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N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.3 This file includes all Regulations adopted and published through the New Jersey Register, Vol. 56 No. 24, December 16, 2024
NJ - New Jersey Administrative Code > TITLE 10. HUMAN SERVICES > CHAPTER 90. WORK FIRST NEW JERSEY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER 2. NON-FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
§ 10:90-2.3 Time limits on eligibility for WFNJ TANF/GA benefits
(a) Effective April 2, 1997, eligibility for cash assistance benefits shall be limited to a lifetime total of 60 cumulative months for an adult individual recipient, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whether the assistance was received in the WFNJ/TANF component, the WFNJ/GA component or a combination of both the WFNJ TANF/GA components of the program. The calculation of the lifetime limit will be based upon the number of days the recipient received benefits up to the 60-cumulative-month lifetime limit. 1. At the end of an individual adult recipient's 60 cumulative months of receipt of cash assistance, the assistance unit shall no longer be eligible to receive WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA assistance. 2. In the event that a recipient who has received cash assistance as a dependent child or minor parent and later becomes a head of household or other adult assistance unit member, the time during which such dependent child or minor parent had previously received benefits shall not count toward the 60-cumulative-month lifetime limit. 3. For eligible aliens identified at N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.10, who are single adults or couples without dependent children, the benefit period is further limited by the alien's eligibility and application for citizenship status. i. Eligible aliens who are single adults or couples without dependent children may receive benefits until they meet the minimum residency requirements to apply for citizenship in accordance with INS rules, which include, but are not limited to: continuous residence within the United States, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for at least three years immediately preceding the date of filing a petition for naturalization if married to a United States citizen or, if not, continuous residence within the United States, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of filing a petition for naturalization. Because only individuals with legal permanent residence status are eligible to apply for citizenship, this provision applies only to aliens with legal permanent resident status.