IM-74 May 27, 2020; IM-104 December 1, 2015; IM-24 April 22, 2011; IM-23 April 2, 2010
Local Family Support Division (FSD) offices will accept all applications made for Temporary Assistance (TA). At the time of screening, check the Time Limit Tracking (TIMETRAK/ FM6H) screen for the parent and second parent to determine total months used towards the lifetime limit. If it is determined that any parent in the household has reached their 45-month lifetime limit, then the Extension for Hardship Attachment (IM-2EH) must be completed. The alert “Participant Lifetime Limit Reached” generates for participants who have already reached their forty-five (45) month lifetime limit and reapply for TA.
The IM-2EH attachment asks the applicant to check the box that applies to their family situation. Those choices include exemption and extension reasons. This form is completed by the applicant and becomes a permanent part of the case record. Staff may assist the applicant with the form if necessary.
All policy related to the application process must be followed: forms, eligibility, verification, timeframes, etc.
The applicant must be eligible for TA and meet the criteria for an exemption that does not count toward the 45-month lifetime limit or an extension in order to receive TA beyond their 45-month lifetime limit. If at any time it is determined TA eligibility does not exist, the exemption/extension review process will stop.
EXEMPTION AFTER 45-MONTH LIFETIME LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED
When the parent, or second parent, that has already received 45 months of TA meets the criteria for an exemption from the 45-month lifetime limit as recorded on the IM-2EH, continue to process the application to determine eligibility. Approve the case if eligibility exists and enter the correct exemption code on the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen. Refer to TA Work Requirement: Exemption User Guide for more information.
For these exemptions the Work Requirement Indicator code on the COMPACT/FM8B screen is “E”:
- Payee is 60 years of age or older; Exempt Reason “07”
- Permanently or Totally Disabled; Exempt Reason “06”
- Needed in the Home to Care for a Disabled Individual; Exempt Reason “05”
Another Exemption Reason is Teen Parent and Attending School. This exemption reason is displayed in FAMIS by the Work Requirement Indicator Code (T). An Exempt Reason code is not needed.
EXTENSION AFTER 45-MONTH LIFETIME LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED
When the parent or second parent that has already received 45 months of TA meets the criteria for an extension from the 45-month lifetime limit as recorded on the IM-2EH, continue to process the application to determine eligibility.
The eligibility specialist submits the Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360) to a County Manager or Program Manager for approval. The Notice of Temporary Assistance Extension for Hardship Action (IM-363) is prepared for the EU and mailed within ten (10) days of the decision to allow or deny the extension.
The TA Processing Center will approve the case if eligibility exists and enter the correct extension code on the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen. Enter an “H” for hardship not referred to MWA, or a “J” to refer the participant to MWA. Refer to TA Work Requirement: Hardship Extension User Guide for more information. A re-evaluation date should also be set within 90 days to re-evaluate the reasons for the extension.
Once an extension has been approved, eligibility specialists should create a reminder on the Alert/Reminder List (ALREMIND/FM7M) screen to re-evaluate the extension reason. A reminder should be created on any of the following extension reasons.
Extension Reasons and Codes to be entered on the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen:
- Domestic Violence (20)
- Substance Abuse (21)
- Mental Health (22)
- Active in Children’s Division (24)
- Family Crisis (25)
If the Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360) is denied for an extension, the eligibility specialist must take the appropriate action to reject the TA application. The Notice of Temporary Assistance Extension for Hardship Action (IM-363) must be completed and sent to the TA applicant to inform them the request for extension has been denied. FAMIS generates the Claimant Action Notice (FA-150) to notify the applicant their application for TA benefits was denied.
If a decision is not reached or verification is not received by the 30th day, FAMIS rejects the application.