Appendix E: Recruitment Email from Research Team to TANF Program Participants, Tablet Program Participants and Individuals Likely Eligible but Not Receiving TANF

Recruitment Email from Research Team to TANF Program Participants, Tablet Program Participants and Individuals Likely Eligible but Not Receiving TANF

Hello _______,

My name is [researcher] and I am part of a research team with the Urban Institute. I’m reaching out today because we received your name from [NAME], and we heard you may be interested in talking to us about the [STATE TANF program].

The goal: We are working with [STATE TANF program] on a research project to understand how COVID-19 may have changed TANF services in [STATE]. We are especially interested in how [STATE TANF program] may have helped families get internet or devices like tablets, laptops, or smart phones to make it easier to work with [TANF] staff and use [TANF] virtual services.

The questions: As part of this study, we are holding [interviews/focus groups] with [TANF program participants/TANF program participants who have received a tablet as part of the tablet program/individuals likely eligible but not receiving TANF] to hear your opinions about the program and virtual services from [STATE TANF program].

Time involved: [If interview: One hour; If focus group: 90 minutes]

How we’ll do the interview: [If interview: We can send you a link for a Zoom call, or we can call you over the phone. We’re happy to do whatever is easiest for you.] [If focus group: We will send you a link for a Zoom call.]

A thank you gift: As a thank you for your participation, you would receive a $50 e-gift card after the [interview/focus group].

Your privacy: Participation is voluntary and your responses will be kept private (we do not share the names of anyone we speak with).

When: Are you available later this week for an [interview/focus group]? Here are some potential times if any work for you:

• [dates]

Thank you again for your willingness to participate in this study. Please let us know if any of these times work for you. We will follow up in a couple of days if we do not hear back from you by then. Have a nice day!

Best,

[researcher]

[phone number]