose score assigned pursuant to subparagraph (D)(i) for the fiscal year immediately preceding the bonus year equals or exceeds the performance threshold prescribed under subparagraph (D)(ii) for such preceding fiscal year.

(F) Appropriation

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for fiscal years 1999 through 2003 $1,000,000,000 for grants under this paragraph.

(5) Welfare-to-work grants
(A) Formula grants
(i) EntitlementA State shall be entitled to receive from the Secretary of Labor a grant for each fiscal year specified in subparagraph (H) of this paragraph for which the State is a welfare-to-work State, in an amount that does not exceed the lesser of—(I) 2 times the total of the expenditures by the State (excluding qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) and any expenditure described in subclause (I), (II), or (IV) of section 609(a)(7)(B)(iv) of this title) during the period permitted under subparagraph (C)(vii) of this paragraph for the expenditure of funds under the grant for activities described in subparagraph (C)(i) of this paragraph; or(II) the allotment of the State under clause (iii) of this subparagraph for the fiscal year.
(ii) Welfare-to-work StateA State shall be considered a welfare-to-work State for a fiscal year for purposes of this paragraph if the Secretary of Labor determines that the State meets the following requirements:(I) The State has submitted to the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in the form of an addendum to the State plan submitted under section 602 of this title) a plan which—(aa) describes how, consistent with this subparagraph, the State will use any funds provided under this subparagraph during the fiscal year;(bb) specifies the formula to be used pursuant to clause (vi) to distribute funds in the State, and describes the process by which the formula was developed;(cc) contains evidence that the plan was developed in consultation and coordination with appropriate entitites 2
2 So in original. Probably should be “entities”.
in span-State areas;
(dd) contains assurances by the Governor of the State that the private industry council (and any alternate agency designated by the Governor under item (ee)) for a service delivery area in the State will coordinate the expenditure of any funds provided under this subparagraph for the benefit of the service delivery area with the expenditure of the funds provided to the State under paragraph (1);(ee) if the Governor of the State desires to have an agency other than a private industry council administer the funds provided under this subparagraph for the benefit of 1 or more service delivery areas in the State, contains an application to the Secretary of Labor for a waiver of clause (vii)(I) with respect to the area or areas in order to permit an alternate agency designated by the Governor to so administer the funds; and(ff) describes how the State will ensure that a private industry council to which information is disclosed pursuant to section 603(a)(5)(K) 3
3 See References in Text note below.
or 654A(f)(5) of this title has procedures for safeguarding the information and for ensuring that the information is used solely for the purpose described in that section.
(II) The State has provided to the Secretary of Labor an estimate of the amount that the State intends to expend during the period permitted under subparagraph (C)(vii) of this paragraph for the expenditure of funds under the grant (excluding expenditures described in section 609(a)(7)(B)(iv) of this title (other than subclause (III) thereof)) pursuant to this paragraph.(III) The State has agreed to negotiate in good faith with the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the substance and funding of any evaluation under section 613(j) of this title, and to cooperate with the conduct of any such evaluation.(IV) The State is an eligible State for the fiscal year.(V) The State certifies that qualified State expenditures (within the meaning of section 609(a)(7) of this title
(iii) Allotments to welfare-to-work States(I) In general

Subject to this clause, the allotment of a welfare-to-work State for a fiscal year shall be the available amount for the fiscal year, multiplied by the State percentage for the fiscal year.

(II) Minimum allotment

The allotment of a welfare-to-work State (other than Guam, the Virgin Islands, or American Samoa) for a fiscal year shall not be less than 0.25 percent of the available amount for the fiscal year.

(III) Pro rata reduction

Subject to subclause (II), the Secretary of Labor shall make pro rata reductions in the allotments to States under this clause for a fiscal year as necessary to ensure that the total of the allotments does not exceed the available amount for the fiscal year.

(iv) Available amountAs used in this subparagraph, the term “available amount” means, for a fiscal year, the sum of—(I) 75 percent of the sum of—(aa) the amount specified in subparagraph (H) for the fiscal year, minus the total of the amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) for the fiscal year; and(bb) any amount reserved pursuant to subparagraph (E) for the immediately preceding fiscal year that has not been obligated; and(II) any available amount for the immediately preceding fiscal year that has not been obligated by a State, other than funds reserved by the State for distribution under clause (vi)(III) and funds distributed pursuant to clause (vi)(I) in any State in which the service delivery area is the State.
(v) State percentageAs used in clause (iii), the term “State percentage” means, with respect to a fiscal year, ½ of the sum of—(I) the percentage represented by the number of individuals in the State whose income is less than the poverty line divided by the number of such individuals in the United States; and(II) the percentage represented by the number of adults who are recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part divided by the number of adults in the United States who are recipients of assistance under any State program funded under this part.
(vi) Procedure for distribution of funds within States(I) Allocation formulaA State to which a grant is made under this subparagraph shall devise a formula for allocating not less than 85 percent of the amount of the grant among the service delivery areas in the State, which—(aa) determines the amount to be allocated for the benefit of a service delivery area in proportion to the number (if any) by which the population of the area with an income that is less than the poverty line exceeds 7.5 percent of the total population of the area, relative to such number for all such areas in the State with such an excess, and accords a weight of not less than 50 percent to this factor;(bb) may determine the amount to be allocated for the benefit of such an area in proportion to the number of adults residing in the area who have been recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part (whether in effect before or after the amendments made by section 103(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 first applied to the State) for at least 30 months (whether or not consecutive) relative to the number of such adults residing in the State; and(cc) may determine the amount to be allocated for the benefit of such an area in proportion to the number of unemployed individuals residing in the area relative to the number of such individuals residing in the State.(II) Distribution of funds(aa) In general

If the amount allocated by the formula to a service delivery area is at least $100,000, the State shall distribute the amount to the entity administering the grant in the area.

(bb) Special rule

If the amount allocated by the formula to a service delivery area is less than $100,000, the sum shall be available for distribution in the State under subclause (III) during the fiscal year.

(III) Projects to help long-term recipients of assistance enter unsubsidized jobs

The Governor of a State to which a grant is made under this subparagraph may distribute not more than 15 percent of the grant funds (plus any amount required to be distributed under this subclause by reason of subclause (II)(bb)) to projects that appear likely to help long-term recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part (whether in effect before or after the amendments made by section 103(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 first applied to the State) enter unsubsidized employment.

(vii) Administration(I) Private industry councils

The private industry council for a service delivery area in a State shall have sole authority, in coordination with the chief elected official (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102]) of the area, to expend the amounts distributed under clause (vi)(II)(aa) for the benefit of the service delivery area, in accordance with the assurances described in clause (ii)(I)(dd) provided by the Governor of the State.

(II) Enforcement of coordination of expenditures with other expenditures under this partNotwithstanding subclause (I) of this clause, on a determination by the Governor of a State that a private industry council (or an alternate agency described in clause (ii)(I)(dd)) has used funds provided under this subparagraph in a manner inconsistent with the assurances described in clause (ii)(I)(dd)—(aa) the private industry council (or such alternate agency) shall remit the funds to the Governor; and(bb) the Governor shall apply to the Secretary of Labor for a waiver of subclause (I) of this clause with respect to the service delivery area or areas involved in order to permit an alternate agency designated by the Governor to administer the funds in accordance with the assurances.(III) Authority to permit use of alternate administering agency

The Secretary of Labor shall approve an application submitted under clause (ii)(I)(ee) or subclause (II)(bb) of this clause to waive subclause (I) of this clause with respect to 1 or more service delivery areas if the Secretary determines that the alternate agency designated in the application would improve the effectiveness or efficiency of the administration of amounts distributed under clause (vi)(II)(aa) for the benefit of the area or areas.

(viii) Data to be used in determining the number of adult TANF recipients

For purposes of this subparagraph, the number of adult recipients of assistance under a State program funded under this part for a fiscal year shall be determined using data for the most recent 12-month period for which such data is available before the beginning of the fiscal year.

(ix) Reversion of unallotted formula funds

If at the end of any fiscal year any funds available under this subparagraph have not been allotted due to a determination by the Secretary that any State has not met the requirements of clause (ii), such funds shall be transferred to the General Fund of the Treasury of the United States.

(B) Competitive grants
(i) In generalThe Secretary of Labor shall award grants in accordance with this subparagraph, in fiscal years 1998 and 1999, for projects proposed by eligible applicants, based on the following:(I) The effectiveness of the proposal in—(aa) expanding the base of knowledge about programs aimed at moving recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this part who are least job ready into unsubsidized employment.4
4 So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon.
(bb) moving recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this part who are least job ready into unsubsidized employment; and(cc) moving recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this part who are least job ready into unsubsidized employment, even in labor markets that have a shortage of low-skill jobs.(II) At the discretion of the Secretary of Labor, any of the following:(aa) The history of success of the applicant in moving individuals with multiple barriers into work.(bb) Evidence of the applicant’s ability to leverage private, State, and local resources.(cc) Use by the applicant of State and local resources beyond those required by subparagraph (A).(dd) Plans of the applicant to coordinate with other organizations at the local and State level.(ee) Use by the applicant of current or former recipients of assistance under a State program funded under this part as mentors, case managers, or service providers.
(ii) Eligible applicants

As used in clause (i), the term “eligible applicant” means a private industry council for a service delivery area in a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a private entity applying in conjunction with the private industry council for such a service delivery area or with such a political subdivision, that submits a proposal developed in consultation with the Governor of the State.

(iii) Determination of grant amount

In determining the amount of a grant to be made under this subparagraph for a project proposed by an applicant, the Secretary of Labor shall provide the applicant with an amount sufficient to ensure that the project has a reasonable opportunity to be successful, taking into account the number of long-term recipients of assistance under a State program funded under this part, the level of unemployment, the job opportunities and job growth, the poverty rate, and such other factors as the Secretary of Labor deems appropriate, in the area to be served by the project.

(iv) Consideration of needs of rural areas and cities with large concentrations of poverty

In making grants under this subparagraph, the Secretary of Labor shall consider the needs of rural areas and cities with large concentrations of residents with an income that is less than the poverty line.

(v) FundingFor grants under this subparagraph for each fiscal year specified in subparagraph (H), there shall be available to the Secretary of Labor an amount equal to the sum of—(I) 25 percent of the sum of—(aa) the amount specified in subparagraph (H) for the fiscal year, minus the total of the amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) for the fiscal year; and(bb) any amount reserved pursuant to subparagraph (E) for the immediately preceding fiscal year that has not been obligated; and(II) any amount available for grants under this subparagraph for the immediately preceding fiscal year that has not been obligated.
(C) Limitations on use of funds
(i) Allowable activitiesAn entity to which funds are provided under this paragraph shall use the funds to move individuals into and keep individuals in lasting unsubsidized employment by means of any of the following:(I) The conduct and administration of community service or work experience programs.(II) Job creation through public or private sector employment wage subsidies.(III) On-the-job training.(IV) Contracts with public or private providers of readiness, placement, and post-employment services, or if the entity is not a private industry council or workforce investment board, the direct provision of such services.(V) Job vouchers for placement, readiness, and postemployment services.(VI) Job retention or support services if such services are not otherwise available.(VII) Not more than 6 months of vocational educational or job training.
 Contracts or vouchers for job placement services supported by such funds must require that at least ½ of the payment occur after an eligible individual placed into the workforce has been in the workforce for 6 months.
(ii) General eligibilityAn entity that operates a project with funds provided under this paragraph may expend funds provided to the project for the benefit of recipients of assistance under the program funded under this part of the State in which the entity is located who—(I) has received assistance under the State program funded under this part (whether in effect before or after the amendments made by section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 first apply to the State) for at least 30 months (whether or not consecutive); or(II) within 12 months, will become ineligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part by reason of a durational limit on such assistance, without regard to any exemption provided pursuant to section 608(a)(7)(C) of this title that may apply to the individual.
(iii) Noncustodial parentsAn entity that operates a project with funds provided under this paragraph may use the funds to provide services in a form described in clause (i) to noncustodial parents with respect to whom the requirements of the following subclauses are met:(I) The noncustodial parent is unemployed, underemployed, or having difficulty in paying child support obligations.(II) At least 1 of the following applies to a minor child of the noncustodial parent (with preference in the determination of the noncustodial parents to be provided services under this paragraph to be provided by the entity to those noncustodial parents with minor children who meet, or who have custodial parents who meet, the requirements of item (aa)):(aa) The minor child or the custodial parent of the minor child meets the requirements of subclause (I) or (II) of clause (ii).(bb) The minor child is eligible for, or is receiving, benefits under the program funded under this part.(cc) The minor child received benefits under the program funded under this part in the 12-month period preceding the date of the determination but no longer receives such benefits.(dd) The minor child is eligible for, or is receiving, assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 [7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.], benefits under the supplemental security income program under subchapter XVI of this chapter, medical assistance under subchapter XIX of this chapter, or child health assistance under subchapter XXI of this chapter.(III) In the case of a noncustodial parent who becomes enrolled in the project on or after November 29, 1999, the noncustodial parent is in compliance with the terms of an oral or written personal responsibility contract entered into among the noncustodial parent, the entity, and (unless the entity demonstrates to the Secretary that the entity is not capable of coordinating with such agency) the agency responsible for administering the State plan under part D, which was developed taking into account the employment and child support status of the noncustodial parent, which was entered into not later than 30 (or, at the option of the entity, not later than 90) days after the noncustodial parent was enrolled in the project, and which, at a minimum, includes the following:(aa) A commitment by the noncustodial parent to cooperate, at the earliest opportunity, in the establishment of the paternity of the minor child, through voluntary acknowledgement or other procedures, and in the establishment of a child support order.(bb) A commitment by the noncustodial parent to cooperate in the payment of child support for the minor child, which may include a modification of an existing support order to take into account the ability of the noncustodial parent to pay such support and the participation of such parent in the project.(cc) A commitment by the noncustodial parent to participate in employment or related activities that will enable the noncustodial parent to make regular child support payments, and if the noncustodial parent has not attained 20 years of age, such related activities may include completion of high school, a general equivalency degree, or other education directly related to employment.(dd) A description of the services to be provided under this paragraph, and a commitment by the noncustodial parent to participate in such services, that are designed to assist the noncustodial parent obtain and retain employment, increase earnings, and enhance the financial and emotional contributions to the well-being of the minor child.
(iv) Targeting of hard to employ individuals with characteristics associated with long-term welfare dependenceAn entity that operates a project with funds provided under this paragraph may expend not more than 30 percent of all funds provided to the project for programs that provide assistance in a form described in clause (i)—(I) to recipients of assistance under the program funded under this part of the State in which the entity is located who have characteristics associated with long-term welfare dependence (such as school dropout, teen pregnancy, or poor work history), including, at the option of the State, by providing assistance in such form as a condition of receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part;(II) to children—(aa) who have attained 18 years of age but not 25 years of age; and(bb) who, before attaining 18 years of age, were recipients of foster care maintenance payments (as defined in section 675(4) of this title) under part E or were in foster care under the responsibility of a State;(III) to recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part, determined to have significant barriers to self-sufficiency, pursuant to criteria established by the local private industry council; or(IV) to custodial parents with incomes below 100 percent of the poverty line (as defined in section 9902(2) of this title, including any revision required by such section, applicable to a family of the size involved).
 To the extent that the entity does not expend such funds in accordance with the preceding sentence, the entity shall expend such funds in accordance with clauses (ii) and (iii) and, as appropriate, clause (v).
(v) Authority to provide work-related services to individuals who have reached the 5-year limit

An entity that operates a project with funds provided under this paragraph may use the funds to provide assistance in a form described in clause (i) of this subparagraph to, or for the benefit of, individuals who (but for section 608(a)(7) of this title) would be eligible for assistance under the program funded under this part of the State in which the entity is located.

(vi) Relationship to other provisions of this part(I) Rules governing use of funds

The rules of section 604 of this title, other than subsections (b), (f), and (h) of section 604 of this title, shall not apply to a grant made under this paragraph.

(II) Rules governing payments to States

The Secretary of Labor shall carry out the functions otherwise assigned by section 605 of this title to the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the grants payable under this paragraph.

(III) Administration

Section 616 of this title shall not apply to the programs under this paragraph.

