NC H392

County departments of social services must check criminal history of applicants and recipients of TANF and food and nutrition services benefits to verify they are not fleeing felons or probation/parole violators.

Criminal history checks use currently accessible databases and do not require fingerprinting; counties may voluntarily allocate funds for compliance.

Individuals identified as fleeing felons or violating probation/parole conditions are ineligible for TANF or food assistance benefits; eligibility may resume once warrant is resolved.

Work First Program applicants and recipients whom the Department reasonably suspects of illegal controlled substance use must submit to drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits.

Individuals who test positive for controlled substances are ineligible for Work First benefits for one year, or three years for subsequent positive tests, unless they complete a substance abuse treatment program and pass a subsequent drug test within 30 days.