FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Angel Cruz D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/Cruz

Cruz decries elimination of cash assistance

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., said the Department of Public Welfare recently issued a memo announcing the termination of General Assistance Cash Assistance effective July 1.

General Assistance is state-funded assistance that provides money and other services for eligible individuals who do not meet the requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

"I am outraged and disgusted by the Corbett administration's decision to hastily terminate cash assistance, a policy which will blindside nearly 70,000 needy recipients across Pennsylvania," Cruz said. "It is further proof of the Republicans' total lack of compassion for residents who are already struggling to make it in this economy."

Cruz said that the administration apparently has no intention of notifying these recipients in advance, and he is urging everyone to spread the word so that recipients will be prepared for the lack in income.

According to the memo, the discontinuance affects the following individuals:

· 18-20 years old and in secondary school expected to graduate by age 21;

· Children younger than 21 not eligible for TANF;

· In a 2-parent household with children younger than 13 or 13 and older and disabled;

· Temporarily or permanently disabled;

· Non-parental caretakers of children younger than 13 or 13 and older and disabled;

· Undergoing drug and alcohol treatment that precludes employment;

· A pregnant woman not eligible for TANF;

· A victim of domestic violence.

These individuals will continue to be eligible for medical assistance.

The new policy will also make a job search a condition of eligibility for cash assistance under TANF and GA-related medical assistance. As a condition of eligibility at application, applicants must apply for at least three jobs per week unless good cause is established.

###