(vii) Prohibition against use of grant funds for any other fund matching requirement

An entity to which funds are provided under this paragraph shall not use any part of the funds, nor any part of State expenditures made to match the funds, to fulfill any obligation of any State, political subdivision, or private industry council to contribute funds under subsection (b) or section 618 of this title or any other provision of this chapter or other Federal law.

(viii) Deadline for expenditure

An entity to which funds are provided under this paragraph shall remit to the Secretary of Labor any part of the funds that are not expended within 5 years after the date the funds are so provided.

(ix) Regulations

Within 90 days after August 5, 1997, the Secretary of Labor, after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to implement this paragraph.

(x) Reporting requirements

The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, States, and organizations that represent State or local governments, shall establish requirements for the collection and maintenance of financial and participant information and the reporting of such information by entities carrying out activities under this paragraph.

(D) Definitions
(i) Individuals with income less than the poverty lineFor purposes of this paragraph, the number of individuals with an income that is less than the poverty line shall be determined for a fiscal year—(I) based on the methodology used by the Bureau of the Census to produce and publish intercensal poverty data for States and counties (or, in the case of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, other poverty data selected by the Secretary of Labor); and(II) using data for the most recent year for which such data is available before the beginning of the fiscal year.
(ii) Private industry council

As used in this paragraph, the term “private industry council” means, with respect to a service delivery area, the private industry council or local workforce development board established for the local workforce development area pursuant to title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.], as appropriate.

(iii) Service delivery area

As used in this paragraph, the term “service delivery area” shall have the meaning given such term for purposes of the Job Training Partnership Act or.5

5 So in original.

(E) Funding for Indian tribes

1 percent of the amount specified in subparagraph (H) for fiscal year 1998 and $15,000,000 of the amount so specified for fiscal year 1999 shall be reserved for grants to Indian tribes under section 612(a)(3) of this title.

(F) Funding for evaluations of welfare-to-work programs

0.6 percent of the amount specified in subparagraph (H) for fiscal year 1998 and $9,000,000 of the amount so specified for fiscal year 1999 shall be reserved for use by the Secretary to carry out section 613(j) of this title.

(G) Funding for evaluation of abstinence education programs
(i) In general

0.2 percent of the amount specified in subparagraph (H) for fiscal year 1998 and $3,000,000 of the amount so specified for fiscal year 1999 shall be reserved for use by the Secretary to evaluate programs under section 710 of this title, directly or through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements.

(ii) Authority to use funds for evaluations of welfare-to-work programs

Any such amount not required for such evaluations shall be available for use by the Secretary to carry out section 613(j) of this title.

(iii) Deadline for outlays

Outlays from funds used pursuant to clause (i) for evaluation of programs under section 710 of this title shall not be made after fiscal year 2005.

(iv) Interim report

Not later than January 1, 2002, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress an interim report on the evaluations referred to in clause (i).

(H) Appropriations
(i) In generalOut of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for grants under this paragraph—(I) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1998; and(II) $1,400,000,000 for fiscal year 1999.
(ii) Availability

The amounts made available pursuant to clause (i) shall remain available for such period as is necessary to make the grants provided for in this paragraph.

(I) Worker protections
(i) Nondisplacement in work activities(I) General prohibition

Subject to this clause, an adult in a family receiving assistance attributable to funds provided under this paragraph may fill a vacant employment position in order to engage in a work activity.

(II) Prohibition against violation of contracts

A work activity engaged in under a program operated with funds provided under this paragraph shall not violate an existing contract for services or a collective bargaining agreement, and such a work activity that would violate a collective bargaining agreement shall not be undertaken without the written concurrence of the labor organization and employer concerned.

(III) Other prohibitionsAn adult participant in a work activity engaged in under a program operated with funds provided under this paragraph shall not be employed or assigned—(aa) when any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job;(bb) if the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction in its workforce with the intention of filling the vacancy so created with the participant; or(cc) if the employer has caused an involuntary reduction to less than full time in hours of any employee in the same or a substantially equivalent job.
(ii) Health and safety

Health and safety standards established under Federal and State law otherwise applicable to working conditions of employees shall be equally applicable to working conditions of other participants engaged in a work activity under a program operated with funds provided under this paragraph.

(iii) Nondiscrimination

In addition to the protections provided under the provisions of law specified in section 608(c) of this title, an individual may not be discriminated against by reason of gender with respect to participation in work activities engaged in under a program operated with funds provided under this paragraph.

(iv) Grievance procedure(I) In general

Each State to which a grant is made under this paragraph shall establish and maintain a procedure for grievances or complaints from employees alleging violations of clause (i) and participants in work activities alleging violations of clause (i), (ii), or (iii).

(II) Hearing

The procedure shall include an opportunity for a hearing.

(III) RemediesThe procedure shall include remedies for violation of clause (i), (ii), or (iii), which may continue during the pendency of the procedure, and which may include—(aa) suspension or termination of payments from funds provided under this paragraph;(bb) prohibition of placement of a participant with an employer that has violated clause (i), (ii), or (iii);(cc) where applicable, reinstatement of an employee, payment of lost wages and benefits, and reestablishment of other relevant terms, conditions and privileges of employment; and(dd) where appropriate, other equitable relief.(IV) Appeals(aa) Filing

Not later than 30 days after a grievant or complainant receives an adverse decision under the procedure established pursuant to subclause (I), the grievant or complainant may appeal the decision to a State agency designated by the State which shall be independent of the State or local agency that is administering the programs operated with funds provided under this paragraph and the State agency administering, or supervising the administration of, the State program funded under this part.

(bb) Final determination

Not later than 120 days after the State agency designated under item (aa) receives a grievance or complaint made under the procedure established by a State pursuant to subclause (I), the State agency shall make a final determination on the appeal.

(v) Rule of interpretation

This subparagraph shall not be construed to affect the authority of a State to provide or require workers’ compensation.

(vi) Nonpreemption of State law

The provisions of this subparagraph shall not be construed to preempt any provision of State law that affords greater protections to employees or to other participants engaged in work activities under a program funded under this part than is afforded by such provisions of this subparagraph.

(J) Information disclosure

If a State to which a grant is made under this section establishes safeguards against the use or disclosure of information about applicants or recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part, the safeguards shall not prevent the State agency administering the program from furnishing to a private industry council the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and identifying case number information in the State program funded under this part, of noncustodial parents residing in the service delivery area of the private industry council, for the purpose of identifying and contacting noncustodial parents regarding participation in the program under this paragraph.

(b) Contingency Fund
(1) Establishment

There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States a fund which shall be known as the “Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs” (in this section referred to as the “Fund”).

(2) Deposits into fund

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for fiscal year 2018 such sums as are necessary for payment to the Fund in a total amount not to exceed $608,000,000.

(3) Grants
(A) Provisional payments

If an eligible State submits to the Secretary a request for funds under this paragraph during an eligible month, the Secretary shall, subject to this paragraph, pay to the State, from amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (2), an amount equal to the amount of funds so requested.

(B) Payment priority

The Secretary shall make payments under subparagraph (A) in the order in which the Secretary receives requests for such payments.

(C) Limitations
(i) Monthly payment to a State

The total amount paid to a single State under subparagraph (A) during a month shall not exceed 112 of 20 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(ii) Payments to all States

The total amount paid to all States under subparagraph (A) during fiscal year 2011 and 2012, respectively, shall not exceed the total amount appropriated pursuant to paragraph (2) for each such fiscal year.

(4) “Eligible month” defined

As used in paragraph (3)(A), the term “eligible month” means, with respect to a State, a month in the 2-month period that begins with any month for which the State is a needy State.

(5) Needy StateFor purposes of paragraph (4), a State is a needy State for a month if—
(A) the average rate of—
(i) total unemployment in such State (seasonally adjusted) for the period consisting of the most recent 3 months for which data for all States are published equals or exceeds 6.5 percent; and
(ii) total unemployment in such State (seasonally adjusted) for the 3-month period equals or exceeds 110 percent of such average rate for either (or both) of the corresponding 3-month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years; or
(B) as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture (in the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture), the monthly average number of individuals (as of the last day of each month) participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State in the then most recently concluded 3-month period for which data are available exceeds by not less than 10 percent the lesser of—
(i) the monthly average number of individuals (as of the last day of each month) in the State that would have participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the corresponding 3-month period in fiscal year 1994 if the amendments made by titles IV [8 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] and VIII of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 had been in effect throughout fiscal year 1994; or
(ii) the monthly average number of individuals (as of the last day of each month) in the State that would have participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the corresponding 3-month period in fiscal year 1995 if the amendments made by titles IV and VIII of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 had been in effect throughout fiscal year 1995.
(6) Annual reconciliation
(A) In generalNotwithstanding paragraph (3), if the Secretary makes a payment to a State under this subsection in a fiscal year, then the State shall remit to the Secretary, within 1 year after the end of the first subsequent period of 3 consecutive months for which the State is not a needy State, an amount equal to the amount (if any) by which—
(i) the total amount paid to the State under paragraph (3) of this subsection in the fiscal year; exceeds
(ii) the product of—(I) the Federal medical assistance percentage for the State (as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title, as such section was in effect on September 30, 1995);(II) the State’s reimbursable expenditures for the fiscal year; and(III)112 times the number of months during the fiscal year for which the Secretary made a payment to the State under such paragraph (3).
(B) DefinitionsAs used in subparagraph (A):
(i) Reimbursable expendituresThe term “reimbursable expenditures” means, with respect to a State and a fiscal year, the amount (if any) by which—(I) countable State expenditures for the fiscal year; exceeds(II) historic State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(iii) of this title), excluding any amount expended by the State for child care under subsection (g) or (i) of section 602 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994.
(ii) Countable State expendituresThe term “countable expenditures” means, with respect to a State and a fiscal year—(I) the qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title (other than the expenditures described in subclause (I)(bb) of such section)) under the State program funded under this part for the fiscal year; plus(II) any amount paid to the State under paragraph (3) during the fiscal year that is expended by the State under the State program funded under this part.
(C) Adjustment of State remittances
(i) In generalThe amount otherwise required by subparagraph (A) to be remitted by a State for a fiscal year shall be increased by the lesser of—(I) the total adjustment for the fiscal year, multiplied by the adjustment percentage for the State for the fiscal year; or(II) the unadjusted net payment to the State for the fiscal year.
(ii) Total adjustmentAs used in clause (i), the term “total adjustment” means—(I) in the case of fiscal year 1998, $2,000,000;(II) in the case of fiscal year 1999, $9,000,000;(III) in the case of fiscal year 2000, $16,000,000; and(IV) in the case of fiscal year 2001, $13,000,000.
(iii) Adjustment percentageAs used in clause (i), the term “adjustment percentage” means, with respect to a State and a fiscal year—(I) the unadjusted net payment to the State for the fiscal year; divided by(II) the sum of the unadjusted net payments to all States for the fiscal year.
(iv) Unadjusted net paymentAs used in this subparagraph, the term, “unadjusted net payment” means with respect to a State and a fiscal year—(I) the total amount paid to the State under paragraph (3) in the fiscal year; minus(II) the amount that, in the absence of this subparagraph, would be required by subparagraph (A) or by section 609(a)(10) of this title to be remitted by the State in respect of the payment.
(7) “State” defined

As used in this subsection, the term “State” means each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

(8) Annual reports

The Secretary shall annually report to the Congress on the status of the Fund.

(c) Pandemic emergency assistance
(1) Appropriation

In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, $1,000,000,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out this subsection.

(2) Reservation of funds for technical assistance

Of the amount specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve $2,000,000 for administrative expenses and the provision of technical assistance to States and Indian tribes with respect to the use of funds provided under this subsection.

(3) Allotments
(A) 50 States and the District of Columbia
(i) Total amount to be allotted

The Secretary shall allot a total of 92.5 percent of the amount specified in paragraph (1) that is not reserved under paragraph (2) among the States that are not a territory and that are operating a program funded under this part, in accordance with clause (ii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) Allotment formulaThe Secretary shall allot to each such State the sum of the following percentages of the total amount described in clause (i):(I) 50 percent, multiplied by—(aa) the population of children in the State, determined on the basis of the most recent population estimates as determined by the Bureau of the Census; divided by(bb) the total population of children in the States that are not territories, as so determined; plus(II) 50 percent, multiplied by—(aa) the total amount expended by the State for basic assistance, non-recurrent short term benefits, and emergency assistance in fiscal year 2019, as reported by the State under section 611 of this title; divided by(bb) the total amount expended by the States that are not territories for basic assistance, non-recurrent short term benefits, and emergency assistance in fiscal year 2019, as so reported by the States.
(B) Territories and Indian Tribes

The Secretary shall allot among the territories and Indian tribes otherwise eligible for a grant under this part such portions of 7.5 percent of the amount specified in paragraph (1) that are not reserved under paragraph (2) as the Secretary deems appropriate based on the needs of the territory or Indian tribe involved.

(C) Expenditure commitment requirementTo receive the full amount of funding payable under this subsection, a State or Indian tribe shall inform the Secretary as to whether it intends to use all of its allotment under this paragraph and provide that information—
(i) in the case of a State that is not a territory, within 45 days after March 11, 2021; or
(ii) in the case of a territory or an Indian tribe, within 90 days after such date.
(4) Grants
(A) In general

The Secretary shall provide funds to each State and Indian tribe to which an amount is allotted under paragraph (3), from the amount so allotted.

(B) Treatment of unused funds
(i) Reallotment

The Secretary shall reallot in accordance with paragraph (3) all funds provided to any State or Indian tribe under this subsection that are unused, among the other States and Indian tribes eligible for funds under this subsection. For purposes of paragraph (3), the Secretary shall treat the funds as if included in the amount specified in paragraph (1).

(ii) Provision

The Secretary shall provide funds to each such other State or Indian tribe in an amount equal to the amount so reallotted.

(5) Recipient of funds provided for territories

In the case of a territory not operating a program funded under this part, the Secretary shall provide the funds required to be provided to the territory under this subsection, to the agency that administers the bulk of local human services programs in the territory.

(6) Use of funds
(A) In general

A State or Indian tribe to which funds are provided under this subsection may use the funds only for non-recurrent short term benefits, whether in the form of cash or in other forms.

(B) Limitation on use for administrative expenses

A State to which funds are provided under this subsection shall not expend more than 15 percent of the funds for administrative purposes.

(C) Nonsupplantation

Funds provided under this subsection shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, or tribal funds for services and activities that promote the purposes of this part.

(D) Expenditure deadline
(i) In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), a State or Indian tribe to which funds are provided under this subsection shall expend the funds not later than the end of fiscal year 2022.

(ii) Exception for reallotted funds

A State or Indian tribe to which funds are provided under paragraph (4)(B) shall expend the funds within 12 months after receipt.

(7) Suspension of territory spending cap

Section 1308 of this title shall not apply with respect to any funds provided under this subsection.

(8) DefinitionsIn this subsection:
(A) Applicable period

The term “applicable period” means the period that begins with April 1, 2021, and ends with September 30, 2022.

(B) Non-recurrent short term benefits

The term “non-recurrent short term benefits” has the meaning given the term in OMB approved Form ACF–196R, published on July 31, 2014.

(C) State

The term “State” means the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the territories.

(D) Territory

The term “territory” means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 403, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2115; amended Pub. L. 104–327, § 1(b), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 4002; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(a)(1), 5502, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 577, 606, 620; Pub. L. 105–78, title VI, § 608, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1522; Pub. L. 105–89, title IV, § 404(a), (b), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2134; Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, § 408, July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 672; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(f) [title I, § 102, title VIII, § 405(d)(30), (f)(22)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–346, 2681–425, 2681–432; Pub. L. 105–306, § 6(a), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2928; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title VIII, §§ 801(a), (b)(1), (c), 802, 803, 804(b), 805(a)(2), (b), 806], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–280, 1501A–281, 1501A–283 to 1501A–286; Pub. L. 106–246, div. B, title II, § 2402, July 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 555; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title I, §§ 103, 107(a)–(b)(4), (c), title V, § 513], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–11, 2763A–12, 2763A–71; Pub. L. 107–147, title VI, §§ 616, 617, Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 62; Pub. L. 108–40, § 3(a), (c)–(e), June 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 836, 837; Pub. L. 108–89, title I, § 101(b)(1), (2), Oct. 1, 2003, 117 Stat. 1131; Pub. L. 108–210, § 2(b), Mar. 31, 2004, 118 Stat. 564; Pub. L. 108–262, § 2(b), June 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 696; Pub. L. 108–308, § 2(b)(1), (2), Sept. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 1135; Pub. L. 109–4, § 2(b), Mar. 25, 2005, 119 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 109–19, § 2(b), July 1, 2005, 119 Stat. 344; Pub. L. 109–68, § 2(b)(2)(A), (B), Sept. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2003; Pub. L. 109–161, § 2(b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2958; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, §§ 7101(b)(1), (2), 7103(a), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 135, 138; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(V), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095–1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(V),
§ 603a. Transferred
§ 604. Use of grants
(a) General rulesSubject to this part, a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title may use the grant—
(1) in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purpose of this part, including to provide low income households with assistance in meeting home heating and cooling costs; or
(2) in any manner that the State was authorized to use amounts received under part A or F, as such parts were in effect on September 30, 1995, or (at the option of the State) August 21, 1996.
(b) Limitation on use of grant for administrative purposes
(1) Limitation

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not expend more than 15 percent of the grant for administrative purposes.

