134 HARDSHIP EXTENSIONS TO THE 60-MONTH STATE LIFETIME LIMIT SR 06-12, 10/06 (FAM-A)

Certain TANF/UP assistance groups (AGs) may be eligible for cash assistance beyond the 60-month state lifetime limit. Eligibility beyond 60 months is determined differently for NHEP/UP AGs and FAP AGs.

FAP Assistance Groups

FAP AGs in which an adult has received 60 months of TANF are permanently exempt from the 60-month lifetime limit so long as the AG meets FAP eligibility requirements. See FAM 203.03, FAP.

NHEP/UP Assistance Groups

For NHEP/UP applicants or recipients to receive financial assistance beyond the 60-month state lifetime limit, the AG must request an extension of eligibility based on the presence of one or more hardship criteria in FAM 134.01.

• If a hardship is found to exist, NHEP/UP financial assistance eligibility may be extended for up to 6 months.

• There is no limit to the number of extensions for which an NHEP/UP AG may qualify, but only one extension, based on one hardship criterion, is approved at a time.

• If a family is still experiencing the same or a different hardship at the time a 6 month extension period ends, the family can request and be found eligible for another extension.

• Families whose NHEP/UP eligibility is extended beyond 60 months due to a hardship must continue to meet all TANF/UP and NHEP work program requirements during the extension period.

• If the hardship ceases to exist before the end of the 6 month extension period, the extension ends, subject to current TANF/UP policy on advance notice and right to Administrative Appeal.

• If the case closes prior to the end of an extension period, any remaining payroll periods cannot be carried over to a future extension.