10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Manual, Chapter II TANF Rule #124 – COFA Update

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Attachment(s):

10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Manual, Chapter II

TANF Rule #124 – COFA Update

PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: 

Consistent with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, Public Law 118-42, the proposed rule would update Chapter II, Eligibility Requirements (Non-Financial). The proposed rule changes are intended to provide clarity on eligibility for citizens of countries governed by the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).

The proposed rule changes would add the following:

  • C(3)(xvi)(a)(1) “Individuals who reside lawfully in the United States in accordance with section 141 of the Compacts of Free Association between the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, Public Law 118-42.”
  • C(3)(xvi)(a)(2) “Individuals who were granted COFA status and did not have it terminated pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1641 who now have a different status such as Lawful Permanent Resident.”
  • C(3)(xvi)(b) “Individuals who have been granted this status and have not had it terminated pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1641 as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, Public Law 118-42, have no waiting period or other conditions described in this section to receive benefits.”

PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled.

COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking.

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:

Alexandria Lauritzen, TANF Program Manager

Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Family Independence

109 Capitol Street

Augusta, ME 04330-6841

Phone: (207) 215-7496/Fax: (207) 287-3455

TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711

Alexandria.Lauritzen@maine.gov

Proposed

Office: Office for Family Independence

Routine technical

Email: Alexandria.Lauritzen@maine.gov

Comment deadline:

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