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When adding an IMPACT mandatory adult to an on-going case, the 24-month clock starts with the first month in which the adult’s needs are considered in the grant.

Note: When an IMPACT mandatory minor parent caretaker turns 18, both the IMPACT and eligibility worker will receive alerts. The eligibility worker initiates the 24-month clock by running EDBC and authorizing the TANF Assistance Group (AG). The clock will start with the next possible month allowed by adverse action.

Upon expiration of the 24-month period, an individual who has cooperated with the IMPACT program requirements and their Self-Sufficiency Plan (See IPPM 2454.00.00) may receive an extension under the following circumstances: • The DFR substantially failed to provide the services specified in the individual's Self- Sufficiency Plan. • Both during and after the 24-month time limit (in spite of continuous efforts), the individual was unable to find employment, or lost employment without cause, that would have provided the assistance group with income at least equal to the TANF grant plus the ninety-dollar ($90) work expense allowance if combined with other income. • There were other unique circumstances beyond the control of the individual like the adverse effects of a natural disaster, or other catastrophic events such as the individual’s exposure to domestic violence, that resulted in the individual’s inability to obtain or retain employment.

In addition, recipients may earn one (1) month of TANF benefits for every six (6) consecutive months during which the recipients were employed full time. • For employed individuals, “full time” is defined by the employer. • For self-employed individuals, full time is defined as • 35 hours per week at minimum wage, which is calculated by dividing the self-employment income by the federal minimum wage. (f27)

Credit cannot be earned for periods of employment prior to 6/1/97, or for employment prior to the recipient's first application for TANF. A month during which an individual was ineligible for TANF due to a IV-D or IMPACT sanction is not considered a consecutive month of full time employment for purposes of calculating entitlement to additional months. An individual may not retain credit for more than 24 months at any one time. The individual is automatically entitled to an extension for a period equal to the number of accrued months, but only if the individual requests an extension.

Sixty (60) days prior to the end of the 24 months, the recipient will be notified of the date the 24 months ends. The notice will explain how to request an extension, who qualifies and on what grounds, and where to return the request.

Upon receiving the recommendations in the extension request package from the appropriate IMPACT staff, the Division Director will make the final determination as to whether an extension, or earned time, will be granted.

Recipients may request an extension at any time before or after their 24-month period has ended. However, individuals who receive a sixty (60) day advance notice are asked to return the extension