Kansas’ spending on cash assistance for low-income families has decreased by nearly 40% over the past 14 years, according to a new audit presented to legislators. The audit revealed that spending on cash assistance decreased from about $15.2 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2023, while spending on foster care and preventative services increased by an estimated $25 million during the same period.
The state’s cash assistance program, funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families. However, legislative involvement in regulating cash assistance has been limited since the passage of the HOPE Act in 2015, which restricted access to the program. The maximum allowable time to receive cash assistance has been reduced from 48 months to 24 months, leading to a decrease in the number of cases handled by DCF from 12,600 in 2009 to 2,900 in 2023.
The audit also highlighted the impact of eligibility changes under the HOPE Act and the lack of adjustments in eligibility requirements and benefit amounts since 1997, leading to a diminished purchasing power of cash assistance. Lawmakers expressed concern over the “cliff effect,” where low-income individuals lose government aid when their income increases slightly.
Despite limitations and omissions in the audit data, DCF’s director of economic services, Carla Whiteside-Hicks, assured legislators that the agency is working to address inefficiencies and make it easier for families to meet the requirements for cash assistance. Legislators, including Senator Caryn Tyson, expressed interest in combating the cliff effect through legislation. Whiteside-Hicks is scheduled to provide additional data and information at the next post-audit committee meeting.
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