(2) Exception

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the use of a grant for information technology and computerization needed for tracking or monitoring required by or under this part.

(c) Authority to treat interstate immigrants under rules of former State

A State operating a program funded under this part may apply to a family the rules (including benefit amounts) of the program funded under this part of another State if the family has moved to the State from the other State and has resided in the State for less than 12 months.

(d) Authority to use portion of grant for other purposes
(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2), a State may use not more than 30 percent of the amount of any grant made to the State under section 603(a) of this title for a fiscal year to carry out a State program pursuant to any or all of the following provisions of law:
(A) Division A of subchapter XX of this chapter.
(B) The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.].
(2) Limitation on amount transferable to division A 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of subchapter XX programs
(A) In general

A State may use not more than the applicable percent of the amount of any grant made to the State under section 603(a) of this title for a fiscal year to carry out State programs pursuant to division A 1 of subchapter XX.

(B) Applicable percent

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable percent is 4.25 percent in the case of fiscal year 2001 and each succeeding fiscal year.

(3) Applicable rules
(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, any amount paid to a State under this part that is used to carry out a State program pursuant to a provision of law specified in paragraph (1) shall not be subject to the requirements of this part, but shall be subject to the requirements that apply to Federal funds provided directly under the provision of law to carry out the program, and the expenditure of any amount so used shall not be considered to be an expenditure under this part.

(B) Exception relating to division A 1 of subchapter XX programs

All amounts paid to a State under this part that are used to carry out State programs pursuant to division A 1 of subchapter XX shall be used only for programs and services to children or their families whose income is less than 200 percent of the income official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of this title) applicable to a family of the size involved.

(e) Authority to carry over certain amounts for benefits or services or for future contingencies

A State or tribe may use a grant made to the State or tribe under this part for any fiscal year to provide, without fiscal year limitation, any benefit or service that may be provided under the State or tribal program funded under this part.

(f) Authority to operate employment placement program

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title may use the grant to make payments (or provide job placement vouchers) to State-approved public and private job placement agencies that provide employment placement services to individuals who receive assistance under the State program funded under this part.

(g) Implementation of electronic benefit transfer system

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title is encouraged to implement an electronic benefit transfer system for providing assistance under the State program funded under this part, and may use the grant for such purpose.

(h) Use of funds for individual development accounts
(1) In general

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title may use the grant to carry out a program to fund individual development accounts (as defined in paragraph (2)) established by individuals eligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part.

(2) Individual development accounts
(A) Establishment

Under a State program carried out under paragraph (1), an individual development account may be established by or on behalf of an individual eligible for assistance under the State program operated under this part for the purpose of enabling the individual to accumulate funds for a qualified purpose described in subparagraph (B).

(B) Qualified purposeA qualified purpose described in this subparagraph is 1 or more of the following, as provided by the qualified entity providing assistance to the individual under this subsection:
(i) Postsecondary educational expenses

Postsecondary educational expenses paid from an individual development account directly to an eligible educational institution.

(ii) First home purchase

Qualified acquisition costs with respect to a qualified principal residence for a qualified first-time homebuyer, if paid from an individual development account directly to the persons to whom the amounts are due.

(iii) Business capitalization

Amounts paid from an individual development account directly to a business capitalization account which is established in a federally insured financial institution and is restricted to use solely for qualified business capitalization expenses.

(C) Contributions to be from earned income

An individual may only contribute to an individual development account such amounts as are derived from earned income, as defined in section 911(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(D) Withdrawal of funds

The Secretary shall establish such regulations as may be necessary to ensure that funds held in an individual development account are not withdrawn except for 1 or more of the qualified purposes described in subparagraph (B).

(3) Requirements
(A) In general

An individual development account established under this subsection shall be a trust created or organized in the United States and funded through periodic contributions by the establishing individual and matched by or through a qualified entity for a qualified purpose (as described in paragraph (2)(B)).

(B) “Qualified entity” definedAs used in this subsection, the term “qualified entity” means—
(i) a not-for-profit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
(ii) a State or local government agency acting in cooperation with an organization described in clause (i).
(4) No reduction in benefits

Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law (other than the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that requires consideration of 1 or more financial circumstances of an individual, for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive, or the amount of, any assistance or benefit authorized by such law to be provided to or for the benefit of such individual, funds (including interest accruing) in an individual development account under this subsection shall be disregarded for such purpose with respect to any period during which such individual maintains or makes contributions into such an account.

(5) DefinitionsAs used in this subsection—
(A) Eligible educational institutionThe term “eligible educational institution” means the following:
(i) An institution described in section 1088(a)(1) or 1141(a) of title 20, as such sections are in effect on August 22, 1996.
(ii) An area vocational education school (as defined in subparagraph (C) or (D) of section 2471(4) of title 20) which is in any State (as defined in section 2471(33) of title 20), as such sections are in effect on August 22, 1996.
(B) Post-secondary educational expensesThe term “post-secondary educational expenses” means—
(i) tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at an eligible educational institution, and
(ii) fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at an eligible educational institution.
(C) Qualified acquisition costs

The term “qualified acquisition costs” means the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence. The term includes any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs.

(D) Qualified business

The term “qualified business” means any business that does not contravene any law or public policy (as determined by the Secretary).

(E) Qualified business capitalization expenses

The term “qualified business capitalization expenses” means qualified expenditures for the capitalization of a qualified business pursuant to a qualified plan.

(F) Qualified expenditures

The term “qualified expenditures” means expenditures included in a qualified plan, including capital, plant, equipment, working capital, and inventory expenses.

(G) Qualified first-time homebuyer
(i) In general

The term “qualified first-time homebuyer” means a taxpayer (and, if married, the taxpayer’s spouse) who has no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of acquisition of the principal residence to which this subsection applies.

(ii) Date of acquisition

The term “date of acquisition” means the date on which a binding contract to acquire, construct, or reconstruct the principal residence to which this subparagraph applies is entered into.

(H) Qualified planThe term “qualified plan” means a business plan which—
(i) is approved by a financial institution, or by a nonprofit loan fund having demonstrated fiduciary integrity,
(ii) includes a description of services or goods to be sold, a marketing plan, and projected financial statements, and
(iii) may require the eligible individual to obtain the assistance of an experienced entrepreneurial advisor.
(I) Qualified principal residence

The term “qualified principal residence” means a principal residence (within the meaning of section 1034 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), the qualified acquisition costs of which do not exceed 100 percent of the average area purchase price applicable to such residence (determined in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 143(e) of such Code).

(i) Sanction welfare recipients for failing to ensure that minor dependent children attend school

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not be prohibited from sanctioning a family that includes an adult who has received assistance under any State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government or under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, as defined in section 2012(l) 1 of title 7, if such adult fails to ensure that the minor dependent children of such adult attend school as required by the law of the State in which the minor children reside.

(j) Requirement for high school diploma or equivalent

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not be prohibited from sanctioning a family that includes an adult who is older than age 20 and younger than age 51 and who has received assistance under any State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government or under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, as defined in section 2012(l) 1 of title 7, if such adult does not have, or is not working toward attaining, a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent unless such adult has been determined in the judgment of medical, psychiatric, or other appropriate professionals to lack the requisite capacity to complete successfully a course of study that would lead to a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

(k) Limitations on use of grant for matching under certain Federal transportation program
(1) Use limitationsA State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title may not use any part of the grant to match funds made available under section 3037 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, unless—
(A) the grant is used for new or expanded transportation services (and not for construction) that benefit individuals described in subparagraph (C), and not to subsidize current operating costs;
(B) the grant is used to supplement and not supplant other State expenditures on transportation;
(C) the preponderance of the benefits derived from such use of the grant accrues to individuals who are—
(i) recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part;
(ii) former recipients of such assistance;
(iii) noncustodial parents who are described in section 603(a)(5)(C)(iii) of this title; and
(iv) low-income individuals who are at risk of qualifying for such assistance; and
(D) the services provided through such use of the grant promote the ability of such recipients to engage in work activities (as defined in section 607(d) of this title).
(2) Amount limitation

From a grant made to a State under section 603(a) of this title, the amount that a State uses to match funds described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not exceed the amount (if any) by which 30 percent of the total amount of the grant exceeds the amount (if any) of the grant that is used by the State to carry out any State program described in subsect

(3) Rule of interpretation

The provision by a State of a transportation benefit under a program conducted under section 3037 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, to an individual who is not otherwise a recipient of assistance under the State program funded under this part, using funds from a grant made under section 603(a) of this title, shall not be considered to be the provision of assistance to the individual under the State program funded under this part.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 404, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2124; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5002(a), 5503, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 593, 609, 620; Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, § 8401(b), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, § 403(a), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 670; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title VIII, § 801(d)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–283; Pub. L. 106–169, title IV, § 401(l), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1858; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §§ 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(V), 4115(c)(2)(G), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095–1097, 1110; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, §§ 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(V), 4115(c)(2)(G), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858, 1871; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title II, § 2103, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 449; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, § 6703(d)(2)(A), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 803; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4005(a), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 198.)
§ 604a. Services provided by charitable, religious, or private organizations
(a) In general
(1) State optionsA State may—
(A) administer and provide services under the programs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i) of paragraph (2) through contracts with charitable, religious, or private organizations; and
(B) provide beneficiaries of assistance under the programs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(ii) of paragraph (2) with certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement which are redeemable with such organizations.
(2) Programs describedThe programs described in this paragraph are the following programs:
(A) A State program funded under this part (as amended by section 103(a) of this Act).
(B) Any other program established or modified under title I or II of this Act, that—
(i) permits contracts with organizations; or
(ii) permits certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement to be provided to beneficiaries, as a means of providing assistance.
(b) Religious organizations

The purpose of this section is to allow States to contract with religious organizations, or to allow religious organizations to accept certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement under any program described in subsection (a)(2), on the same basis as any other nongovernmental provider without impairing the religious character of such organizations, and without diminishing the religious freedom of beneficiaries of assistance funded under such program.

(c) Nondiscrimination against religious organizations

In the event a State exercises its authority under subsection (a), religious organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any other private organization, as contractors to provide assistance, or to accept certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement, under any program described in subsection (a)(2) so long as the programs are implemented consistent with the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. Except as provided in subsection (k), neither the Federal Government nor a State receiving funds under such programs shall discriminate against an organization which is or applies to be a contractor to provide assistance, or which accepts certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement, on the basis that the organization has a religious character.

(d) Religious character and freedom
(1) Religious organizations

A religious organization with a contract described in subsection (a)(1)(A), or which accepts certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement under subsection (a)(1)(B), shall retain its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, including such organization’s control over the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs.

(2) Additional safeguardsNeither the Federal Government nor a State shall require a religious organization to—
(A) alter its form of internal governance; or
(B) remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols;
in order to be eligible to contract to provide assistance, or to accept certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement, funded under a program described in subsection (a)(2).
(e) Rights of beneficiaries of assistance
(1) In general

If an individual described in paragraph (2) has an objection to the religious character of the organization or institution from which the individual receives, or would receive, assistance funded under any program described in subsection (a)(2), the State in which the individual resides shall provide such individual (if otherwise eligible for such assistance) within a reasonable period of time after the date of such objection with assistance from an alternative provider that is accessible to the individual and the value of which is not less than the value of the assistance which the individual would have received from such organization.

(2) Individual described

An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who receives, applies for, or requests to apply for, assistance under a program described in subsection (a)(2).

(f) Employment practices

A religious organization’s exemption provided under section 2000e–1 of this title regarding employment practices shall not be affected by its participation in, or receipt of funds from, programs described in subsection (a)(2).

(g) Nondiscrimination against beneficiaries

Except as otherwise provided in law, a religious organization shall not discriminate against an individual in regard to rendering assistance funded under any program described in subsection (a)(2) on the basis of religion, a religious belief, or refusal to actively participate in a religious practice.

(h) Fiscal accountability
(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), any religious organization contracting to provide assistance funded under any program described in subsection (a)(2) shall be subject to the same regulations as other contractors to account in accord with generally accepted auditing principles for the use of such funds provided under such programs.

(2) Limited audit

If such organization segregates Federal funds provided under such programs into separate accounts, then only the financial assistance provided with such funds shall be subject to audit.

(i) Compliance

Any party which seeks to enforce its rights under this section may assert a civil action for injunctive relief exclusively in an appropriate State court against the entity or agency that allegedly commits such violation.

(j) Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes

No funds provided directly to institutions or organizations to provide services and administer programs under subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be expended for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization.

(k) Preemption

Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt any provision of a State constitution or State statute that prohibits or restricts the expenditure of State funds in or by religious organizations.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 104, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2161.)
§ 605. Administrative provisions
(a) Quarterly

The Secretary shall pay each grant payable to a State under section 603 of this title in quarterly installments, subject to this section.

(b) Notification

Not later than 3 months before the payment of any such quarterly installment to a State, the Secretary shall notify the State of the amount of any reduction determined under section 612(a)(1)(B) of this title with respect to the State.

(c) Computation and certification of payments to States
(1) Computation

The Secretary shall estimate the amount to be paid to each eligible State for each quarter under this part, such estimate to be based on a report filed by the State containing an estimate by the State of the total sum to be expended by the State in the quarter under the State program funded under this part and such other information as the Secretary may find necessary.

(2) Certification

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the amount estimated under paragraph (1) with respect to a State, reduced or increased to the extent of any overpayment or underpayment which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines was made under this part to the State for any prior quarter and with respect to which adjustment has not been made under this paragraph.

(d) Payment method

Upon receipt of a certification under subsection (c)(2) with respect to a State, the Secretary of the Treasury shall, through the Fiscal Service of the Department of the Treasury and before audit or settlement by the Government Accountability Office, pay to the State, at the time or times fixed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the amount so certified.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 405, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2128; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)
§ 606. Federal loans for State welfare programs
(a) Loan authority
(1) In general

The Secretary shall make loans to any loan-eligible State, for a period to maturity of not more than 3 years.

(2) Loan-eligible State

As used in paragraph (1), the term “loan-eligible State” means a State against which a penalty has not been imposed under section 609(a)(1) of this title.

(b) Rate of interest

The Secretary shall charge and collect interest on any loan made under this section at a rate equal to the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the period to maturity of the loan.

(c) Use of loan
A State shall use a loan made to the State under this section only for any purpose for which grant amounts received by the State under section 603(a) of this title may be used, including—
(1) welfare anti-fraud activities; and
(2) the provision of assistance under the State program to Indian families that have moved from the service area of an Indian tribe with a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 612 of this title.
(d) Limitation on total amount of loans to State

The cumulative dollar amount of all loans made to a State under this section during fiscal years 1997 through 2003 shall not exceed 10 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(e) Limitation on total amount of outstanding loans

The total dollar amount of loans outstanding under this section may not exceed $1,700,000,000.

(f) Appropriation

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the cost of loans under this section.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 406, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2128; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 108–40, § 3(f), June 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 837.)
§ 607. Mandatory work requirements
(a) Participation rate requirements
(1) All families

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title for a fiscal year shall achieve the minimum participation rate specified in the following table for the fiscal year with respect to all families receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title):

  If the fiscal year is:

The minimum participation rate is:

 1997

25   

 1998

30   

 1999

35   

 2000

40   

 2001

45   

 2002 or thereafter

50. 

