Page 143

TANF POLICY MANUAL

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 143

Chapter 10 Benefit Time Limits

10.1 Types of Time Limits TANF recipients in South Carolina have to meet both federal and state time limit requirements to be eligible for assistance. The federal and state time limit requirements have been in effect since TANF funding began October 1, 1996.

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) requires states to limit the number of months a family receives assistance paid through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. South Carolina’s time limit requirements are outlined in the Family Independence Act.

The months counted towards a family's time limit will be based on the adult (or minor parent head of household) in the BG who has received the most countable months of assistance. Changes in household composition may affect the family's time limit.

NOTE: Months received as a dependent child do not count against the state or federal time limit if the individual applies as an adult.

Special Time Limit Situations

Caretaker Relative

If the caretaker relative who is included in the BG reaches the time limit and is not eligible for an extension, remove the caretaker relative from the BG and continue benefits for the child(ren). Minor Parents Minor parents under the age of 18 receiving as a dependent child, whose benefits are terminated due to time limits, may apply for and receive benefits for themselves and child(ren). Dependent Children

Dependent children, who have received benefits and whose cash benefits are terminated due to an adult reaching the time limit, may not receive cash benefits in the case of another caretaker relative unless determined to be abandoned. Months counted towards time limits as a dependent child do not count toward the individual's time limit as an adult. Chapter 10