Sept. 10, 2009

Michigan Department of Human Services today announced the public comment period for its 2010 TANF State Plan. The agency administers Michigan's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant that provides public assistance programs, including the Family Independence Program, adoption subsidy, child day care and other benefit programs.

Michigan must submit its TANF State Plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for renewal. As part of the renewal process, citizens, local governments and private organizations can submit comments on the plan and its design of services.

Michigan's TANF State Plan also can be viewed on the DHS Web site by clicking on "News, Information and Publications," "Reports" under "What's New."

Revisions to Michigan's TANF State Plan since the last renewal in 2007 include:

• Change in countable assets in regard to retirement assets.
• Payment standards were updated effective Oct. 1, 2008.
• Clarification of Adoption Support Subsidy and Adoption Medical Subsidy.
• Addition of Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.

DHS must submit the plan by Jan. 1, 2010, and will accept public comments for the next 45 days. Comments can be submitted by fax or email using these instructions:

• Send an email to DHS-TANF@michigan.gov
• Fax comments to Louise Wing at 517-335-7771.

To acquire a hardcopy version of the state plan, or to get more information on the public comment process, please contact Louise Wing at 517-373-6351 or send mail to Department of Human Services, Office of Program Policy, Grand Tower Suite 1307, P.O. Box 30037, Lansing MI 48909.

For more information, please visit the DHS Web site.

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