Temporary Assistance For Needy Families: The Top 10 ‘Real Facts’ About Fraud and Abuse

10	People who get TANF get the benefit forever. Real Facts: Since the program began in 1997, 63,000 Maine families have left the TANF program. 71 percent of recipients receive benefits for 1 year or less; 85 percent receive benefits for 2 years or less. Two-thirds of recipients are children.
9	Mom’s boyfriend lives in the home and her kids are still receiving benefits. This is fraud. Real Facts: Only the biological or adoptive parents are legally responsible for the children’s support, per Federal law.
8	The father visits all the time, yet they still get benefits. Real Facts: A non-custodial parent has the right to visit TANF children in accordance with court visitation orders. If a parent has moved back in, or is in the home nearly all the time, the family may no longer be eligible.
7	There’s a lot of fraud in Maine’s welfare programs. Real Facts: Maine’s documented rate of fraud in the TANF Program is 2/10ths of 1 percent. The average rate of fraud nationwide is 4 percent.
6	People are moving to Maine because of it rich benefits. Real Facts: Maine has the lowest TANF benefit in New England. Over the last 5 years, more than 5 times as many people on welfare left Maine than moved in.
5	Mom and dad are divorced, but live together and get benefits. Real Facts: This is not allowable. We encourage this to be reported to the Office of Integrated Access and Support at the number below.
4	There are a lot of 'deadbeat dads' who should be paying for their children instead of the State. Real Facts: Maine has an extensive and successful child support collection program. Recovered funds help offset the state’s TANF cost.
3	There are no time limits for eligibility. Real Facts: Eligibility is reviewed monthly and there are time limits. A person must comply with their plan to move to self-sufficiency to receive benefits.
2	TANF benefits are so high, they discourage people from working. Real Facts: The maximum benefit for a family of three is $485 per month, 66% below the federal poverty level. Even when food stamps are added, TANF families are 35% below the federal poverty level.
1	Why don’t people just get a real job? Real Facts: Maine has the highest rate of working TANF recipients in New England and is fifth in the nation in retaining TANF jobs.