Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Social Services
Board
State Board of Social Services
 
chapter
Virginia Independence Program [22 VAC 40 ‑ 35]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description This regulation creates a work program, the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) in which able-bodied recipients must participate. One of the work activities is the Full employment Program (FEP) in which the participant’s TANF benefits are paid to an employer who then pays wages to the participant for hours worked. The regulation amends existing TANF eligibility rules related to (i) school attendance, (ii) receipt of assistance by minor parents, and (iii) cooperation in establishing and collecting support, and (iv) adds a rule which places a cap on benefits for children born to a TANF family. The regulation also includes a diversionary assistance component which offers families not on TANF, but otherwise eligible, the option to receive a single payment of up to four months’ assistance to meet an emergency in lieu of receiving ongoing monthly TANF benefits.
State Authority Code of Virginia, §§ 63.2-217 , 63.2-600 through 63.2-620 and 58.1-439.9
Federal Authority The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation To reform Virginia's welfare system, adding program requirements which emphasize personal responsibility and require able-bodied recipients to participate in work programs leading to self-sufficiency.
Meetings

Contact Information
Name / Title: Mark Golden  / TANF Program Manager
Address: 801 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: mark.golden@dss.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)726-7385    FAX: ()-    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Remove TANF Family Cap Provision
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/15/2020.
Amend VIP Regulation Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/18/2014.
Change diversionary assistance to once every 12 months
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/19/2009.
Amend the Virginia Independence Program regulation by updating out-dated information and changing paternity identification requirements. Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2009.
Amend the Virginia Independence Program regulation by changing exemptions, work definitions, and crating a new transitional benefit.
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2007.
Amend the Virginia Independence Program regulation by changing exemptions, work definitions, and crating a new transitional benefit.
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage withdrawn on 06/16/2006 before submission to the Registrar.
VIEW Employment and Training Transitional Services Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/28/2001.
Employer Tax Credit Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/20/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
CH 0035 Amend the Virginia Independence Program regulation by updating outdated information
Full Family Sanction

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
8/17/2023 Agency Completed Amend
4/19/2019 Agency Completed Amend
3/19/2013 Agency Completed Amend