The document summarizes key federal and state poverty programs in Southwest Virginia, including Medicaid, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It notes that while Medicaid covers more services than other states, Virginia ranks low in spending per recipient. TANF requires work participation but offers limited jobs and education opportunities. SSI benefits alone do not alleviate poverty and support services are lacking in Southwest Virginia. The document outlines both benefits and shortcomings of these major poverty programs in the region.

1. FEDERAL AND STATE POVERTY
RELATED PROGRAMS IN
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA:
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
MARY BETH DUNKENBERGER & HOLLY LESKO
VIRGINIA TECH INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND
GOVERNANCE
Cabell Brand Foundation
Poverty Today:
Challenges and Opportunities Symposium
July 19th, 2013

2. State and Federal Programs
 Programs to Prevent Poverty and to Increase
Incomes of Individual and Families
 Often referred to as stimulus or step up programs.
 Earned Income Tax Credit
 Child Care Tax Credit
 Unemployment Insurance
 Education Grants – Pell Grants, etc.

3. State and Federal Programs
 Programs to Alleviate the Circumstances of Poverty
 Often referred to as benefit, entitlement or safety net programs
 Medicaid
 Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF/ VIEW)
 Social Security - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
 School Lunch Program

4. State and Federal Programs of Focus

5. The Quick and Dirty
 Medicaid
 Insurance program for qualifying low-income individuals or
families. Joint state and federal program but operated by the
state where coverage may vary.
 Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
 Federal block grant administered by states targeted to needy
families with children. TANF emphasizes self sufficiency
through work participation requirements, benefit time limits,
and initiatives to encourage two-parent families.
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
 Federal program pays benefits to disabled adults and children
who have limited income and resources.

6. Once Upon a Time in the West

7. Once Upon a Time in the West


8. Once Upon a Time in the West
Source: Virginia Performs

9. Once Upon a Time in the West

10. Once Upon a Time in the West

11. Once Upon a Time in the West

12. Once Upon a Time in the West
Source: Virginia Performs

13. Medicaid: A Fistful of Dollars
 Fact: Virginia ranks 24th in spending per recipient;
and 48th in spending per capita (Virginia Medicaid Innovation and
Reform Commission )
 Good: Compared with other states Virginia plan
has more services covered.
 Bad: Virginia plan has limited eligibility criteria,
physician reimbursement has historically averaged
50% - 75% of provider cost.
 Ugly: No coverage for dental care, only extractions
in case of severe infection. Provider shortage in SW
Virginia. Cuts to mental health services.

14. TANF: For a Few Dollars More
 Fact: Able-to-work parents receiving TANF, unless otherwise
exempted, are required to participate in the Virginia Initiative
for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program. Time limited
to 60 total months (24;24;12)
 Good: Program provides a range of supports from child
care, transportation
 Bad: Participation requirements allow little or no time for
training and education; limited employment opportunities in
SW Virginia.
 Ugly: Disincentives to risk move to better jobs, employers
cutting hours in advance of ACA requirements; move to
require drug testing w/o substance abuse treatment

15. SSI: The Stage Coach (Not the Destination)
 Fact: SSI benefits increased in 2013 to $710 for an individual
and $1,066 for a couple. Some States supplement the Federal
SSI benefit with additional payments.
 Good: Most often those qualifying for SSI also automatically
qualify for Medicaid. In Virginia this is a separate process.
Work incentives allow individuals to maintain benefits and
employment.
 Bad: SSI benefits do not alone serve to alleviate poverty.
Work incentive supports are fragmented and generally not
available in Southwest Virginia.
 Ugly: The disabled, even those on SSI, make up the largest
proportion of homeless individual's and families.

16. SSI: The Stage Coach (Not the Destination)
MSA SSI
Monthly
Payment
9 (2012)
SSI as %
of
Median
Income
% of SSI
for 1
bedroom
apt
% of SSI
for
Efficienc
y apt
NRV $698 17.5% 92% 79%
Roanoke $698 15.6% 129% 121%
National $726 19.2% 104% 90%

17. True Grit: The Voice of the Individual
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFzCy4mTBsE&fe
ature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

18. Contact Information
Mary Beth Dunkenberger
Senior Program Director/Research Faculty
Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance
(http://www.ipg.vt.edu/)
School of Public and International Affairs
205 West Roanoke Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-3979
mdunkenb@vt.edu