Purpose: Federal and state laws allow us to extend up to 20% of the TANF caseload beyond sixty months due to family violence or hardship. Each state defines what is a hardship extension in their state. Congress created the 20% extension, recognizing that despite the hard work of case managers and social workers, there are clients with serious and long-term barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
What happens after I receive 60 or more months of TANF/SFA cash assistance?
After you receive 60 or more months of TANF/SFA cash assistance, you may qualify for additional months of cash assistance. We call these additional months of TANF/SFA cash assistance a TANF/SFA time limit extension.
Who is eligible for a TANF/SFA time limit extension?
You are eligible for a TANF/SFA time limit extension if you are on TANF or otherwise eligible for TANF and:
You qualify for one of the exemptions listed in WAC 388-310-0350; or,
You:
Are participating satisfactorily in the WorkFirst Program (See chapter 388-310 WAC for a description of WorkFirst participation requirements); or
Meet the Family Violence Option criteria in WAC 388-61-001 and are participating satisfactorily in specialized activities listed in your individual responsibility plan; or
You have a temporary situation that prevents you from working or looking for a job. (For example, you may be unable to look for a job while you have health problems or if you are dealing with family violence.) You will receive a time-limited extension if you are participating in activities included in your individual responsibility plan to help your situation.
You are in sanction, but you will be subject to the sanction rules described in WAC 388-310-1600.
Who reviews and approves an extension?
Your case manager or social worker will review your case and determine which extension type will be approved.
This review will not happen until after you have received at least 52 months of assistance but before you reach your time limit.
Before you reach your time limit, the department will send you a notice that tells you whether your extension was approved and how to request a fair hearing if you disagree with the decision.
Do my WorkFirst participation requirements change if I receive a TANF/SFA time limit extension?
Your participation requirements do not change. You must still meet all of the WorkFirst participation requirements listed in WAC Chapter 388-310 while you receive a TANF/SFA time limit extension.
Do my benefits change if I receive a TANF/SFA time limit extension?
You are still a TANF/ SFA recipient and your cash assistance, services, or supports will not changes as long as you continue to meet all other TANF/SFA eligibility requirements.
During the TANF/ SFA time limit extension, you must continue to meet all other TANF/ SFA eligibility requirements. If you no longer meet TANF/ SFA eligibility criteria during your extension, your benefits will end.
What happens if I stop participating in WorkFirst activities as required during a TANF/SFA time limit extension?
If you do not participate in the WorkFirst activities required in your Individual Responsibility Plan, and you do not have a good reason under WAC 388-310-1600(4), the department will follow the sanction rules in WAC 388-310-1600.
How long will a TANF/SFA time limit extension last?
We will review your TANF/SFA time limit extension and your case periodically for changes in family circumstances:
If you are extended under WAC 388-484-0006 (2)(a) then we will review your extension at least every 12 months;
If you are extended under WAC 388-484-0006 (2)(b) then we will review your extension at least every 6 months;
If you are extended under WAC 388-484-0006 (2)(c) or (d) then we will review your extension at least every 12 months.
Your TANF/SFA time limit extension may be renewed for as long as you continue to meet the criteria to qualify.
If during the extension period we get proof that your circumstances have changed, we may review your case and change the type of TANF/SFA time limit extension.
There are three TANF extension categories. Every family within one of these categories will have it's TANF extended beyond 60 months as long as the family continues to meet all TANF eligibility requirements.
The three extension categories are:
Category 1. Exemption/Resolving Issues (Adults who, based on approved verification, cannot or should not be expected to work full-time.)
Adult with severe and chronic disabilities or a facilitated SSI applicant who is likely to be eligible.
Caring for a child under 0-3 months old
WorkFirst participants may be exempt at anytime while on TANF. Exempt clients may participate in WorkFirst voluntarily. Exemptions may occur at anytime a person is on TANF, and are not only available as an extension of the 60-month time limit.
Section B – Resolving Issues
Clients approved for a TANF Hardship Extension:
Pursuing SSI - Deferral
Caring for a child with special needs
No child care available or no available child care for incapacitated adult
Working and/or looking for work full time (FT, JS)
Preparing for work fulltime (includes Community Jobs, pre-approved educational/training activities or a combination of training and working)
Participating as required in an approved DVR Plan (XD)
Participating as required in the one-time/part-time deferral from participation, Pregnancy to Employment Pathway with child 4-12 months old
Combination of categories checked above results in fulltime participation
Category 3. Sanction - Adults not participating without good cause
Adults not participating who do not have good cause under WAC 388-310-1600 (4) will continue to receive a reduced grant.
CLARIFYING INFORMATION
Definitions of exemption, deferral, and extension:
Exemption - a long-term, severe barrier that prevents the client from being able to get or keep a job. The client is exempted from participation in WorkFirst since the barrier often cannot be addressed through services. It can happen at any time. It is also a reason why a client will be extended beyond 60 months. (See WAC 388-310-0350 and "WorkFirst Handbook Exemptions" section with examples of deferrals and exemptions.)
Deferral to Resolve Issues - a temporary status that enables the client to address/ resolve issues which impair the client’s ability to get and keep employment. The client participates in activities to resolve the barrier and is often deferred from participation in job search.
Extension - allows the assistance unit to receive TANF/ SFA beyond the 60-month time limit. There are three main categories of extensions in the chart below.
Modification Date: October 28, 2007
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