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481 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 6: Non-financial eligibility • Determine eligibility decisions off the correct time limit. What is a time limit hardship criteria extension? Hardship extension criteria are situations that allow an adult or teen parent head-of- household to receive additional months once they have already accrued 60 months. The hardship extension may be granted at any point after 60 months, even if the participant has already been removed from the grant. For the participant to be granted a hardship extension, they must be unable to obtain or maintain employment that provides earnings in excess of TANF income limits for one of the following reasons: • Has a verified alcohol and drug treatment plan** • Is subjected to battery or extreme cruelty* • Has a child with a disability, which prevents the parent from obtaining or keeping employment** • Is at risk of further of future domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000) • Has a certified learning disability** • Has a mental health condition** • Has a disability (see OAR 461-001-0000)** or • Is deprived of needed medical care.* Note: Hardship extension criteria coded with a (*) must be staffed with a TANF policy analyst. Hardship extension criteria coded with (**) must be verified by a licensed or certified professional qualified to determine the condition or circumstances. Documentation must include a diagnosis and prognosis. A hardship extension cannot be coded until verification is received. Form 4213 is recommended as it has all necessary criteria if completed in its entirety. Although JOBS participation exemptions are different than time-limit hardship extensions, many participants who are exempt from JOBS participation may also meet a hardship extension criterion. Cases that are JOBS exempt for possible time limit hardship extensions should be reviewed. Temporary continuation of benefits If, during the 60th month the participant experiences an extreme need due to family emergency, the participant may be considered for a temporary continuation of their benefits. This hardship extension criteria may only be considered when requested during the 60th month. This temporary continuation of benefits must be approved by a TANF policy analyst. This is entered into ONE and it will generate a task for a policy analyst to approve or deny. The temporary continuation due to family emergency is appropriate for participants who experience a crisis outside of their control during the 60th month and • the crisis is expected to last less than 12 months • does not meet any of the other time limit hardship criteria.