Reduce Maryland TANF for households not complying with child support requirements

[ShaylaWoo]

Our present model of MD Tanf child_support contains three variables:

md_tanf_count_children: number of children md_tanf_eligible: eligible for MD Tanf md_tanf_maximum_benefit: maximum benefit

Expanding the model by including more variables, we can create a more detailed and accurate representation of the TCA eligibility criteria.

Here are some possible variables that we could consider adding to the model:

parent_qualifications: We could include variables that capture information about the parent's employment status, income level, education level, and other factors that may impact their eligibility for TCA.

child_qualifications: We could include variables that capture information about the child's age, health status, and other factors that may impact their eligibility for TCA.

household_size: We could include variables that capture information about the size of the applicant's household, such as the number of adults and children living in the household.

other_benefits: We could include variables that capture information about other benefits that the applicant may be receiving, such as SNAP or Medicaid.

residency_status: We could include variables that capture information about the applicant's residency status, such as whether they are a US citizen or a legal permanent resident.

By including these additional variables, we can create a more comprehensive model that takes into account all of the relevant factors when determining TCA eligibility. This will allow us to make more accurate predictions about whether an applicant is eligible for TCA, and will help to ensure that families receive the support they need to meet their basic needs.

You can check detailed TCA eligibility criteria here: https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Manuals/Temporary-Cash-Assistance-Manual/0500-Child-Support/0500%20Child%20Support%20rev%2011.22.doc

[FlameO3O]

After our discussion today, we decided to make some changes to the issues:

1. Uses is_satisfied_child_support_requirement instead of md_tanf_count_children: If the family is cooperating with child support requirements, they will get the full amount of the TCA grant for which they are eligible. If not, their TCA grant will be reduced by 25% from version November 2022.
2. In order to be more specific, we may only need is_satisfied_child_support_requirement, md_tanf_eligible, and md_tanf_maximum benefit in the model since we do not need other factors to determine whether the family is eligibility for TCA and child support.