(2) 2-parent families

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title for a fiscal year shall achieve the minimum participation rate specified in the following table for the fiscal year with respect to 2-parent families receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title):

  If the fiscal year is:

The minimum participation rate is:

   1997

75   

   1998

75   

 1999 or thereafter

90. 

(b) Calculation of participation rates
(1) All families
(A) Average monthly rate

For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the participation rate for all families of a State for a fiscal year is the average of the participation rates for all families of the State for each month in the fiscal year.

(B) Monthly participation ratesThe participation rate of a State for all families of the State for a month, expressed as a percentage, is—
(i) the number of families receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) that include an adult or a minor child head of household who is engaged in work for the month; divided by
(ii) the amount by which—(I) the number of families receiving such assistance during the month that include an adult or a minor child head of household receiving such assistance; exceeds(II) the number of families receiving such assistance that are subject in such month to a penalty described in subsection (e)(1) but have not been subject to such penalty for more than 3 months within the preceding 12-month period (whether or not consecutive).
(2) 2-parent families
(A) Average monthly rate

For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the participation rate for 2-parent families of a State for a fiscal year is the average of the participation rates for 2-parent families of the State for each month in the fiscal year.

(B) Monthly participation rates

The participation rate of a State for 2-parent families of the State for a month shall be calculated by use of the formula set forth in paragraph (1)(B), except that in the formula the term “number of 2-parent families” shall be substituted for the term “number of families” each place such latter term appears.

(C) Family with a disabled parent not treated as a 2-parent family

A family that includes a disabled parent shall not be considered a 2-parent family for purposes of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(3) Pro rata reduction of participation rate due to caseload reductions not required by Federal law and not resulting from changes in State eligibility criteria
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall prescribe regulations for reducing the minimum participation rate otherwise required by this section for a fiscal year by the number of percentage points equal to the number of percentage points (if any) by which—
(i) the average monthly number of families receiving assistance during the immediately preceding fiscal year under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) is less than
(ii) the average monthly number of families that received assistance under any State program referred to in clause (i) during fiscal year 2005.
The minimum participation rate shall not be reduced to the extent that the Secretary determines that the reduction in the number of families receiving such assistance is required by Federal law.
(B) Eligibility changes not counted

The regulations required by subparagraph (A) shall not take into account families that are diverted from a State program funded under this part as a result of differences in eligibility criteria under a State program funded under this part and the eligibility criteria in effect during fiscal year 2005. Such regulations shall place the burden on the Secretary to prove that such families were diverted as a direct result of differences in such eligibility criteria.

(4) State option to include individuals receiving assistance under a tribal family assistance plan or tribal work program

For purposes of paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B), a State may, at its option, include families in the State that are receiving assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 612 of this title or under a tribal work program to which funds are provided under this part.

(5) State option for participation requirement exemptions

For any fiscal year, a State may, at its option, not require an individual who is a single custodial parent caring for a child who has not attained 12 months of age to engage in work, and may disregard such an individual in determining the participation rates under subsection (a) for not more than 12 months.

(c) Engaged in work
(1) General rules
(A) All families

(B) 2-parent familiesFor purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B), an individual is engaged in work for a month in a fiscal year if—
(i) the individual and the other parent in the family are participating in work activities for a total of at least 35 hours per week during the month, not fewer than 30 hours per week of which are attributable to an activity described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (12) of subsection (d), subject to this subsection; and
(ii) if the family of the individual receives federally-funded child care assistance and an adult in the family is not disabled or caring for a severely disabled child, the individual and the other parent in the family are participating in work activities for a total of at least 55 hours per week during the month, not fewer than 50 hours per week of which are attributable to an activity described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (12) of subsection (d).
(2) Limitations and special rules
(A) Number of weeks for which job search counts as work
(i) Limitation

Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, an individual shall not be considered to be engaged in work by virtue of participation in an activity described in subsection (d)(6) of a State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title), after the individual has participated in such an activity for 6 weeks (or, if the unemployment rate of the State is at least 50 percent greater than the unemployment rate of the United States or the State is a needy State (within the meaning of section 603(b)(5) of this title), 12 weeks), or if the participation is for a week that immediately follows 4 consecutive weeks of such participation.

(ii) Limited authority to count less than full week of participation

For purposes of clause (i) of this subparagraph, on not more than 1 occasion per individual, the State shall consider participation of the individual in an activity described in subsection (d)(6) for 3 or 4 days during a week as a week of participation in the activity by the individual.

(B) Single parent or relative with child under age 6 deemed to be meeting work participation requirements if parent or relative is engaged in work for 20 hours per week

For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), a recipient who is the only parent or caretaker relative in the family of a child who has not attained 6 years of age is deemed to be engaged in work for a month if the recipient is engaged in work for an average of at least 20 hours per week during the month.

(C) Single teen head of household or married teen who maintains satisfactory school attendance deemed to be meeting work participation requirementsFor purposes of determining monthly participation rates under subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), a recipient who is married or a head of household and has not attained 20 years of age is deemed to be engaged in work for a month in a fiscal year if the recipient—
(i) maintains satisfactory attendance at secondary school or the equivalent during the month; or
(ii) participates in education directly related to employment for an average of at least 20 hours per week during the month.
(D) Limitation on number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work by reason of participation in educational activities

For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under paragraphs (1)(B)(i) and (2)(B) of subsection (b), not more than 30 percent of the number of individuals in all families and in 2-parent families, respectively, in a State who are treated as engaged in work for a month may consist of individuals who are determined to be engaged in work for the month by reason of participation in vocational educational training, or (if the month is in fiscal year 2000 or thereafter) deemed to be engaged in work for the month by reason of subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.

(d) “Work activities” definedAs used in this section, the term “work activities” means—
(1) unsubsidized employment;
(2) subsidized private sector employment;
(3) subsidized public sector employment;
(4) work experience (including work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing) if sufficient private sector employment is not available;
(5) on-the-job training;
(6) job search and job readiness assistance;
(7) community service programs;
(8) vocational educational training (not to exceed 12 months with respect to any individual);
(9) job skills training directly related to employment;
(10) education directly related to employment, in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency;
(11) satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate; and
(12) the provision of child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program.
(e) Penalties against individuals
(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), if an individual in a family receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) refuses to engage in work required in accordance with this section, the State shall—
(A) reduce the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family pro rata (or more, at the option of the State) with respect to any period during a month in which the individual so refuses; or
(B) terminate such assistance,
subject to such good cause and other exceptions as the State may establish.
(2) ExceptionNotwithstanding paragraph (1), a State may not reduce or terminate assistance under the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) based on a refusal of an individual to engage in work required in accordance with this section if the individual is a single custodial parent caring for a child who has not attained 6 years of age, and the individual proves that the individual has a demonstrated inability (as determined by the State) to obtain needed child care, for 1 or more of the following reasons:
(A) Unavailability of appropriate child care within a reasonable distance from the individual’s home or work site.
(B) Unavailability or unsuitability of informal child care by a relative or under other arrangements.
(C) Unavailability of appropriate and affordable formal child care arrangements.
(f) Nondisplacement in work activities
(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), an adult in a family receiving assistance under a State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government may fill a vacant employment position in order to engage in a work activity described in subsection (d).

(2) No filling of certain vacanciesNo adult in a work activity described in subsection (d) which is funded, in whole or in part, by funds provided by the Federal Government shall be employed or assigned—
(A) when any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or
(B) if the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction of its workforce in order to fill the vacancy so created with an adult described in paragraph (1).
(3) Grievance procedure

A State with a program funded under this part shall establish and maintain a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of alleged violations of paragraph (2).

(4) No preemption

Nothing in this subsection shall preempt or supersede any provision of State or local law that provides greater protection for employees from displacement.

(g) Sense of Congress

It is the sense of the Congress that in complying with this section, each State that operates a program funded under this part is encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring adults in 2-parent families and adults in single-parent families that include older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in work activities.

(h) Sense of Congress that States should impose certain requirements on noncustodial, nonsupporting minor parents

It is the sense of the Congress that the States should require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents who have not attained 18 years of age to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school.

(i) Verification of work and work-eligible individuals in order to implement reforms
(1) Secretarial direction and oversight
(A) Regulations for determining whether activities may be counted as “work activities”, how to count and verify reported hours of work, and determining who is a work-eligible individual
(i) In generalNot later than June 30, 2006, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to ensure consistent measurement of work participation rates under State programs funded under this part and State programs funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title), which shall include information with respect to—(I) determining whether an activity of a recipient of assistance may be treated as a work activity under subsection (d);(II) uniform methods for reporting hours of work by a recipient of assistance;(III) the type of documentation needed to verify reported hours of work by a recipient of assistance; and(IV) the circumstances under which a parent who resides with a child who is a recipient of assistance should be included in the work participation rates.
(ii) Issuance of regulations on an interim final basis

The regulations referred to in clause (i) may be effective and final immediately on an interim basis as of the date of publication of the regulations. If the Secretary provides for an interim final regulation, the Secretary shall provide for a period of public comment on the regulation after the date of publication. The Secretary may change or revise the regulation after the public comment period.

(B) Oversight of State procedures

The Secretary shall review the State procedures established in accordance with paragraph (2) to ensure that such procedures are consistent with the regulations promulgated under subparagraph (A) and are adequate to ensure an accurate measurement of work participation under the State programs funded under this part and any other State programs funded with qualified State expenditures (as so defined).

(2) Requirement for States to establish and maintain work participation verification procedures

Not later than September 30, 2006, a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall establish procedures for determining, with respect to recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part or under any State programs funded with qualified State expenditures (as so defined), whether activities may be counted as work activities, how to count and verify reported hours of work, and who is a work-eligible individual, in accordance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(i) and shall establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the procedures.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 407, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2129; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5003(a), 5504, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 594, 609, 620; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7102(a), (b)(1), (c)(1), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 136; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title II, § 2101(b), (d)(2), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 448, 449; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4005(b), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 198; Pub. L. 118–5, div. C, title I, §§ 301, 303, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 34, 35.)
§ 608. Prohibitions; requirements
(a) In general
(1) No assistance for families without a minor child

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance to a family, unless the family includes a minor child who resides with the family (consistent with paragraph (10)) or a pregnant individual.

(2) Reduction or elimination of assistance for noncooperation in establishing paternity or obtaining child supportIf the agency responsible for administering the State plan approved under part D determines that an individual is not cooperating with the State in establishing paternity or in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order with respect to a child of the individual, and the individual does not qualify for any good cause or other exception established by the State pursuant to section 654(29) of this title, then the State—
(A) shall deduct from the assistance that would otherwise be provided to the family of the individual under the State program funded under this part an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the amount of such assistance; and
(B) may deny the family any assistance under the State program.
(3) No assistance for families not assigning certain support rights to the State

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall require, as a condition of paying assistance to a family under the State program funded under this part, that a member of the family assign to the State any right the family member may have (on behalf of the family member or of any other person for whom the family member has applied for or is receiving such assistance) to support from any other person, not exceeding the total amount of assistance so paid to the family, which accrues during the period that the family receives assistance under the program.

(4) No assistance for teenage parents who do not attend high school or other equivalent training programA State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance to an individual who has not attained 18 years of age, is not married, has a minor child at least 12 weeks of age in his or her care, and has not successfully completed a high-school education (or its equivalent), if the individual does not participate in—
(A) educational activities directed toward the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
(B) an alternative educational or training program that has been approved by the State.
(5) No assistance for teenage parents not living in adult-supervised settings
(A) In general
(i) Requirement

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance to an individual described in clause (ii) of this subparagraph if the individual and the minor child referred to in clause (ii)(II) do not reside in a place of residence maintained by a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative of the individual as such parent’s, guardian’s, or adult relative’s own home.

(ii) Individual describedFor purposes of clause (i), an individual described in this clause is an individual who—(I) has not attained 18 years of age; and(II) is not married, and has a minor child in his or her care.
(B) Exception
(i) Provision of, or assistance in locating, adult-supervised living arrangement

In the case of an individual who is described in clause (ii), the State agency referred to in section 602(a)(4) of this title shall provide, or assist the individual in locating, a second chance home, maternity home, or other appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangement, taking into consideration the needs and concerns of the individual, unless the State agency determines that the individual’s current living arrangement is appropriate, and thereafter shall require that the individual and the minor child referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) reside in such living arrangement as a condition of the continued receipt of assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government (or in an alternative appropriate arrangement, should circumstances change and the current arrangement cease to be appropriate).

(ii) Individual describedFor purposes of clause (i), an individual is described in this clause if the individual is described in subparagraph (A)(ii), and—(I) the individual has no parent, legal guardian, or other appropriate adult relative described in subclause (II) of his or her own who is living or whose whereabouts are known;(II) no living parent, legal guardian, or other appropriate adult relative, who would otherwise meet applicable State criteria to act as the individual’s legal guardian, of such individual allows the individual to live in the home of such parent, guardian, or relative;(III) the State agency determines that—(aa) the individual or the minor child referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) is being or has been subjected to serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation in the residence of the individual’s own parent or legal guardian; or(bb) substantial evidence exists of an act or failure to act that presents an imminent or serious harm if the individual and the minor child lived in the same residence with the individual’s own parent or legal guardian; or(IV) the State agency otherwise determines that it is in the best interest of the minor child to waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) with respect to the individual or the minor child.
(iii) Second-chance home

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “second-chance home” means an entity that provides individuals described in clause (ii) with a supportive and supervised living arrangement in which such individuals are required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition, and other skills to promote their long-term economic independence and the well-being of their children.

(6) No medical services
(A) In general

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide medical services.

(B) Exception for prepregnancy family planning services

As used in subparagraph (A), the term “medical services” does not include prepregnancy family planning services.

(7) No assistance for more than 5 years
(A) In general

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance to a family that includes an adult who has received assistance under any State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government, for 60 months (whether or not consecutive) after the date the State program funded under this part commences, subject to this paragraph.

(B) Minor child exceptionIn determining the number of months for which an individual who is a parent or pregnant has received assistance under the State program funded under this part, the State shall disregard any month for which such assistance was provided with respect to the individual and during which the individual was—
(i) a minor child; and
(ii) not the head of a household or married to the head of a household.
(C) Hardship exception
(i) In general

The State may exempt a family from the application of subparagraph (A) by reason of hardship or if the family includes an individual who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty.

(ii) Limitation

The average monthly number of families with respect to which an exemption made by a State under clause (i) is in effect for a fiscal year shall not exceed 20 percent of the average monthly number of families to which assistance is provided under the State program funded under this part during the fiscal year or the immediately preceding fiscal year (but not both), as the State may elect.

(iii) Battered or subject to extreme cruelty definedFor purposes of clause (i), an individual has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty if the individual has been subjected to—(I) physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual;(II) sexual abuse;(III) sexual activity involving a dependent child;(IV) being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities;(V) threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse;(VI) mental abuse; or(VII) neglect or deprivation of medical care.
(D) Disregard of months of assistance received by adult while living in Indian country or an Alaskan Native village with 50 percent unemployment
(i) In general

In determining the number of months for which an adult has received assistance under a State or tribal program funded under this part, the State or tribe shall disregard any month during which the adult lived in Indian country or an Alaskan Native village if the most reliable data available with respect to the month (or a period including the month) indicate that at least 50 percent of the adults living in Indian country or in the village were not employed.

(ii) “Indian country” defined

As used in clause (i), the term “Indian country” has the meaning given such term in section 1151 of title 18.

(E) Rule of interpretation

Subparagraph (A) shall not be interpreted to require any State to provide assistance to any individual for any period of time under the State program funded under this part.

(F) Rule of interpretation

This part shall not be interpreted to prohibit any State from expending State funds not originating with the Federal Government on benefits for children or families that have become ineligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part by reason of subparagraph (A).

(G) Inapplicability to welfare-to-work grants and assistance

For purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a grant made under section 603(a)(5) of this title shall not be considered a grant made under section 603 of this title, and noncash assistance from funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title shall not be considered assistance.

