putative father The alleged father of a child born out of wedlock whose paternity has not been legally established.

The alleged father of a child (1) A person under age 21. (2) For TANF, a person under age 18, or a person age 18 who is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. (3) As a mandatory household member, a natural, adopted, or stepchild of any age or any person under age 18 and under the parental control of an adult household member. (4) For exclusion of income, a person under age 18 who is a student at least half-time and is under the parental control of another household member. born out of wedlock whose paternity The legal determination that a person is the biological father of a child. Paternity is legally established by the court or when the putative father signs an Acknowledgement of Paternity (H.105.181). has not been legally established.