N.J. Admin. Code § 10:90-2.5
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024
Section 10:90-2.5 - Extensions to the 60-cumulative-month time limit(a) A recipient shall receive an extension of no more than 12 cumulative months beyond the 60 cumulative month time limit, to be granted in increments that shall not exceed six months, if the recipient meets one of the following criteria: 1. The recipient or the recipient's dependent child(ren) would be subject to extreme hardship or incapacity in the event of a termination of benefits (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-6); i. Extensions due to extreme hardship or incapacity will be evaluated within the last three months of the eligibility period prior to reaching the 60-month lifetime limit on benefit assistance. Extensions of this nature require prior approval and authorization by DFD. The assistance unit's case record shall be reviewed to determine if cause to grant an extension due to extreme hardship or incapacity exists. Extreme hardship shall be defined as situations that would: (1) Result when the recipient has secured employment but without such an extension the transition of the assistance unit from WFNJ to employment could not be effected due to extenuating circumstances, such as, a lack of transportation or available child care to support work.(2) Result when, during a review of the case record, it was determined that periods of temporary incapacity experienced by the individual which resulted in work deferrals of more than 12 months did not allow the individual sufficient time in which to gain self-sufficiency during the individual's receipt of 60 months of cash assistance;(3) Result from a situation in which the individual began work activities immediately as scheduled, has cooperated throughout all phases of the WFNJ program, has been fully compliant in the last year, and has no more than one sanction in the prior 12 months for failure to comply with any aspect of the program but fails at the end of the 60 months to secure employment which renders the assistance unit financially ineligible for continued benefits. This situation will be subject to review by a State appointed panel for a final determination;(4) Result from when the individual experiences a family violence situation which renders the individual temporarily incapable of sustaining the family without continued support. (Victims of family violence are entitled to extensions as long as necessary, see N.J.A.C. 10:90-20 regarding family violence); or(5) Result when a current temporary deferral exists in accordance with provisions outlined at 10:90-4.10 and 4.11. For example, the period of incapacity may be due to the individual experiencing a recent temporary physical incapacity, being in her third trimester of pregnancy or needing to provide care for a child under 12 weeks of age.2. The recipient is engaged in full-time employment but remains eligible for benefits due to earned income disregards;3. The recipient has not received an opportunity to engage in work activities as specified in the individual responsibility plan; or4. The recipient was engaged in full-time employment and was income-ineligible for benefits but was terminated from the employment through no fault of the recipient.(b) At a minimum, approved extensions shall be reviewed prior to the expiration of the six-month extension period. If an extension has been granted for a shorter period of time than six months, then the extension shall be reviewed timely prior to its expiration.(c) When a case is closed with an adult(s) and his or her own natural or adoptive child(ren), then that case shall not be transferred automatically to a child only case. In order for a child(ren) who has had his or her case terminated with his or her parent(s) to return to the WFNJ program, another eligible needy parent-person or another non-needy parent-person who is not the child(ren)'s natural or adoptive parent must apply on behalf of the child(ren) who is now in his or her care unless the child's parent(s) later qualified for an extension or exemption. However, a related kinship child(ren) who is not the natural and/or adoptive child(ren) of the recipient who was receiving cash benefits in an assistance unit that reaches the 60-month lifetime limit shall continue to receive benefits as a child only case with the former TANF head of household now designated as the payee for the related kinship child(ren).1. Child only cases with non-needy parent-persons designated as the payee for the child(ren) are not subject to the 60-month lifetime limit on benefits.(d) An individual who has exhausted 60 cumulative months of WFNJ TANF/GA benefits may be eligible to reapply for and receive assistance after his or her case has been closed if he or she meets the criteria for an extension or an exemption.(e) An individual whose case is in post 60-month extension or exemption status who continues to have a work requirement and fails to be in compliance with that requirement, without good cause, shall have his or her case sanctioned in accordance with provisions found at 10:90-4.13.N.J. Admin. Code § 10:90-2.5
Amended by R.1998 d.42, effective 1/20/1998.
See: 29 N.J.R. 3971(b), 30 N.J.R. 389(a).
Amended by R.2003 d.127, effective 3/17/2003.
See: 34 N.J.R. 3674(a), 35 N.J.R. 1425(a).
Added (b).
Amended by R.2003 d.226, effective 6/16/2003.
See: 34 N.J.R. 2713(a), 35 N.J.R. 2670(a).
Rewrote the section.
Amended by R.2009 d.289, effective 9/21/2009.
See: 40 N.J.R. 5494(a), 41 N.J.R. 3435(a).
Section was "Extensions to the 60 cumulative month time limit". Deleted (f).