134 HARDSHIP EXTENSIONS TO THE 60-MONTH STATE LIFETIME LIMIT SR 08-23, 10/08 (FAM-A)

Certain financial 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/IDP/FWOC/UP* AGs and FAP AGs.

FAP Assistance Groups

FAP AGs in which an adult has received 60 months of Financial Assistance To Needy Families are permanently exempt from the 60-month lifetime limit so long as the AG meets FAP eligibility requirements. See Section 203.03, FAP (Family Assistance Program).

NHEP/UP/IDP/FWOC* Assistance Groups

NHEP/UP/IDP/FWOC* AG’s in which an adult has received 60 months of financial assistance must request an extension of eligibility based on the presence of one or more hardship criteria in Section 134.01, General Requirements.

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

• There is no limit to the number of extensions for which an AG may request, 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 eligibility is extended beyond 60 months due to a hardship must continue to meet all eligibility 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 policy on advance notice and right to Administrative Appeal. See Section 134.11, Extension Review Process.

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