(8) Denial of assistance for 10 years to a person found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain assistance in 2 or more States

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide cash assistance to an individual during the 10-year period that begins on the date the individual is convicted in Federal or State court of having made a fraudulent statement or representation with respect to the place of residence of the individual in order to receive assistance simultaneously from 2 or more States under programs that are funded under this subchapter, subchapter XIX, or the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 [7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.], or benefits in 2 or more States under the supplemental security income program under subchapter XVI. The preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to a conviction of an individual, for any month beginning after the President of the United States grants a pardon with respect to the conduct which was the subject of the conviction.

(9) Denial of assistance for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators
(A) In generalA State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance to any individual who is—
(i) fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, for a crime, or an attempt to commit a crime, which is a felony under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, or which, in the case of the State of New Jersey, is a high misdemeanor under the laws of such State; or
(ii) violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law.
The preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to conduct of an individual, for any month beginning after the President of the United States grants a pardon with respect to the conduct.
(B) Exchange of information with law enforcement agenciesIf a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title establishes safeguards against the use or disclosure of information about applicants or recipients of assistance under the State program funded under this part, the safeguards shall not prevent the State agency administering the program from furnishing a Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, upon the request of the officer, with the current address of any recipient if the officer furnishes the agency with the name of the recipient and notifies the agency that—
(i) the recipient—(I) is described in subparagraph (A); or(II) has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct the official duties of the officer; and
(ii) the location or apprehension of the recipient is within such official duties.
(10) Denial of assistance for minor children who are absent from the home for a significant period
(A) In general

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance for a minor child who has been, or is expected by a parent (or other caretaker relative) of the child to be, absent from the home for a period of 45 consecutive days or, at the option of the State, such period of not less than 30 and not more than 180 consecutive days as the State may provide for in the State plan submitted pursuant to section 602 of this title.

(B) State authority to establish good cause exceptions

The State may establish such good cause exceptions to subparagraph (A) as the State considers appropriate if such exceptions are provided for in the State plan submitted pursuant to section 602 of this title.

(C) Denial of assistance for relative who fails to notify State agency of absence of child

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall not use any part of the grant to provide assistance for an individual who is a parent (or other caretaker relative) of a minor child and who fails to notify the agency administering the State program funded under this part of the absence of the minor child from the home for the period specified in or provided for pursuant to subparagraph (A), by the end of the 5-day period that begins with the date that it becomes clear to the parent (or relative) that the minor child will be absent for such period so specified or provided for.

(11) Medical assistance required to be provided for certain families having earnings from employment or child support
(A) Earnings from employment

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title and which has a State plan approved under subchapter XIX shall provide that in the case of a family that is treated (under section 1396u–1(b)(1)(A) of this title for purposes of subchapter XIX) as receiving aid under a State plan approved under this part (as in effect on July 16, 1996), that would become ineligible for such aid because of hours of or income from employment of the caretaker relative (as defined under this part as in effect on such date) or because of section 602(a)(8)(B)(ii)(II) of this title (as so in effect), and that was so treated as receiving such aid in at least 3 of the 6 months immediately preceding the month in which such ineligibility begins, the family shall remain eligible for medical assistance under the State’s plan approved under subchapter XIX for an extended period or periods as provided in section 1396r–6 or 1396a(e)(1) of this title (as applicable), and that the family will be appropriately notified of such extension as required by section 1396r–6(a)(2) of this title.

(B) Child support

A State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title and which has a State plan approved under subchapter XIX shall provide that in the case of a family that is treated (under section 1396u–1(b)(1)(A) of this title for purposes of subchapter XIX) as receiving aid under a State plan approved under this part (as in effect on July 16, 1996), that would become ineligible for such aid as a result (wholly or partly) of the collection of child or spousal support under part D and that was so treated as receiving such aid in at least 3 of the 6 months immediately preceding the month in which such ineligibility begins, the family shall remain eligible for medical assistance under the State’s plan approved under subchapter XIX for an extended period or periods as provided in section 1396u–1(c)(1) of this title.

(12) State requirement to prevent unauthorized spending of benefits
(A) In generalA State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall maintain policies and practices as necessary to prevent assistance provided under the State program funded under this part from being used in any electronic benefit transfer transaction in—
(i) any liquor store;
(ii) any casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment; or
(iii) any retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment.
(B) DefinitionsFor purposes of subparagraph (A)—
(i) Liquor store

The term “liquor store” means any retail establishment which sells exclusively or primarily intoxicating liquor. Such term does not include a grocery store which sells both intoxicating liquor and groceries including staple foods (within the meaning of section 3(r) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(r))).1

1 See References in Text note below.

(ii) Casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishmentThe terms “casino”, “gambling casino”, and “gaming establishment” do not include—(I) a grocery store which sells groceries including such staple foods and which also offers, or is located within the same building or complex as, casino, gambling, or gaming activities; or(II) any other establishment that offers casino, gambling, or gaming activities incidental to the principal purpose of the business.
(iii) Electronic benefit transfer transaction

The term “electronic benefit transfer transaction” means the use of a credit or debit card service, automated teller machine, point-of-sale terminal, or access to an online system for the withdrawal of funds or the processing of a payment for merchandise or a service.

(b) Individual responsibility plans
(1) AssessmentThe State agency responsible for administering the State program funded under this part shall make an initial assessment of the skills, prior work experience, and employability of each recipient of assistance under the program who—
(A) has attained 18 years of age; or
(B) has not completed high school or obtained a certificate of high school equivalency, and is not attending secondary school.
(2) Contents of plans
(A) In generalOn the basis of the assessment made under subsection (a) with respect to an individual, the State agency, in consultation with the individual, may develop an individual responsibility plan for the individual, which—
(i) sets forth an employment goal for the individual and a plan for moving the individual immediately into private sector employment;
(ii) sets forth the obligations of the individual, which may include a requirement that the individual attend school, maintain certain grades and attendance, keep school age children of the individual in school, immunize children, attend parenting and money management classes, or do other things that will help the individual become and remain employed in the private sector;
(iii) to the greatest extent possible is designed to move the individual into whatever private sector employment the individual is capable of handling as quickly as possible, and to increase the responsibility and amount of work the individual is to handle over time;
(iv) describes the services the State will provide the individual so that the individual will be able to obtain and keep employment in the private sector, and describe the job counseling and other services that will be provided by the State; and
(v) may require the individual to undergo appropriate substance abuse treatment.
(B) TimingThe State agency may comply with paragraph (1) with respect to an individual—
(i) within 90 days (or, at the option of the State, 180 days) after the effective date of this part, in the case of an individual who, as of such effective date, is a recipient of aid under the State plan approved under part A (as in effect immediately before such effective date); or
(ii) within 30 days (or, at the option of the State, 90 days) after the individual is determined to be eligible for such assistance, in the case of any other individual.
(3) Penalty for noncompliance by individual

In addition to any other penalties required under the State program funded under this part, the State may reduce, by such amount as the State considers appropriate, the amount of assistance otherwise payable under the State program to a family that includes an individual who fails without good cause to comply with an individual responsibility plan signed by the individual.

(4) State discretion

The exercise of the authority of this subsection shall be within the sole discretion of the State.

(c) Sanctions against recipients not considered wage reductions

A penalty imposed by a State against the family of an individual by reason of the failure of the individual to comply with a requirement under the State program funded under this part shall not be construed to be a reduction in any wage paid to the individual.

(d) Nondiscrimination provisionsThe following provisions of law shall apply to any program or activity which receives funds provided under this part:
(1) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.).
(2)Section 794 of title 29.
(3) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
(4) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).
(e) Special rules relating to treatment of certain aliens

For special rules relating to the treatment of certain aliens, see title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 [8 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].

(f) Special rules relating to treatment of non-213A aliensThe following rules shall apply if a State elects to take the income or resources of any sponsor of a non-213A alien into account in determining whether the alien is eligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part, or in determining the amount or types of such assistance to be provided to the alien:
(1) Deeming of sponsor’s income and resourcesFor a period of 3 years after a non-213A alien enters the United States:
(A) Income deeming ruleThe income of any sponsor of the alien and of any spouse of the sponsor is deemed to be income of the alien, to the extent that the total amount of the income exceeds the sum of—
(i) the lesser of—(I) 20 percent of the total of any amounts received by the sponsor or any such spouse in the month as wages or salary or as net earnings from self-employment, plus the full amount of any costs incurred by the sponsor and any such spouse in producing self-employment income in such month; or(II) $175;
(ii) the cash needs standard established by the State for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under the State program funded under this part for a family of the same size and composition as the sponsor and any other individuals living in the same household as the sponsor who are claimed by the sponsor as dependents for purposes of determining the sponsor’s Federal personal income tax liability but whose needs are not taken into account in determining whether the sponsor’s family has met the cash needs standard;
(iii) any amounts paid by the sponsor or any such spouse to individuals not living in the household who are claimed by the sponsor as dependents for purposes of determining the sponsor’s Federal personal income tax liability; and
(iv) any payments of alimony or child support with respect to individuals not living in the household.
(B) Resource deeming rule

The resources of a sponsor of the alien and of any spouse of the sponsor are deemed to be resources of the alien to the extent that the aggregate value of the resources exceeds $1,500.

(C)

If a person is a sponsor of 2 or more non-213A aliens who are living in the same home, the income and resources of the sponsor and any spouse of the sponsor that would be deemed income and resources of any such alien under subparagraph (A) shall be divided into a number of equal shares equal to the number of such aliens, and the State shall deem the income and resources of each such alien to include 1 such share.

(2) Ineligibility of non-213A aliens sponsored by agencies; exception

A non-213A alien whose sponsor is or was a public or private agency shall be ineligible for assistance under a State program funded under this part, during a period of 3 years after the alien enters the United States, unless the State agency administering the program determines that the sponsor either no longer exists or has become unable to meet the alien’s needs.

(3) Information provisions
(A) Duties of non-213A aliensA non-213A alien, as a condition of eligibility for assistance under a State program funded under this part during the period of 3 years after the alien enters the United States, shall be required to provide to the State agency administering the program—
(i) such information and documentation with respect to the alien’s sponsor as may be necessary in order for the State agency to make any determination required under this subsection, and to obtain any cooperation from the sponsor necessary for any such determination; and
(ii) such information and documentation as the State agency may request and which the alien or the alien’s sponsor provided in support of the alien’s immigration application.
(B) Duties of Federal agencies

The Secretary shall enter into agreements with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General under which any information available to them and required in order to make any determination under this subsection will be provided by them to the Secretary (who may, in turn, make the information available, upon request, to a concerned State agency).

(4) “Non-213A alien” defined

An alien is a non-213A alien for purposes of this subsection if the affidavit of support or similar agreement with respect to the alien that was executed by the sponsor of the alien’s entry into the United States was executed other than pursuant to section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1183a].

(5) Inapplicability to alien minor sponsored by a parent

This subsection shall not apply to an alien who is a minor child if the sponsor of the alien or any spouse of the sponsor is a parent of the alien.

(6) Inapplicability to certain categories of aliensThis subsection shall not apply to an alien who is—
(A) admitted to the United States as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157];
(B) paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)] for a period of at least 1 year; or
(C) granted political asylum by the Attorney General under section 208 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1158].
(g) State required to provide certain information

Each State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall, at least 4 times annually and upon request of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, furnish the Immigration and Naturalization Service with the name and address of, and other identifying information on, any individual who the State knows is not lawfully present in the United States.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 408, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2134; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(d), (h)(1), 5505, 5514(c), 5532(b)(2), 5581(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 591, 593, 610, 620, 626, 642; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7301(a), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 141; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(V), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(V), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4004(a), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 197.)
§ 608a. Fraud under means-tested welfare and public assistance programs
(a) In general

If an individual’s benefits under a Federal, State, or local law relating to a means-tested welfare or a public assistance program are reduced because of an act of fraud by the individual under the law or program, the individual may not, for the duration of the reduction, receive an increased benefit under any other means-tested welfare or public assistance program for which Federal funds are appropriated as a result of a decrease in the income of the individual (determined under the applicable program) attributable to such reduction.

(b) Welfare or public assistance programs for which Federal funds are appropriated

For purposes of subsection (a), the term “means-tested welfare or public assistance program for which Federal funds are appropriated” includes the food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), any program of public or assisted housing under title I of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.), and any State program funded under this part.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IX, § 911, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2353.)
§ 609. Penalties
(a) In generalSubject to this section:
(1) Use of grant in violation of this part
(A) General penalty

If an audit conducted under chapter 75 of title 31 finds that an amount paid to a State under section 603 of this title for a fiscal year has been used in violation of this part, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year quarter by the amount so used.

(B) Enhanced penalty for intentional violations

If the State does not prove to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the State did not intend to use the amount in violation of this part, the Secretary shall further reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year quarter by an amount equal to 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(C) Penalty for misuse of competitive welfare-to-work funds

If the Secretary of Labor finds that an amount paid to an entity under section 603(a)(5)(B) of this title has been used in violation of subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 603(a)(5) of this title, the entity shall remit to the Secretary of Labor an amount equal to the amount so used.

(2) Failure to submit required report
(A) Quarterly reports
(i) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State has not, within 45 days after the end of a fiscal quarter, submitted the report required by section 611(a) of this title for the quarter, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to 4 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(ii) Rescission of penalty

The Secretary shall rescind a penalty imposed on a State under clause (i) with respect to a report if the State submits the report before the end of the fiscal quarter that immediately succeeds the fiscal quarter for which the report was required.

(B) Report on engagement in additional work activities and expenditures for other benefits and services
(i) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State has not submitted the report required by section 611(c)(1)(A)(i) of this title by May 31, 2011, or the report required by section 611(c)(1)(A)(ii) of this title by August 31, 2011, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to not more than 4 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(ii) Rescission of penaltyThe Secretary shall rescind a penalty imposed on a State under clause (i) with respect to a report required by section 611(c)(1)(A) of this title if the State submits the report not later than—(I) in the case of the report required under section 611(c)(1)(A)(i) of this title, June 15, 2011; and(II) in the case of the report required under section 611(c)(1)(A)(ii) of this title, September 15, 2011.
(iii) Penalty based on severity of failure

The Secretary shall impose a reduction under clause (i) with respect to a fiscal year based on the degree of noncompliance.

(3) Failure to satisfy minimum participation rates
(A) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title for a fiscal year has failed to comply with section 607(a) of this title for the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the State family assistance grant.

(B) “Applicable percentage” definedAs used in subparagraph (A), the term “applicable percentage” means, with respect to a State—
(i) if a penalty was not imposed on the State under subparagraph (A) for the immediately preceding fiscal year, 5 percent; or
(ii) if a penalty was imposed on the State under subparagraph (A) for the immediately preceding fiscal year, the lesser of—(I) the percentage by which the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title was reduced for such preceding fiscal year, increased by 2 percentage points; or(II) 21 percent.
(C) Penalty based on severity of failure

The Secretary shall impose reductions under subparagraph (A) with respect to a fiscal year based on the degree of noncompliance, and may reduce the penalty if the noncompliance is due to circumstances that caused the State to become a needy State (as defined in section 603(b)(5) of this title) during the fiscal year or if the noncompliance is due to extraordinary circumstances such as a natural disaster or regional recession. The Secretary shall provide a written report to Congress to justify any waiver or penalty reduction due to such extraordinary circumstances.

(4) Failure to participate in the income and eligibility verification system

If the Secretary determines that a State program funded under this part is not participating during a fiscal year in the income and eligibility verification system required by section 1320b–7 of this title, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to not more than 2 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(5) Failure to comply with paternity establishment and child support enforcement requirements under part D

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the Secretary determines that the State agency that administers a program funded under this part does not enforce the penalties requested by the agency administering part D against recipients of assistance under the State program who fail to cooperate in establishing paternity or in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support order in accordance with such part and who do not qualify for any good cause or other exception established by the State under section 654(29) of this title, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year (without regard to this section) by not more than 5 percent.

(6) Failure to timely repay a Federal Loan Fund for State Welfare Programs

If the Secretary determines that a State has failed to repay any amount borrowed from the Federal Loan Fund for State Welfare Programs established under section 606 of this title within the period of maturity applicable to the loan, plus any interest owed on the loan, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year quarter (without regard to this section) by the outstanding loan amount, plus the interest owed on the outstanding amount. The Secretary shall not forgive any outstanding loan amount or interest owed on the outstanding amount.

