TANF Transportation

Due to the current status of the budget situation, we are looking at avenues to help in reducing excessive spending. This gives us the perfect opportunity to take a look at our TANF transportation costs and review best practices on how to utilize transportation most effectively and cost efficiently. The following discussion will be a brief overview of appropriate use of the TANF transportation contracts. County offices will need to make sure all alternative transportation sources have been exhausted before using the TANF transportation contract.

Background

Policy 340:10-2-8 (c)(5) states transportation contracts are initiated to provide transportation for TANF recipients who have no means of transportation to access required TANF work training activities.

Per the TANF transportation contracts, eligible recipients include TANF applicants, TANF recipients, and their children.

The provider will transport recipients to and from designated training, educational, or work sites in surrounding areas. The provider will also transport children of TANF recipients who are participating in work related activities to and from day care facilities.

Best Practices

Following the best practices listed below will help to insure we are all doing our part in order to save money:

• Only refer those who have no other means of transportation.
• If they have their own vehicle but need a license tag for example, utilize flex funds to pay for the license tag so they can use their own vehicle rather than the contracted service.
• Limit no shows. Have a process for the provider to notify the County Office as soon as possible when a recipient no shows rather than wait until receiving the monthly invoice to find out.
• Clients that are going to the same activity should be grouped to ride together as much as possible.
• Do not let recipients make self-referrals
• Remind providers they are not to transport a recipient unless the County Office has authorized it.
• Notify provider when a client is no longer eligible to ride.

Examples of Inappropriate Referrals:

• Trips to Social Security Administration for SSI appointments.
• Trips to Wal-Mart and other stores for shopping.
• Trips to take school children to their schools.
• Trips to Dr. Appointments.
• Trips to DHS office to complete case reviews.

Please Remember!

**Make sure to go over all forms of alternate transportation prior to approving the TANF Transportation. **

If you are unsure whether a county provides transportation for TANF clients, please email the Transportation Contract Monitor at Jessica.Harris@okdhs.org and CC your supervisor before making a referral.