Field Ops Memo 2009-27: TAFDC and SNAP – DTA Youth Works/Summer Employment

Background

The American Recovery and Reimbursement Act of 2009 (ARRA), also known as the Economic Stimulus Package, was enacted in response to the extraordinary economic crisis the country is experiencing. It seeks to provide a variety of strategic investments aimed at improving economic conditions.

As part of ARRA, more than 11,000 summer jobs for youth will be available in Massachusetts. The Department has developed the DTA Youth Works program to help clients (both dependents and grantees) age 14 through 24 obtain these jobs during the summer months.

State Letter 1350 states that all summer jobs (taking place from May 1 through September 30) are noncountable income for cash assistance for clients age 14 through 24. Additionally, the income from the DTA Youth Works (ARRA-funded) program is noncountable. Income from ARRA funded jobs is also noncountable for SNAP purposes.

Purpose of Memo

This Field Operations memo provides TAO staff with:

• client eligibility criteria;
• referring clients to the DTA Youth Works program; and
• procedures for entering this income and other summer employment income into BEACON.