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VISION
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A Maryland where people independently support themselves and their families.
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THE FAMILY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
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The Family Investment Program (FIP) was created to help families achieve
independence through work, personal and family responsibility, and
community involvement. You may ask the Department of Social Services
for help in finding a job. You may apply for Temporary Cash Assistance
(TCA), Medical Assistance, Purchase of Care (child care), Food Stamps, and
Social Services. All families have opportunities, rights and
responsibilities under the Family Investment Program.
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OPPORTUNITIES
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- The opportunity to become independent through work and child support.
- The opportunity to be a two parent family and remain eligible for TCA.
- The opportunity to own assets like a car, home, and savings accounts
and still qualify for TCA.
- The opportunity to get Medical Assistance and Child care even after
you find a job.
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RIGHTS
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- The right to apply for any social service or assistance program.
- The right to fair and equal treatment.
- The right to confidentiality. The information you give us, or
others give us about you, is protected.
- The right to a decision within 30 days after you sign an application
and give the department the information they need.
- The right to a written notice before the department denies, reduces,
or stops your benefits.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
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- The responsibility to pursue child support.
- The responsibility to cooperate with your case manager and to create a
plan for achieving independence.
- The responsibility to seek employment unless you have a disability, care
for a baby under the age of one, or care for a disabled person.
- The responsibility to participate in a work activity within two years.
- The responsibility to pursue all resources that may be available to you.
- The responsibility to become independent prior to the five year time
limit on cash assistance.
- The responsibility to live with a parent or other adult if you are under
the age of 18.
- The responsibility to report changes in your circumstances within 10 days.
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OUR PHILOSOPHY
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The goal of the "Family Investment Program" (FIP) is to move as many families
as possible to independence as soon as possible. FIP follows principles that
promote work, independence, and responsibility. The needs of the family are
met on a case by case basis as the family works toward independence. Work
is the best avenue toward independence. Any job is a good first job.
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