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N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.5 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

§ 10:90-2.5 Extensions to the 60-cumulative-month time limit

(a) A recipient shall receive an extension of no more than 12 cumulative months beyond the 60 cumulative month time limit, to be granted in increments that shall not exceed six months, if the recipient meets one of the following criteria: 1. The recipient or the recipient's dependent child(ren) would be subject to extreme hardship or incapacity in the event of a termination of benefits (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-6); i. Extensions due to extreme hardship or incapacity will be evaluated within the last three months of the eligibility period prior to reaching the 60-month lifetime limit on benefit assistance. Extensions of this nature require prior approval and authorization by DFD. The assistance unit's case record shall be reviewed to determine if cause to grant an extension due to extreme hardship or incapacity exists. Extreme hardship shall be defined as situations that would: (1) Result when the recipient has secured employment but without such an extension the transition of the assistance unit from WFNJ to employment could not be effected due to extenuating circumstances, such as, a lack of transportation or available child care to support work. (2) Result when, during a review of the case record, it was determined that periods of temporary incapacity experienced by the individual which resulted in work deferrals of more than 12 months did not allow the individual sufficient time in which to gain self-sufficiency during the individual's receipt of 60 months of cash assistance; (3) Result from a situation in which the individual began work activities immediately as scheduled, has cooperated throughout all phases of the WFNJ program, has been fully compliant in the last year, and has no more than one sanction in the prior 12 months for failure to comply with any aspect of the program but fails at the end of the 60 months to secure employment which renders the assistance unit financially ineligible for continued benefits. This situation will be subject to review by a State appointed panel for a final determination;