CAP was one of the demonstration projects made possible by Section 1115 waivers to the rules in effect at the time for the AFDC program. These Section 1115 waivers allowed states to test new approaches to advance the objectives of the AFDC program.
CAP provided intensive case management in addition to cash food assistance, childcare stipends, and a smaller reduction in benefits for earned income compared with AFDC. In CAP, families also received assistance in getting child support orders in place for all children in the family. Case managers helped participants with problems that could threaten their ability to continue working and worked to move participants toward better-paying and more secure employment.
CAP grants had less of a benefit offset for earned income than AFDC; CAP grants were reduced by just 10 cents per dollar earned for the first several hundred dollars of earnings, compared with AFDC’s nearly one-dollar reduction per dollar earned.
Families could participate in the program for up to five years. To qualify for this program, the AFDC-eligible family had to include a custodial parent and at least one child covered by court-ordered child support from the noncustodial parent. Only children that were covered by a court-ordered child support order were eligible for CAP benefits. The program operated in 14 counties in New York state.
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