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July 1, 2026

141 Example 3: Kristine has a school-year authorization for her child, Ingrid, when she loses her job. Kristine is placed in an ACTS period from November 1 – January 31. In December, Ingrid’s school is closed for several days due to inclement weather. Kristine calls to request additional school closed hours. However, because Kristine is in an ACTS period, no additional hours can be added to Ingrid’s authorization.

This section last updated 7/1/2026

Section 17.2.2 Children Not Previously Authorized The intent of the Approved Activity Search Period (ACTS) and the Temporary Break Period (TBRK) is to continue benefits at the same level following a permanent loss or temporary break in the parent’s approved activity. If the child does not have an authorization that started prior to the day the parent lost their approved activity or began an absence from their approved activity, then there are no benefits to continue at the same level. Parents may maintain eligibility even if their child does not have an authorization (see 4.8).

A new authorization can only be created or have the end date extended if: • The child had an authorization that started prior to the day the parent lost their approved activity or began an absence from their approved activity, or • The child had an authorization that ended within the 30 days prior to the day the parent lost their approved activity or began an absence from their approved activity.

The child’s authorization prior to the Activity Break Period should continue through the Activity Break Period unless: • The parent requests fewer hours • The parent decides that they no longer need an authorization

Authorizations during an Activity Break Period must be consecutive. There cannot be a gap in authorizations during a time when benefits are being continued at the same level. If a change creates a gap of any length between authorizations during an Activity Break Period, the parent is not eligible for the new authorization that would follow a gap.

Example 1: Khloe has three (3) children: Sydney (age 2), Ja’mal (age 5), and Demarcus (age 8). Khloe has an authorization for Sydney but does not have authorizations for her school-age children. On May 9, she reports that she lost her job on May 7 and also requests authorizations for Ja’mal and Demarcus starting on May 27. Because they did not have authorizations that started prior to the day that Khloe lost her job (May 7), they are not eligible for authorizations during Khloe’s ACTS period. However, Khloe can choose to maintain Sydney’s authorization at the same number of hours until the end of her 3-month ACTS period.