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4. The agency may follow the same procedures and timeframes to request that the extension be renewed for subsequent periods of up to 90 days if it determines that the client will continue to face extreme hardship.

5. The local agency request for an extension of the 90-day hardship exception must include the following:

a. The specific reason for the extension request b. The period of time for which the extension is requested c. Documentation that the client has satisfactorily participated in all assigned activities during the original exception period, and will encounter extreme hardship if TANF benefits are terminated d. A description of any individual or extenuating circumstances that the manager should consider in making the decision.

K. Responsibilities of the Economic Assistance and Employment Manager - Extension of Hardship Exceptions

The Economic Assistance and Employment Manager of VDSS will base the decision regarding extension of TANF benefits past the period of the original exception on the following:

1. The individual met all the general and specific criteria for receiving the original hardship exception

2. The agency placed the client in a job search activity, and in work experience, the Full Employment Program (FEP), or job skills training prior to requesting the extension and the client is participating in all assignments

3. The agency has demonstrated that the individual/family would suffer extreme hardship if benefits were terminated at the end of the exception period

The manager will examine each request separately and act to grant or deny the request for extension within 5 days of receiving the request. The manager will notify the client and the agency of its decision regarding the request for an extension.

The manager will follow the same procedures and timeframes to review and act on requests for renewal of the extension period.

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