When a paternal relative of a child born out of wedlock 
or out of a civil union applies for TANF for a child, and the father is not in the home, establish the relative's relationship to the child as follows:
- The relationship between the relative and the father is verified, and paternity is established by:
- adjudication, legal presumption of paternity, acknowledgment in open court, or
- a signed acknowledgment of paternity by the absent father and the relationship between the applicant and the father has been verified.
- Any of the verification sources that establish the father's relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate (see WAG 03-05-01), plus proof of the relationship between the father and the applicant.
- Any of the verification sources that show that the applicant is a close relative to the child (see WAG 03-05-01). For example, clinic and school records show the caretaker as the child's grandmother.
- If none of the above sources are available to establish relationship, use other documentary evidence. The evidence must show that the alleged father is more than likely the actual father.
When using this material, the Family Community Resource Center must consider such factors as the age of the document, the reason it was prepared, and the relationship between the person(s) attesting to the relationship and the applicant. For example, 3-year-old letters that identify the relationship would be adequate evidence.
A statement from the child's mother, prepared at the time the applicant files the application, identifying the father would also be sufficient. But, a statement by the applicant's sister completed at the time of the TANF application would not alone be adequate evidence.
NOTE: If the Family Community Resource Center is unable to determine the adequacy of the documentation, submit the material to the Bureau of Financial Support Policy for specific case guidance.