(7) Failure of any State to maintain certain level of historic effort
(A) In general

The Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for a fiscal year by the amount (if any) by which qualified State expenditures for the then immediately preceding fiscal year are less than the applicable percentage of historic State expenditures with respect to such preceding fiscal year.

(B) DefinitionsAs used in this paragraph:
(i) Qualified State expenditures(I) In generalThe term “qualified State expenditures” means, with respect to a State and a fiscal year, the total expenditures by the State during the fiscal year, under all State programs, for any of the following with respect to eligible families:(aa) Cash assistance, including any amount collected by the State as support pursuant to a plan approved under part D, on behalf of a family receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part, that is distributed to the family under section 657(a)(1)(B) of this title and disregarded in determining the eligibility of the family for, and the amount of, such assistance.(bb) Child care assistance.(cc) Educational activities designed to increase self-sufficiency, job training, and work, excluding any expenditure for public education in the State except expenditures which involve the provision of services or assistance to a member of an eligible family which is not generally available to persons who are not members of an eligible family.(dd) Administrative costs in connection with the matters described in items (aa), (bb), (cc), and (ee), but only to the extent that such costs do not exceed 15 percent of the total amount of qualified State expenditures for the fiscal year.(ee) Any other use of funds allowable under section 604(a)(1) of this title.(II) Exclusion of transfers from other State and local programsSuch term does not include expenditures under any State or local program during a fiscal year, except to the extent that—(aa) the expenditures exceed the amount expended under the State or local program in the fiscal year most recently ending before August 22, 1996; or(bb) the State is entitled to a payment under former section 603 of this title (as in effect immediately before August 22, 1996) with respect to the expenditures.(III) Exclusion of amounts expended to replace penalty grant reductions

Such term does not include any amount expended in order to comply with paragraph (12).

(IV) Eligible families

As used in subclause (I), the term “eligible families” means families eligible for assistance under the State program funded under this part, families that would be eligible for such assistance but for the application of section 608(a)(7) of this title, and families of aliens lawfully present in the United States that would be eligible for such assistance but for the application of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 [8 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].

(V) Counting of spending on certain pro-family activities

The term “qualified State expenditures” includes the total expenditures by the State during the fiscal year under all State programs for a purpose described in paragraph (3) or (4) of section 601(a) of this title.

(ii) Applicable percentage

The term “applicable percentage” means 80 percent (or, if the State meets the requirements of section 607(a) of this title, 75 percent).

(iii) Historic State expendituresThe term “historic State expenditures” means, with respect to a State, the lesser of—(I) the expenditures by the State under parts A and F (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994; or(II) the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount described in subclause (I) as—(aa) the State family assistance grant, plus the total amount required to be paid to the State under former section 603 of this title for fiscal year 1994 with respect to amounts expended by the State for child care under subsection (g) or (i) of section 602 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994); bears to(bb) the total amount required to be paid to the State under former section 603 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994.
 Such term does not include any expenditures under the State plan approved under part A (as so in effect) on behalf of individuals covered by a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 612 of this title, as determined by the Secretary.
(iv) Expenditures by the StateThe term “expenditures by the State” does not include—(I) any expenditure from amounts made available by the Federal Government;(II) any State funds expended for the medicaid program under subchapter XIX;(III) any State funds which are used to match Federal funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title; or(IV) any State funds which are expended as a condition of receiving Federal funds other than under this part.
 Notwithstanding subclause (IV) of the preceding sentence, such term includes expenditures by a State for child care in a fiscal year to the extent that the total amount of the expenditures does not exceed the amount of State expenditures in fiscal year 1994 or 1995 (whichever is the greater) that equal the non-Federal share for the programs described in section 618(a)(1)(A) of this title.
(v) Source of data

In determining expenditures by a State for fiscal years 1994 and 1995, the Secretary shall use information which was reported by the State on ACF Form 231 or (in the case of expenditures under part F) ACF Form 331, available as of the dates specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 603(a)(1)(D) 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title.

(8) Noncompliance of State child support enforcement program with requirements of part D
(A) In generalIf the Secretary finds, with respect to a State’s program under part D, in a fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1997
(i)(I) on the basis of data submitted by a State pursuant to section 654(15)(B) of this title, or on the basis of the results of a review conducted under section 652(a)(4) of this title, that the State program failed to achieve the paternity establishment percentages (as defined in section 652(g)(2) of this title), or to meet other performance measures that may be established by the Secretary;(II) on the basis of the results of an audit or audits conducted under section 652(a)(4)(C)(i) of this title that the State data submitted pursuant to section 654(15)(B) of this title is incomplete or unreliable; or(III) on the basis of the results of an audit or audits conducted under section 652(a)(4)(C) of this title that a State failed to substantially comply with 1 or more of the requirements of part D (other than paragraph (24), or subparagraph (A) or (B)(i) of paragraph (27), of section 654 of this title); and
(ii) that, with respect to the succeeding fiscal year—(I)(II) the data submitted by the State pursuant to section 654(15)(B) of this title is incomplete or unreliable;
the amounts otherwise payable to the State under this part for quarters following the end of such succeeding fiscal year, prior to quarters following the end of the first quarter throughout which the State program has achieved the paternity establishment percentages or other performance measures as described in subparagraph (A)(i)(I), or is in substantial compliance with 1 or more of the requirements of part D as described in subparagraph (A)(i)(III), as appropriate, shall be reduced by the percentage specified in subparagraph (B).
(B) Amount of reductionsThe reductions required under subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) not less than 1 nor more than 2 percent;
(ii) not less than 2 nor more than 3 percent, if the finding is the 2nd consecutive finding made pursuant to subparagraph (A); or
(iii) not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent, if the finding is the 3rd or a subsequent consecutive such finding.
(C) Disregard of noncompliance which is of a technical natureFor purposes of this section and section 652(a)(4) of this title, a State determined as a result of an audit—
(i) to have failed to have substantially complied with 1 or more of the requirements of part D shall be determined to have achieved substantial compliance only if the Secretary determines that the extent of the noncompliance is of a technical nature which does not adversely affect the performance of the State’s program under part D; or
(ii) to have submitted incomplete or unreliable data pursuant to section 654(15)(B) of this title shall be determined to have submitted adequate data only if the Secretary determines that the extent of the incompleteness or unreliability of the data is of a technical nature which does not adversely affect the determination of the level of the State’s paternity establishment percentages (as defined under section 652(g)(2) of this title) or other performance measures that may be established by the Secretary.
(9) Failure to comply with 5-year limit on assistance

If the Secretary determines that a State has not complied with section 608(a)(7) of this title during a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(10) Failure of State receiving amounts from Contingency Fund to maintain 100 percent of historic effort

If, at the end of any fiscal year during which amounts from the Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs have been paid to a State, the Secretary finds that the qualified State expenditures (as defined in paragraph (7)(B)(i) (other than the expenditures described in subclause (I)(bb) of that paragraph)) under the State program funded under this part for the fiscal year are less than 100 percent of historic State expenditures (as defined in paragraph (7)(B)(iii) of this subsection), excluding any amount expended by the State for child care under subsection (g) or (i) of section 602 of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994) for fiscal year 1994, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by the total of the amounts so paid to the State that the State has not remitted under section 603(b)(6) of this title.

(11) Failure to maintain assistance to adult single custodial parent who cannot obtain child care for child under age 6
(A) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title for a fiscal year has violated section 607(e)(2) of this title during the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to not more than 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(B) Penalty based on severity of failure

The Secretary shall impose reductions under subparagraph (A) with respect to a fiscal year based on the degree of noncompliance.

(12) Requirement to expend additional State funds to replace grant reductions; penalty for failure to do soIf the grant payable to a State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for a fiscal year is reduced by reason of this subsection, the State shall, during the immediately succeeding fiscal year, expend under the State program funded under this part an amount equal to the total amount of such reductions. If the State fails during such succeeding fiscal year to make the expenditure required by the preceding sentence from its own funds, the Secretary may reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the fiscal year that follows such succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to the sum of—
(A) not more than 2 percent of the State family assistance grant; and
(B) the amount of the expenditure required by the preceding sentence.
(13) Penalty for failure of State to maintain historic effort during year in which welfare-to-work grant is received

If a grant is made to a State under section 603(a)(5)(A) of this title for a fiscal year and paragraph (7) of this subsection requires the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title to be reduced for the immediately succeeding fiscal year, then the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for such succeeding fiscal year by the amount of the grant made to the State under section 603(a)(5)(A) of this title for the fiscal year.

(14) Penalty for failure to reduce assistance for recipients refusing without good cause to work
(A) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title in a fiscal year has violated section 607(e) of this title during the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to not less than 1 percent and not more than 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(B) Penalty based on severity of failure

The Secretary shall impose reductions under subparagraph (A) with respect to a fiscal year based on the degree of noncompliance.

(15) Penalty for failure to establish or comply with work participation verification procedures
(A) In general

If the Secretary determines that a State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title in a fiscal year has violated section 607(i)(2) of this title during the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to not less than 1 percent and not more than 5 percent of the State family assistance grant.

(B) Penalty based on severity of failure

The Secretary shall impose reductions under subparagraph (A) with respect to a fiscal year based on the degree of noncompliance.

(16) Penalty for failure to enforce spending policies
(A) In generalIf, within 2 years after February 22, 2012, any State has not reported to the Secretary on such State’s implementation of the policies and practices required by section 608(a)(12) of this title, or the Secretary determines, based on the information provided in State reports, that any State has not implemented and maintained such policies and practices, the Secretary shall reduce, by an amount equal to 5 percent of the State family assistance grant, the grant payable to such State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for—
(i) the fiscal year immediately succeeding the year in which such 2-year period ends; and
(ii) each succeeding fiscal year in which the State does not demonstrate that such State has implemented and maintained such policies and practices.
(B) Reduction of applicable penalty

The Secretary may reduce the amount of the reduction required under subparagraph (A) based on the degree of noncompliance of the State.

(C) State not responsible for individual violations

Fraudulent activity by any individual in an attempt to circumvent the policies and practices required by section 608(a)(12) of this title shall not trigger a State penalty under subparagraph (A).

(b) Reasonable cause exception
(1) In general

The Secretary may not impose a penalty on a State under subsection (a) with respect to a requirement if the Secretary determines that the State has reasonable cause for failing to comply with the requirement.

(2) Exception

Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to any penalty under paragraph (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), or (13) of subsection (a) and, with respect to the penalty under paragraph (2)(B) of subsection (a), shall only apply to the extent the Secretary determines that the reasonable cause for failure to comply with a requirement of that paragraph is as a result of a one-time, unexpected event, such as a widespread data system failure or a natural or man-made disaster.

(c) Corrective compliance plan
(1) In general
(A) Notification of violation

Before imposing a penalty against a State under subsection (a) with respect to a violation of this part, the Secretary shall notify the State of the violation and allow the State the opportunity to enter into a corrective compliance plan in accordance with this subsection which outlines how the State will correct or discontinue, as appropriate, the violation and how the State will insure continuing compliance with this part.

(B) 60-day period to propose a corrective compliance plan

During the 60-day period that begins on the date the State receives a notice provided under subparagraph (A) with respect to a violation, the State may submit to the Federal Government a corrective compliance plan to correct or discontinue, as appropriate, the violation.

(C) Consultation about modifications

During the 60-day period that begins with the date the Secretary receives a corrective compliance plan submitted by a State in accordance with subparagraph (B), the Secretary may consult with the State on modifications to the plan.

(D) Acceptance of plan

A corrective compliance plan submitted by a State in accordance with subparagraph (B) is deemed to be accepted by the Secretary if the Secretary does not accept or reject the plan during 60-day period that begins on the date the plan is submitted.

(2) Effect of correcting or discontinuing violation

The Secretary may not impose any penalty under subsection (a) with respect to any violation covered by a State corrective compliance plan accepted by the Secretary if the State corrects or discontinues, as appropriate, the violation pursuant to the plan.

(3) Effect of failing to correct or discontinue violation

The Secretary shall assess some or all of a penalty imposed on a State under subsection (a) with respect to a violation if the State does not, in a timely manner, correct or discontinue, as appropriate, the violation pursuant to a State corrective compliance plan accepted by the Secretary.

(4) Inapplicability to certain penalties

This subsection shall not apply to the imposition of a penalty against a State under paragraph (2)(B), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), or (16) of subsection (a).

(d) Limitation on amount of penalties
(1) In general

In imposing the penalties described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall not reduce any quarterly payment to a State by more than 25 percent.

(2) Carryforward of unrecovered penalties

To the extent that paragraph (1) of this subsection prevents the Secretary from recovering during a fiscal year the full amount of penalties imposed on a State under subsection (a) of this section for a prior fiscal year, the Secretary shall apply any remaining amount of such penalties to the grant payable to the State under section 603(a)(1) of this title for the immediately succeeding fiscal year.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 409, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2142; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(a)(2), (g), 5004(a), 5506, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 589, 592, 594, 613, 620; Pub. L. 105–200, title I, § 101(b), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 647; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title VIII, § 807(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–287; Pub. L. 106–169, title IV, § 401(b), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1858; Pub. L. 108–40, § 3(g), June 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 837; Pub. L. 108–89, title I, § 101(b)(3), Oct. 1, 2003, 117 Stat. 1131; Pub. L. 108–308, § 2(b)(3), Sept. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 1135; Pub. L. 109–68, § 2(b)(2)(C), Sept. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2003; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, §§ 7101(b)(3), 7102(c)(2), 7103(b), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 135, 137, 140; Pub. L. 111–242, § 131(b)(3), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 111–291, title VIII, § 812(b), Dec. 8, 2010, 124 Stat. 3162; Pub. L. 112–35, § 2(b), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, §§ 4002(c), 4004(b), (d), 4005(b)–(d), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 195, 197, 198.)
§ 610. Appeal of adverse decision
(a) In general

Within 5 days after the date the Secretary takes any adverse action under this part with respect to a State, the Secretary shall notify the chief executive officer of the State of the adverse action, including any action with respect to the State plan submitted under section 602 of this title or the imposition of a penalty under section 609 of this title.

(b) Administrative review
(1) In general

Within 60 days after the date a State receives notice under subsection (a) of an adverse action, the State may appeal the action, in whole or in part, to the Departmental Appeals Board established in the Department of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the “Board”) by filing an appeal with the Board.

(2) Procedural rules

The Board shall consider an appeal filed by a State under paragraph (1) on the basis of such documentation as the State may submit and as the Board may require to support the final decision of the Board. In deciding whether to uphold an adverse action or any portion of such an action, the Board shall conduct a thorough review of the issues and take into account all relevant evidence. The Board shall make a final determination with respect to an appeal filed under paragraph (1) not less than 60 days after the date the appeal is filed.

(c) Judicial review of adverse decision
(1) In general
Within 90 days after the date of a final decision by the Board under this section with respect to an adverse action taken against a State, the State may obtain judicial review of the final decision (and the findings incorporated into the final decision) by filing an action in—
(A) the district court of the United States for the judicial district in which the principal or headquarters office of the State agency is located; or
(B) the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
(2) Procedural rules

The district court in which an action is filed under paragraph (1) shall review the final decision of the Board on the record established in the administrative proceeding, in accordance with the standards of review prescribed by subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 706(2) of title 5. The review shall be on the basis of the documents and supporting data submitted to the Board.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 410, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2148; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620.)
§ 611. Data collection and reporting
(a) Quarterly reports by States
(1) General reporting requirement
(A) Contents of reportEach eligible State shall collect on a monthly basis, and report to the Secretary on a quarterly basis, the following disaggregated case record information on the families receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part (except for information relating to activities carried out under section 603(a)(5) of this title) or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title):
(i) The county of residence of the family.
(ii) Whether a child receiving such assistance or an adult in the family is receiving—(I) Federal disability insurance benefits;(II) benefits based on Federal disability status;(III) aid under a State plan approved under subchapter XIV (as in effect without regard to the amendment made by section 301 of the Social Security Amendments of 1972);(IV) aid or assistance under a State plan approved under subchapter XVI (as in effect without regard to such amendment) by reason of being permanently and totally disabled; or(V) supplemental security income benefits under subchapter XVI (as in effect pursuant to such amendment) by reason of disability.
(iii) The ages of the members of such families.
(iv) The number of individuals in the family, and the relation of each family member to the head of the family.
(v) The employment status and earnings of the employed adult in the family.
(vi) The marital status of the adults in the family, including whether such adults have never married, are widowed, or are divorced.
(vii) The race and educational level of each adult in the family.
(viii) The race and educational level of each child in the family.
(ix) Whether the family received subsidized housing, medical assistance under the State plan approved under subchapter XIX, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, or subsidized child care, and if the latter 2, the amount received.
(x) The number of months that the family has received each type of assistance under the program.
(xi) If the adults participated in, and the number of hours per week of participation in, the following activities:(I) Education.(II) Subsidized private sector employment.(III) Unsubsidized employment.(IV) Public sector employment, work experience, or community service.(V) Job search.(VI) Job skills training or on-the-job training.(VII) Vocational education.
(xii) Information necessary to calculate participation rates under section 607 of this title.
(xiii) The type and amount of assistance received under the program, including the amount of and reason for any reduction of assistance (including sanctions).
(xiv) Any amount of unearned income received by any member of the family.
(xv) The citizenship of the members of the family.
(xvi) From a sample of closed cases, whether the family left the program, and if so, whether the family left due to—(I) employment;(II) marriage;(III) the prohibition set forth in section 608(a)(7) of this title;(IV) sanction; or(V) State policy.
(xvii) With respect to each individual in the family who has not attained 20 years of age, whether the individual is a parent of a child in the family.
(B) Use of samples
(i) Authority

A State may comply with subparagraph (A) by submitting disaggregated case record information on a sample of families selected through the use of scientifically acceptable sampling methods approved by the Secretary.

