TANF emergency goverment aid ONLY if you vax??

[nomadsindiansaints]

I posted this in the NC FYT section, but thought I might find some people here that might respond faster and have more information.

For background, apparently TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, aka Work First) is a federal block grant that states can do with as they wish, within certain guidelines, and I have many friends in various parts of the country that have received TANF benefits and I know they don't vax their kiddos.


I was reading through this:

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/workfirst/...an%2010-09.pdf

...and it sounds like if someone were to apply for TANF, they would have to sign a contract agreeing to vax their child (as well as submit to a drug test and a mental health evaluation on request, but that doesn't piss me off nearly as much, because I can think of logical reasons for it in certain circumstances).

NC has a religious exemption for vax: http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/northcarolina.htm

Does the religious exemption apply when it comes to TANF? I ran out of time to read and research, but can they REALLY ignore the religious exemption and withhold emergency family benefits?

(FWIW, there's no mention of vax in the food stamps or Medicaid programs that I could find, only in TANF, but if that's impacted by vax status I would love to know that as well.)

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by nomadsindiansaints

I posted this in the NC FYT section, but thought I might find some people here that might respond faster and have more information.

For background, apparently TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, aka Work First) is a federal block grant that states can do with as they wish, within certain guidelines, and I have many friends in various parts of the country that have received TANF benefits and I know they don't vax their kiddos.


I was reading through this:

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/workfirst/...an%2010-09.pdf

...and it sounds like if someone were to apply for TANF, they would have to sign a contract agreeing to vax their child (as well as submit to a drug test and a mental health evaluation on request, but that doesn't piss me off nearly as much, because I can think of logical reasons for it in certain circumstances).

NC has a religious exemption for vax: http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/northcarolina.htm

Does the religious exemption apply when it comes to TANF? I ran out of time to read and research, but can they REALLY ignore the religious exemption and withhold emergency family benefits?

(FWIW, there's no mention of vax in the food stamps or Medicaid programs that I could find, only in TANF, but if that's impacted by vax status I would love to know that as well.)

Ok I don't see where it says you have to sign a contract to vaccinate your children in order to receive help. The section that addresses this addresses this is the "Mutual Responsibility Agreement" which states

All Agreements must include the first four items and other items, as appropriate, to ensure that parents or caretakers:
1) Look for work/register with the local Employment Security Commission, unless exempt. (See above definition of Work Eligible Individuals.)

2) Accept and keep any suitable job offered to them, unless good cause exists. (Applies to Work Eligible Individuals.)

3) Conduct themselves appropriately on the job in order not to be fired from a job for
North Carolina 19
misconduct. (Applies to Work Eligible Individuals.)
4) Make sure that children in their care attend school regularly. (All applies to all families.)

The immunization bullet is not among the first 4 so the way I read that falls into the "as appropriate" section. They cannot deny assistance based on immunization status if one has a religious objection to immunization. While the only official exemptions I know of pertain to school admittance, perhaps there is something similar for declining.

[angelpie545]

If you file a religious exemption in accordance with SC law you can still receive TANF to my understanding. Also, the document you linked provides no provision for "drug testing", only for "substance abuse screening". No states drug test for welfare that I'm aware of-although it has been hotly debated. Likely the "screening" only refers to a series of questions about current or past abuse, and if the applicant denies usage, it will be noted, filed, and no longer talked about. Also, at the bottom of the document linked, it says that families must participate in mental health treatment if mental health issues are identified. Again, all someone would have to do is deny such issues exist and they'll move on. I doubt any state has the ability in its social service budget to employ mental health professionals for the express purpose of screening and treating TANF recipients.

[Emmeline II]

Knowledgeably not vaccinating is "appropriate"; the parent should just make sure there is a declination statement in lieu of a vaccine record. Basically, the bullet list is about being a responsible citizen and parent; that your children are not un-vaxed because you forgot.