IM-104 December 1, 2015; IM-24 April 22, 2011; IM-23 April 2, 2010
A Temporary Assistance (TA) case, where one of the adults in the eligibility unit (EU) has reached his/her 45-month lifetime limit, is reviewed prior to TA case closure to determine if the adult is eligible for an exemption or extension of TA benefits. The TA participant must provide verification that they meet an exemption or extension before the review can take place.
FAMIS generates the Temporary Assistance Lifetime Limit Notice (FA-257) to participants at 18, 27, 36, 39, 43 months receipt of TA benefits.
The FA-257 issued includes the following information:
- Includes the number of months that s/he has received TA benefits and how many months s/he has remaining
- Reasons for exemption and extension of the lifetime limit
- Explains the need to provide verification to support his/her request for an exemption or extension
- Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program benefits
- Other programs available from the Family Support Division (FSD)
- Resources for assistance in locating a child care provider
- Services offered by Child Support
The eligibility specialist reviews the provided information for exemption first. If the participant is eligible for an exemption that does not count toward the 45-month lifetime limit, update the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen with the appropriate exemption reason. Refer to TA Work Requirement: Exemption User Guide.
NOTE: The following exemption reasons count towards his/her 45-month lifetime limit:
- Custodial Caretaker of Child Under 12 Months (E01)
- Care of Child Under 12 Months for more than 12 Months (E02)
If the participant is not eligible for an exemption, the eligibility specialist must then review for an extension. The eligibility specialist completes the Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360A) with his/her recommendation for the extension and sends to the TA Processing Center for review. The eligibility specialist must update the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen to H in the work requirement indicator field and 26 under the extension reason to keep the case open while the recommendation is being reviewed. A re-evaluation date must be entered. The TA Processing Center reviews the IM-360A and indicates their approval or denial of the extension due to hardship.
NOTE: Extensions should be granted when treatment or services that are being provided for the family situation prevents the individual from successfully participating in work activities. A statement from the participant may be the only way to verify claims of domestic violence.
If the Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360A) is approved for an extension, the eligibility specialist must update the TA Work Requirement (COMPACT/FM8B) screen in FAMIS with the correct work requirement indicator, the correct extension reason, and enter a re-evaluation date. The Notice of Temporary Assistance Extension for Hardship Action (IM-363) must be completed and sent to the TA participant to inform them of the approval for extension.
NOTE: If the adverse action closing process has already begun, it is necessary to void that action so the case can remain open with the valid extension reason entered. If the adverse action closing is not voided, the case will close even if a valid extension reason has been entered.
If the Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360A) is denied for an extension the eligibility specialist must manually begin the adverse action process to initiate the TA case closure. The Notice of Temporary Assistance Extension for Hardship Action (IM-363) must be completed and sent to the TA participant to inform him/her the request for extension has been denied.
If the participant fails to provide the verification required to support his/her request for an exemption or extension, and an exemption or extension reason has been entered on COMPACT, the eligibility specialist must take the appropriate action to initiate the adverse action for a TA case closure. The Extension or Closing Summary (IM-360A) For Hardship Action (IM-363) must be completed and sent to the TA participant to inform him/her no extension is allowed and TA case is being closed.
If the participant fails to provide the verification required to support his/her request for an exemption or extension, and an exemption or extension reason HAS NOT been entered on COMPACT, FAMIS will initiate the adverse action process to close the TA case at the beginning of the 45th month.