(ii) Sampling and other methods

The Secretary shall provide the States with such case sampling plans and data collection procedures as the Secretary deems necessary to produce statistically valid estimates of the performance of State programs funded under this part and any other State programs funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title). The Secretary may develop and implement procedures for verifying the quality of data submitted by the States.

(2) Report on use of Federal funds to cover administrative costs and overhead

The report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal quarter shall include a statement of the percentage of the funds paid to the State under this part for the quarter that are used to cover administrative costs or overhead, with a separate statement of the percentage of such funds that are used to cover administrative costs or overhead incurred for programs operated with funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title.

(3) Report on State expenditures on programs for needy families

The report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal quarter shall include a statement of the total amount expended by the State during the quarter on programs for needy families, with a separate statement of the total amount expended by the State during the quarter on programs operated with funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title.

(4) Report on noncustodial parents participating in work activities

The report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal quarter shall include the number of noncustodial parents in the State who participated in work activities (as defined in section 607(d) of this title) during the quarter, with a separate statement of the number of such parents who participated in programs operated with funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title.

(5) Report on transitional services

The report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal quarter shall include the total amount expended by the State during the quarter to provide transitional services to a family that has ceased to receive assistance under this part because of employment, along with a description of such services.

(6) Report on families receiving assistanceThe report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal quarter shall include for each month in the quarter—
(A) the number of families and individuals receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part (including the number of 2-parent and 1-parent families);
(B) the total dollar value of such assistance received by all families; and
(C) with respect to families and individuals participating in a program operated with funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title
(i) the total number of such families and individuals; and
(ii) the number of such families and individuals whose participation in such a program was terminated during a month.
(7) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to define the data elements with respect to which reports are required by this subsection, and shall consult with the Secretary of Labor in defining the data elements with respect to programs operated with funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title.

(b) Annual reports to Congress by SecretaryNot later than 6 months after the end of fiscal year 1997, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a report describing—
(1) whether the States are meeting—
(A) the participation rates described in section 607(a) of this title; and
(B) the objectives of—
(i) increasing employment and earnings of needy families, and child support collections; and
(ii) decreasing out-of-wedlock pregnancies and child poverty;
(2) the demographic and financial characteristics of families applying for assistance, families receiving assistance, and families that become ineligible to receive assistance;
(3) the characteristics of each State program funded under this part; and
(4) the trends in employment and earnings of needy families with minor children living at home.
(c) Pre-reauthorization State-by-State reports on engagement in additional work activities and expenditures for other benefits and services
(1) State reporting requirements
(A) Reporting periods and deadlinesEach eligible State shall submit to the Secretary the following reports:
(i) March 2011 report

Not later than May 31, 2011, a report for the period that begins on March 1, 2011, and ends on March 31, 2011, that contains the information specified in subparagraphs (B) and (C).

(ii) April-June, 2011 reportNot later than August 31, 2011, a report for the period that begins on April 1, 2011, and ends on June 30, 2011, that contains with respect to the 3 months that occur during that period—(I) the average monthly numbers for the information specified in subparagraph (B); and(II) the information specified in subparagraph (C).
(B) Engagement in additional work activities
(i) With respect to each work-eligible individual in a family receiving assistance during a reporting period specified in subparagraph (A), whether the individual engages in any activities directed toward attaining self-sufficiency during a month occurring in a reporting period, and if so, the specific activities—(I) that do not qualify as a work activity under section 607(d) of this title but that are otherwise reasonably calculated to help the family move toward self-sufficiency; or(II) that are of a type that would be counted toward the State participation rates under section 607 of this title but for the fact that—(aa) the work-eligible individual did not engage in sufficient hours of the activity;(bb) the work-eligible individual has reached the maximum time limit allowed for having participation in the activity counted toward the State’s work participation rate; or(cc) the number of work-eligible individuals engaged in such activity exceeds a limitation under such section.
(ii) Any other information that the Secretary determines appropriate with respect to the information required under clause (i), including if the individual has no hours of participation, the principal reason or reasons for such non-participation.
(C) Expenditures on other benefits and services
(i) Detailed, disaggregated information regarding the types of, and amounts of, expenditures made by the State during a reporting period specified in subparagraph (A) using—(I) Federal funds provided under section 603 of this title that are (or will be) reported by the State on Form ACF–196 (or any successor form) under the category of other expenditures or the category of benefits or services provided in accordance with the authority provided under section 604(a)(2) of this title; or(II) State funds expended to meet the requirements of section 609(a)(7) of this title and reported by the State in the category of other expenditures on Form ACF–196 (or any successor form).
(ii) Any other information that the Secretary determines appropriate with respect to the information required under clause (i).
(2) Publication of summary and analysis of engagement in additional activitiesConcurrent with the submission of each report required under paragraph (1)(A), an eligible State shall publish on an Internet website maintained by the State agency responsible for administering the State program funded under this part (or such State-maintained website as the Secretary may approve)—
(A) a summary of the information submitted in the report:
(B) an analysis statement regarding the extent to which the information changes measures of total engagement in work activities from what was (or will be) reported by the State in the quarterly report submitted under subsection (a) for the comparable period; and
(C) a narrative describing the most common activities contained in the report that are not countable toward the State participation rates under section 607 of this title.
(3) Application of authority to use sampling

Subparagraph (B) of subsection (a)(1) shall apply to the reports required under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the same manner as subparagraph (B) of subsection (a)(1) applies to reports required under subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(1).

(4) Secretarial reports to Congress
(A) March 2011 report

Not later than June 30, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the information submitted by eligible States for the March 2011 reporting period under paragraph (1)(A)(i). The report shall include a State-by-State summary and analysis of such information, identification of any States with missing or incomplete reports, and recommendations for such administrative or legislative changes as the Secretary determines are necessary to require eligible States to report the information on a recurring basis.

(B) April-June, 2011 report

Not later than September 30, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the information submitted by eligible States for the April-June 2011 reporting period under paragraph (1)(A)(ii). The report shall include a State-by-State summary and analysis of such information, identification of any States with missing or incomplete reports, and recommendations for such administrative or legislative changes as the Secretary determines are necessary to require eligible States to report the information on a recurring basis 1

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

(5) Authority for expeditious implementation

The requirements of chapter 5 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the “Administrative Procedure Act”) or any other law relating to rulemaking or publication in the Federal Register shall not apply to the issuance of guidance or instructions by the Secretary with respect to the implementation of this subsection to the extent the Secretary determines that compliance with any such requirement would impede the expeditious implementation of this subsection.

(d) Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability
(1) Data exchange standards
(A) Designation

The Secretary, in consultation with an interagency work group which shall be established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State and tribal perspectives, shall, by rule, designate a data exchange standard for any category of information required to be reported under this part.

(B) Data exchange standards must be nonproprietary and interoperable

The data exchange standard designated under subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent practicable, be nonproprietary and interoperable.

(C) Other requirementsIn designating data exchange standards under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate—
(i) interoperable standards developed and maintained by an international voluntary consensus standards body, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, such as the International Organization for Standardization;
(ii) interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; and
(iii) interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council.
(2) Data exchange standards for reporting
(A) Designation

The Secretary, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State and tribal perspectives, shall, by rule, designate data exchange standards to govern the data reporting required under this part.

(B) RequirementsThe data exchange standards required by subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent practicable—
(i) incorporate a widely-accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format;
(ii) be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; and
(iii) be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary.
(C) Incorporation of nonproprietary standards

In designating reporting standards under this paragraph, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate existing nonproprietary standards, such as the eXtensible Markup Language.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 411, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2148; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(e), 5507, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 591, 616, 620; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title VIII, § 804(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–284; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7102(b)(2), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 136; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(E), (2)(V), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(E), (2)(V), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 111–291, title VIII, § 812(a), Dec. 8, 2010, 124 Stat. 3160; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, §§ 4003(a), 4005(e), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 195, 198; Pub. L. 118–5, div. C, title I, §§ 302, 304, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 34, 35.)
§ 611a. State required to provide certain information

Each State to which a grant is made under section 603 of this title shall, at least 4 times annually and upon request of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, furnish the Immigration and Naturalization Service with the name and address of, and other identifying information on, any individual who the State knows is unlawfully in the United States.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 411A, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, § 404(b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2267.)
§ 612. Direct funding and administration by Indian tribes
(a) Grants for Indian tribes
(1) Tribal family assistance grant
(A) In general

For each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, the Secretary shall pay to each Indian tribe that has an approved tribal family assistance plan a tribal family assistance grant for the fiscal year in an amount equal to the amount determined under subparagraph (B), which shall be reduced for a fiscal year, on a pro rata basis for each quarter, in the case of a tribal family assistance plan approved during a fiscal year for which the plan is to be in effect, and shall reduce the grant payable under section 603(a)(1) of this title to any State in which lies the service area or areas of the Indian tribe by that portion of the amount so determined that is attributable to expenditures by the State.

(B) Amount determined
(i) In general

The amount determined under this subparagraph is an amount equal to the total amount of the Federal payments to a State or States under section 603 of this title (as in effect during such fiscal year) for fiscal year 1994 attributable to expenditures (other than child care expenditures) by the State or States under parts A and F (as so in effect) for fiscal year 1994 for Indian families residing in the service area or areas identified by the Indian tribe pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(C) of this section.

(ii) Use of State submitted data(I) In general

The Secretary shall use State submitted data to make each determination under clause (i).

(II)

If an Indian tribe or tribal organization disagrees with State submitted data described under subclause (I), the Indian tribe or tribal organization may submit to the Secretary such additional information as may be relevant to making the determination under clause (i) and the Secretary may consider such information before making such determination.

(2) Grants for Indian tribes that received jobs funds
(A) In general

For each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, the Secretary shall pay to each eligible Indian tribe that proposes to operate a program described in subparagraph (C) a grant in an amount equal to the amount received by the Indian tribe in fiscal year 1994 under section 682(i) of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1994).

(B) Eligible Indian tribe

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “eligible Indian tribe” means an Indian tribe or Alaska Native organization that conducted a job opportunities and basic skills training program in fiscal year 1995 under section 682(i) of this title (as in effect during fiscal year 1995).

(C) Use of grant

Each Indian tribe to which a grant is made under this paragraph shall use the grant for the purpose of operating a program to make work activities available to such population and such service area or areas as the tribe specifies.

(D) Appropriation

Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated $7,633,287 for each fiscal year specified in subparagraph (A) for grants under subparagraph (A).

(3) Welfare-to-work grants
(A) In general

The Secretary of Labor shall award a grant in accordance with this paragraph to an Indian tribe for each fiscal year specified in section 603(a)(5)(H) of this title for which the Indian tribe is a welfare-to-work tribe, in such amount as the Secretary of Labor deems appropriate, subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.

(B) Welfare-to-work tribe
An Indian tribe shall be considered a welfare-to-work tribe for a fiscal year for purposes of this paragraph if the Indian tribe meets the following requirements:
(i) The Indian tribe has submitted to the Secretary of Labor a plan which describes how, consistent with section 603(a)(5) of this title, the Indian tribe will use any funds provided under this paragraph during the fiscal year. If the Indian tribe has a tribal family assistance plan, the plan referred to in the preceding sentence shall be in the form of an addendum to the tribal family assistance plan.
(ii) The Indian tribe is operating a program under a tribal family assistance plan approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, a program described in paragraph (2)(C), or an employment program funded through other sources under which substantial services are provided to recipients of assistance under a program funded under this part.
(iii) The Indian tribe has provided the Secretary of Labor with an estimate of the amount that the Indian tribe intends to expend during the fiscal year (excluding tribal expenditures described in section 609(a)(7)(B)(iv) (other than subclause (III) thereof) of this title) pursuant to this paragraph.
(iv) The Indian tribe has agreed to negotiate in good faith with the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the substance and funding of any evaluation under section 613(j) of this title, and to cooperate with the conduct of any such evaluation.
(C) Limitations on use of funds
(i) In general

Section 603(a)(5)(C) of this title shall apply to funds provided to Indian tribes under this paragraph in the same manner in which such section applies to funds provided under section 603(a)(5) of this title.

(ii) Waiver authority

The Secretary of Labor may waive or modify the application of a provision of section 603(a)(5)(C) (other than clause (viii) thereof) of this title with respect to an Indian tribe to the extent necessary to enable the Indian tribe to operate a more efficient or effective program with the funds provided under this paragraph.

(iii) Regulations

Within 90 days after August 5, 1997, the Secretary of Labor, after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to implement this paragraph.

(b) 3-year tribal family assistance plan
(1) In general
Any Indian tribe that desires to receive a tribal family assistance grant shall submit to the Secretary a 3-year tribal family assistance plan that—
(A) outlines the Indian tribe’s approach to providing welfare-related services for the 3-year period, consistent with this section;
(B) specifies whether the welfare-related services provided under the plan will be provided by the Indian tribe or through agreements, contracts, or compacts with intertribal consortia, States, or other entities;
(C) identifies the population and service area or areas to be served by such plan;
(D) provides that a family receiving assistance under the plan may not receive duplicative assistance from other State or tribal programs funded under this part;
(E) identifies the employment opportunities in or near the service area or areas of the Indian tribe and the manner in which the Indian tribe will cooperate and participate in enhancing such opportunities for recipients of assistance under the plan consistent with any applicable State standards; and
(F) applies the fiscal accountability provisions of section 5(f)(1) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450c(f)(1)),1
1 See References in Text note below.
relating to the submission of a single-agency audit report required by chapter 75 of title 31.
(2) Approval

The Secretary shall approve each tribal family assistance plan submitted in accordance with paragraph (1).

(3) Consortium of tribes

Nothing in this section shall preclude the development and submission of a single tribal family assistance plan by the participating Indian tribes of an intertribal consortium.

(c) Minimum work participation requirements and time limits
The Secretary, with the participation of Indian tribes, shall establish for each Indian tribe receiving a grant under this section minimum work participation requirements, appropriate time limits for receipt of welfare-related services under the grant, and penalties against individuals—
(1) consistent with the purposes of this section;
(2) consistent with the economic conditions and resources available to each tribe; and
(3) similar to comparable provisions in section 607(e) of this title.
(d) Emergency assistance

Nothing in this section shall preclude an Indian tribe from seeking emergency assistance from any Federal loan program or emergency fund.

(e) Accountability
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary to maintain program funding accountability consistent with—
(1) generally accepted accounting principles; and
(2) the requirements of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).1
(f) Eligibility for Federal loans

Section 606 of this title shall apply to an Indian tribe with an approved tribal assistance plan in the same manner as such section applies to a State, except that section 606(c) of this title shall be applied by substituting “section 612(a)” for “section 603(a)”.

