Bill > H3379

This bill establishes a "self-employment assistance allowance" program, also referred to as a "micro business assistance allowance," to help needy families receiving Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) become more self-sufficient and less reliant on government aid. A "micro business" is defined as a business with five or fewer full-time employees based in the Commonwealth. The allowance, which is paid instead of TANF benefits, will be equal to the weekly TANF benefit amount and can be received for a maximum of 26 weeks. To be eligible, individuals must participate in "self-employment assistance activities," which can include entrepreneurial training, business counseling, mentorship, and access to small business resources, and they must be expected by the Department of Transitional Assistance to successfully complete the program. Importantly, the usual TANF requirements regarding job searching and availability for work do not apply to those receiving this allowance, but failure to participate in self-employment activities will result in disqualification. The total number of individuals receiving this allowance at any given time will be limited to 1% of the total TANF recipients in the Commonwealth.