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1000.24 TANF MANUAL 10/21 PAGE 86

1000.24 HARDSHIP EXCEPTIONS

Exceptions to the two-year limit on TANF assistance may be granted under certain circumstances which are specified by the Code of Virginia and outlined below.* (See 901.11 for reasons that the client might be eligible for assistance during the POI based on disability rather than hardship).

A. Application for An Exception - The client is notified that an extension of benefits is possible by the TANF 24-Month Advance Notice of Proposed Action. This notice is generated by VaCMS on the 15th day of the 22nd month of the 24-month TANF eligibility period.

The ESW will explain the criteria for a hardship exception to all VIEW participants who are in the final two months of receipt of TANF. However, the ESW is only required to evaluate the individual for approval of a hardship exception when the participant provides a written request to be considered for an exception. The client must submit a signed and dated written request to the ESW, postmarked within the 60-day period prior to the effective date of TANF case closure shown on the notice, identifying the specific type of exception requested. The agency may assist a client who is illiterate in writing the request, but the request must be submitted timely and must be signed and dated by the client. An individual who has exhausted the 24-month TANF eligibility period and whose TANF case has already been closed may not apply for an exception.

B. Exceptions and Eligibility for TANF and VIEW - If a hardship exception is granted, TANF benefits will be issued for the period of the exception as long as all TANF eligibility factors continue to be met. The client will be a mandatory VIEW participant and will be eligible for supportive services.

C. Criteria for Granting Hardship Exceptions - Hardship exceptions may be granted under the following circumstances provided the client meets all general and specific eligibility criteria:

1. Exceptions of up to one year

a. The client lives in an area of high unemployment.

b. The client has been enrolled in employment-related post-secondary education or skills training unless the education or skills training was self-initiated.

2. Exceptions of up to 90 days

a. The client is unable to find employment.

b. The client has lost her job.

3. Exceptions exceeding one year

a. Natural disasters as declared by the department.

D. General Eligibility Criteria for Hardship Exceptions

In order to be considered for a hardship exception, the participant’s program participation must be evaluated. Determination must be made that:

1. The participant was not sanctioned more than one time for failure to satisfactorily participate in any assigned component activity while in the program. Assigned component activities must be reflected on the client’s Activity and Service Plan.

* Code of Virginia 63.2-613

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