Page 2

Subject: Families First Time Limits

Policy 23.14 Date of Last Review: 06/26/2024 Effective Date: 07/01/2024 Date of Next Review: 06/26/2027

RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 5 3. Months in which a grant is reduced to less than ten dollars ($10) due to bankruptcy will be considered countable. 4. Months of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance received in another state or territory are countable months. a. Months of TANF assistance received in another state or territory after July 1, 2007, count towards the Families First time limit. b. Months of TANF assistance received in another state or territory before July 1, 2007, will not count for Families First cases that are active as of July 1, 2007 (as long as the case remains open. Good Cause Time Limit Extensions 1. Up to twenty percent (20%) of the total Families First caseload may receive assistance beyond the sixty (60) month time limit. 2. Good cause must be evaluated for a time limit extension when the AU is approaching the sixty (60) month time limit. 3. Good cause may be granted for the following periods of time when the caretaker reaches the sixty (60) month limit and is exempt from the work requirements or has good cause because he/she is: a. Sixty-five (65) years old or over (indefinitely). b. Disabled (until the disability ends). c. Caring for an in-home disabled relative d. Other hardship conditions discovered by the caseworker. e. Involved in a significant life crisis (two (2) month extension). An extension based on a significant life crisis must be approved by a Families First supervisor and lasts for two (2) months beyond the sixtieth (60th) month. A significant life crisis may include, but is not limited to, the following: i. Eviction from home. ii. Domestic violence. iii. Family crises (such as an illness or death of a family member). iv. Natural disaster. v. Drug treatment. vi. Complications of pregnancy/recent birth. vii. A caretaker currently exempt from the work and/or educational activity for having a child under age one (1). 4. Good cause is deemed to exist if the AU files a timely appeal or has a pending appeal with continuation of benefits. This extension reason is only valid until the appeal is resolved.