134 HARDSHIP EXTENSIONS TO THE 60-MONTH STATE LIFETIME LIMIT SR 01-11, 04/01 (FAM-A)

Eligibility beyond the 60 month lifetime limit (see FAM 133, LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY) is available to certain TANF assistance groups (AG) at the time an adult in the AG has received TANF for 60 months, or to families already closed due to reaching the 60 month time limit, but who are reapplying for TANF due to changes in the family’s circumstances. Eligibility beyond 60 months is determined differently for TANF AG’s eligible for NHEP or FAP financial assistance.

FAP Assistance Groups

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

NHEP Assistance Groups

In order for NHEP applicants or recipients to receive financial assistance beyond the 60 month time 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 financial assistance eligibility may be extended for up to 6 months.

• There is no limit to the number of extensions for which an NHEP 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 eligibility is extended beyond 60 months due to a hardship must continue to meet all TANF 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 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.