Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

(k) 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 it will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative or appeal process (section 402(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Social Security Act)

Refer to Section (a) for a description of Maryland’s delivery of benefits and the determination of benefits eligibility. Regarding fair and equitable treatment, Maryland uses a combined application and thus follows the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The LDSS, all vendors, and contractors must also follow state and federal non–discrimination requirements. The local departments will provide persons with disabilities individualized treatment and effective and meaningful opportunity to educational or employment activities as they are provided to others. The local department will make reasonable accommodations and provide auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities, such as but not limited to: interpreters, note takers, and materials in alternate formats to the extent that it does not cause a fundamental alteration with the program or result in undue financial or administrative burden.

Appeals and Complaints of Discrimination– A Family Investment Program applicant or recipient may request an agency conference for an explanation of the reasons for proposed actions and present information to show that the proposed action is incorrect. The local department gives each applicant or recipient written notification of the right to and procedures for requesting and obtaining a hearing as set forth in Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.28 or 07.01.04. An applicant or recipient may file a written complaint by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The complaint must set forth the events and circumstances of alleged discrimination if he or she thinks that DHS or LDSS has discriminated against them. Non–Discrimination Assurances –The state of Maryland assures that the following provisions of law will apply to programs and activities funded under TANF:

• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101 et seq.;
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794);
• The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.); and
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq.)

The state of Maryland assures that persons with disabilities will be provided with individualized treatment and effective and meaningful opportunity to the extent that it does not cause a fundamental alteration with the program or result in undue financial or administrative burden.