(g) Penalties
(1) Subsections (a)(1), (a)(6), (b), and (c) of section 609 of this title, shall apply to an Indian tribe with an approved tribal assistance plan in the same manner as such subsections apply to a State.
(2)Section 609(a)(3) of this title shall apply to an Indian tribe with an approved tribal assistance plan by substituting “meet minimum work participation requirements established under section 612(c) of this title” for “comply with section 607(a) of this title”.
(h) Data collection and reporting

Section 611 of this title shall apply to an Indian tribe with an approved tribal family assistance plan.

(i) Special rule for Indian tribes in Alaska
(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, and except as provided in paragraph (2), an Indian tribe in the State of Alaska that receives a tribal family assistance grant under this section shall use the grant to operate a program in accordance with requirements comparable to the requirements applicable to the program of the State of Alaska funded under this part. Comparability of programs shall be established on the basis of program criteria developed by the Secretary in consultation with the State of Alaska and such Indian tribes.

(2) Waiver

An Indian tribe described in paragraph (1) may apply to the appropriate State authority to receive a waiver of the requirement of paragraph (1).

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 412, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2150; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(c), 5508, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 589, 617, 620; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title VIII, § 801(b)(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–283; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title I, § 107(b)(5)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–12; Pub. L. 108–40, § 3(h), June 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 837; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4002(d), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 115–31, div. M, title I, § 102(a)(3), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 800.)
§ 613. Evaluation of temporary assistance for needy families and related programs
(a) Evaluation of the impacts of TANF

The Secretary shall conduct research on the effect of State programs funded under this part and any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) on employment, self-sufficiency, child well-being, unmarried births, marriage, poverty, economic mobility, and other factors as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Evaluation of grants to improve child well-being by promoting healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood

The Secretary shall conduct research to determine the effects of the grants made under section 603(a)(2) of this title on child well-being, marriage, family stability, economic mobility, poverty, and other factors as determined by the Secretary.

(c) Dissemination of information

The Secretary shall, in consultation with States receiving funds provided under this part, develop methods of disseminating information on any research, evaluation, or study conducted under this section, including facilitating the sharing of information and best practices among States and localities.

(d) State-initiated evaluationsA State shall be eligible to receive funding to evaluate the State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title) if—
(1) the State submits to the Secretary a description of the proposed evaluation;
(2) the Secretary determines that the design and approach of the proposed evaluation is rigorous and is likely to yield information that is credible and will be useful to other States; and
(3) unless waived by the Secretary, the State contributes to the cost of the evaluation, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to at least 25 percent of the cost of the proposed evaluation.
(e) Census Bureau research
(1) The Bureau of the Census shall implement or enhance household surveys of program participation, in consultation with the Secretary and the Bureau of Labor Statistics and made available to interested parties, to allow for the assessment of the outcomes of continued welfare reform on the economic and child well-being of low-income families with children, including those who received assistance or services from a State program funded under this part or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title). The span of the surveys should include such information as may be necessary to examine the issues of unmarried childbearing, marriage, welfare dependency and compliance with work requirements, the beginning and ending of spells of assistance, work, earnings and employment stability, and the well-being of children.
(2) To carry out the activities specified in paragraph (1), the Bureau of the Census, the Secretary, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shall consider ways to improve the surveys and data derived from the surveys to—
(A) address under reporting of the receipt of means-tested benefits and tax benefits for low-income individuals and families;
(B) increase understanding of poverty spells and long-term poverty, including by facilitating the matching of information to better understand intergenerational poverty;
(C) generate a better geographical understanding of poverty such as through State-based estimates and measures of neighborhood poverty;
(D) increase understanding of the effects of means-tested benefits and tax benefits on the earnings and incomes of low-income families; and
(E) improve how poverty and economic well-being are measured, including through the use of consumption measures, material deprivation measures, social exclusion measures, and economic and social mobility measures.
(f) Research and evaluation conducted under this section

Research and evaluation conducted under this section designed to determine the effects of a program or policy (other than research conducted under subsection (e)) shall use experimental designs using random assignment or other reliable, evidence-based research methodologies that allow for the strongest possible causal inferences when random assignment is not feasible.

(g) Development of What Works Clearinghouse of Proven and Promising Approaches 1
1 So in original. The word “Projects” is used in text.
to Move Welfare Recipients into Work
(1) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall develop a database (which shall be referred to as the “What Works Clearinghouse of Proven and Promising Projects to Move Welfare Recipients into Work”) of the projects that used a proven approach or a promising approach in moving welfare recipients into work, based on independent, rigorous evaluations of the projects. The database shall include a separate listing of projects that used a developmental approach in delivering services and a further separate listing of the projects with no or negative effects. The Secretary shall add to the What Works Clearinghouse of Proven and Promising Projects to Move Welfare Recipients into Work data about the projects that, based on an independent, well-conducted experimental evaluation of a program or project, using random assignment or other research methodologies that allow for the strongest possible causal inferences, have shown they are proven, promising, developmental, or ineffective approaches.

(2) Criteria for evidence of effectiveness of approachThe Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and organizations with experience in evaluating research on the effectiveness of various approaches in delivering services to move welfare recipients into work, shall—
(A) establish criteria for evidence of effectiveness; and
(B) ensure that the process for establishing the criteria—
(i) is transparent;
(ii) is consistent across agencies;
(iii) provides opportunity for public comment; and
(iv) takes into account efforts of Federal agencies to identify and publicize effective interventions, including efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department of Justice.
(h) Appropriation
(1) In general

Of the amount appropriated by section 603(a)(1) of this title for each fiscal year, 0.33 percent shall be available for research, technical assistance, and evaluation under this section.

(2) Allocation

Of the amount made available under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available $10,000,000 plus such additional amount as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate, to carry out subsection (e).

(3) Baseline

The baseline established pursuant to section 907 of title 2 for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program shall be recorded by the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office at the level prior to any transfers recorded pursuant to section 613(h) of this title.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 413, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2153; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5001(f), 5509, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 592, 618, 620; Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, § 410(a), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 673; Pub. L. 106–169, title IV, § 401(c), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1858; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4002(e), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 113–235, div. G, title II, § 228(e), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2492; Pub. L. 115–31, div. M, title I, § 102(c)(1), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 801.)
§ 614. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–235, div. G, title II, § 228(f), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2492
§ 615. Waivers
(a) Continuation of waivers
(1) Waivers in effect on August 22, 1996
(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if any waiver granted to a State under section 1315 of this title or otherwise which relates to the provision of assistance under a State plan under this part (as in effect on September 30, 1996) is in effect as of August 22, 1996, the amendments made by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (other than by section 103(c) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996) shall not apply with respect to the State before the expiration (determined without regard to any extensions) of the waiver to the extent such amendments are inconsist

(B) Financing limitation

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning with fiscal year 1996, a State operating under a waiver described in subparagraph (A) shall be entitled to payment under section 603 of this title for the fiscal year, in lieu of any other payment provided for in the waiver.

(2) Waivers granted subsequently
(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if any waiver granted to a State under section 1315 of this title or otherwise which relates to the provision of assistance under a State plan under this part (as in effect on September 30, 1996) is submitted to the Secretary before August 22, 1996, and approved by the Secretary on or before July 1, 1997, and the State demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the waiver will not result in Federal expenditures under subchapter IV of this chapter (as in effect without regard to the amendments made by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996) that are greater than would occur in the absence of the waiver, the amendments made by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (other than by section 103(c) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996) shall not apply with respect to the State before the expiration (determined without regard to any extensions) of the waiver to the extent the amendments made by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 are inconsistent with the waiver.

(B) No effect on new work requirements

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a waiver granted under section 1315 of this title or otherwise which relates to the provision of assistance under a State program funded under this part (as in effect on September 30, 1996) shall not affect the applicability of section 607 of this title to the State.

(b) State option to terminate waiver
(1) In general

A State may terminate a waiver described in subsection (a) before the expiration of the waiver.

(2) Report

A State which terminates a waiver under paragraph (1) shall submit a report to the Secretary summarizing the waiver and any available information concerning the result or effect of the waiver.

(3) Hold harmless provision
(A) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State that, not later than the date described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, submits a written request to terminate a waiver described in subsection (a) shall be held harmless for accrued cost neutrality liabilities incurred under the waiver.

(B) Date described

The date described in this subparagraph is 90 days following the adjournment of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after August 22, 1996.

(c) Secretarial encouragement of current waivers

The Secretary shall encourage any State operating a waiver described in subsection (a) to continue the waiver and to evaluate, using random sampling and other characteristics of accepted scientific evaluations, the result or effect of the waiver.

(d) Continuation of individual waivers

A State may elect to continue 1 or more individual waivers described in subsection (a).

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 415, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2157; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620.)
§ 616. Administration

The programs under this part and part D shall be administered by an Assistant Secretary for Family Support within the Department of Health and Human Services, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall be in addition to any other Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services provided for by law, and the Secretary shall reduce the Federal workforce within the Department of Health and Human Services by an amount equal to the sum of 75 percent of the full-time equivalent positions at such Department that relate to any direct spending program, or any program funded through discretionary spending, that has been converted into a block grant program under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the amendments made by such Act, and by an amount equal to 75 percent of that portion of the total full-time equivalent departmental management positions at such Department that bears the same relationship to the amount appropriated for any direct spending program, or any program funded through discretionary spending, that has been converted into a block grant program under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the amendments made by such Act, as such amount relates to the total amount appropriated for use by such Department, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary, including reductions in force actions, consistent with sections 3502 and 3595 of title 5, to reduce the full-time equivalent positions within the Department of Health and Human Services by 245 full-time equivalent positions related to the program converted into a block grant under the amendments made by section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and by 60 full-time equivalent managerial positions in the Department.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 416, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2158; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), (d), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 106–169, title IV, § 401(d), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1858.)
§ 617. Limitation on Federal authority

No officer or employee of the Federal Government may regulate the conduct of States under this part or enforce any provision of this part, except to the extent expressly provided in this part.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 417, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2159; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620.)
§ 618. Funding for child care
(a) General child care entitlement
(1) General entitlement
Subject to the amount appropriated under paragraph (3), each State shall, for the purpose of providing child care assistance, be entitled to payments under a grant under this subsection for a fiscal year in an amount equal to the greater of—
(A) the total amount required to be paid to the State under section 603 of this title for fiscal year 1994 or 1995 (whichever is greater) with respect to expenditures for child care under subsections (g) and (i) of section 602 of this title (as in effect before October 1, 1995); or
(B) the average of the total amounts required to be paid to the State for fiscal years 1992 through 1994 under the subsections referred to in subparagraph (A).
(2) Remainder
(A) Grants

The Secretary shall use any amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph (3)(A), after grants are awarded under paragraph (1), to make grants to States under this paragraph.

(B) Allotments to States

The total amount available for payments to States under this paragraph, as determined under subparagraph (A), shall be allotted among the States based on the formula used for determining the amount of Federal payments to each State under section 603(n) of this title (as in effect before October 1, 1995).

(C) Federal matching of State expenditures exceeding historical expenditures

The Secretary shall pay to each eligible State for a fiscal year an amount equal to the lesser of the State’s allotment under subparagraph (B) or the Federal medical assistance percentage for the State for the fiscal year (as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title, as such section was in effect on September 30, 1995) of so much of the State’s expenditures for child care in that fiscal year as exceed the total amount of expenditures by the State (including expenditures from amounts made available from Federal funds) in fiscal year 1994 or 1995 (whichever is greater) for the programs described in paragraph (1)(A).

(D) Redistribution
(i) In general

With respect to any fiscal year, if the Secretary determines (in accordance with clause (ii)) that any amounts allotted to a State under this paragraph for such fiscal year will not be used by such State during such fiscal year for carrying out the purpose for which such amounts are allotted, the Secretary shall make such amounts available in the subsequent fiscal year for carrying out such purpose to one or more States which apply for such funds to the extent the Secretary determines that such States will be able to use such additional amounts for carrying out such purpose. Such available amounts shall be redistributed to a State pursuant to section 603(n) of this title (as such section was in effect before October 1, 1995) by substituting “the number of children residing in all States applying for such funds” for “the number of children residing in the United States in the second preceding fiscal year”.

(ii) Time of determination and distribution

The determination of the Secretary under clause (i) for a fiscal year shall be made not later than the end of the first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year. The redistribution of amounts under clause (i) shall be made as close as practicable to the date on which such determination is made. Any amount made available to a State from an appropriation for a fiscal year in accordance with this subparagraph shall, for purposes of this part, be regarded as part of such State’s payment (as determined under this subsection) for the fiscal year in which the redistribution is made.

(3) Appropriation
For grants under this section, there are appropriated $3,550,000,000 for each fiscal year, of which—
(A) $3,375,000,000 shall be available for grants to States;
(B) $100,000,000 shall be available for grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations; and
(C) $75,000,000 shall be available for grants to territories.
(4) Territories
(A) Grants

The Secretary shall use the amounts made available by paragraph (3)(C) to make grants to the territories under this paragraph.

(B) Allotments

The amount described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted among the territories in proportion to their respective needs.

(C) Redistribution

The 1st sentence of clause (i) and clause (ii) of paragraph (2)(D) shall apply with respect to the amounts allotted to the territories under this paragraph, except that the 2nd sentence of paragraph (2)(D) shall not apply and the amounts allotted to the territories that are available for redistribution for a fiscal year shall be redistributed to each territory that applies for the additional amounts, to the extent that the Secretary determines that the territory will be able to use the additional amounts to provide child care assistance, in an amount that bears the same ratio to the amount so available for redistribution as the amount allotted to the territory for the fiscal year bears to the total amount allotted to all the territories receiving redistributed funds under this paragraph for the fiscal year.

(D) Inapplicability of payment limitation

Section 1308(a) of this title shall not apply with respect to any amount paid under this paragraph.

(E) Territory

In this paragraph, the term “territory” means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(5) Data used to determine State and Federal shares of expenditures

In making the determinations concerning expenditures required under paragraphs (1) and (2)(C), the Secretary shall use information that was reported by the State on ACF Form 231 and available as of the applicable dates specified in clauses (i)(I), (ii), and (iii)(III) of section 603(a)(1)(D) 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title.

(b) Use of funds
(1) In general

Amounts received by a State under this section shall only be used to provide child care assistance. Amounts received by a State under a grant under subsection (a)(1) shall be available for use by the State without fiscal year limitation.

(2) Use for certain populations

A State shall ensure that not less than 70 percent of the total amount of funds received by the State in a fiscal year under this section are used to provide child care assistance to families who are receiving assistance under a State program under this part, families who are attempting through work activities to transition off of such assistance program, and families who are at risk of becoming dependent on such assistance program.

(c) Application of Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts provided to a State under this section shall be transferred to the lead agency under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.], integrated by the State into the programs established by the State under such Act, and be subject to requirements and limitations of such Act.

(d) “State” defined

As used in this section, the term “State” means each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 418, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title VI, § 603(b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2279; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5601, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 644; Pub. L. 108–40, § 4, June 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 837; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7201, Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 141; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4002(g), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 115–31, div. M, title I, § 102(a)(4), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 800; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9801(a), (c), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 207.)
§ 619. Definitions
As used in this part:
(1) Adult

The term “adult” means an individual who is not a minor child.

(2) Minor child
The term “minor child” means an individual who—
(A) has not attained 18 years of age; or
(B) has not attained 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school (or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training).
(3) Fiscal year

The term “fiscal year” means any 12-month period ending on September 30 of a calendar year.

(4) Indian, Indian tribe, and tribal organization
(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the terms “Indian”, “Indian tribe”, and “tribal organization” have the meaning given such terms by section 5304 of title 25.

(B) Special rule for Indian tribes in Alaska
The term “Indian tribe” means, with respect to the State of Alaska, only the Metlakatla Indian Community of the Annette Islands Reserve and the following Alaska Native regional nonprofit corporations:
(i) Arctic Slope Native Association.
(ii) Kawerak, Inc.
(iii) Maniilaq Association.
(iv) Association of Village Council Presidents.
(v) Tanana Chiefs Conference.
(vi) Cook Inlet Tribal Council.
(vii) Bristol Bay Native Association.
(viii) Aleutian and Pribilof Island Association.
(ix) Chugachmuit.
(x) Tlingit Haida Central Council.
(xi) Kodiak Area Native Association.
(xii) Copper River Native Association.
(5) State

Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term “State” means the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 419, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(2), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2159.)