Time Limits on TANF Benefits Act Exposed

The Time Limits on TANF Benefits Act is listed under ALEC's Health and Human Service Task Force, but does not include approval information. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

ALEC Bill Text

Summary

This TANF benefits act delineates several time constraints in regards to eligibility for TANF financial assitance, several eligibility renewal requirements, and several social services exception regulations and procedures regarding time limits. Each participating recipient of TANF financial assistance may receive this assistance for no more than twenty four months, unless otherwise exempted by the specified hardship exceptions. A local social services department shall give notice of TANF benefits termination sixty days prior to that termination, along with the appropriate extension of benefits regulations and procedures.

Model Legislation

Section 1.

Title: This act may be cited as the "Time Limits on TANF Benefits Act."

Section 2.

Purpose Section. Time limits help facilitate a person to move away from receiving TANF financial assistance. However, this act does allow for an extension of the TANF benefits beyond the twenty four month reception limit in cases where there is danger to the welfare of the dependent children.

Section 3.

Definitions. For the purpose of this act, "assistance unit" means recipient of TANF financial assistance.

Section 4.

Legislative Modifications.

(A) A participating assistance unit may receive TANF financial assistance for a maximum of twenty four months only, unless otherwise exempt subject to Section 5.

An assistance unit may renew his/her eligibility to receive TANF assistance, if otherwise eligible, after a subsequent period of twenty four months during which he/she did not satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

(1) Participate in a work program (insert appropriate title for your state);

(2) Receive TANF financial assistance;

(3) Receive transitional assistance (if available in your state).

(B) The local department of social services shall notify a participating assistance unit that their TANF financial assistance is scheduled to be terminated as provided in this section. Notice shall be given sixty days prior to such termination and shall inform the participating assistance unit of the exception regulations promulgated by the (appropriate state agency) and the procedure to be followed by the participating assistance unit if it believes that it is entitled to an extension of benefits.

Section 5.

Hardship Extensions. The (appropriate state agency) shall promulgate regulations providing exceptions to the time limitations of this chapter in cases of hardship. Exceptions can only be provided where the program participant loses his or her job as a result of factors not related to his or her job performance.

Section 6.

Assistance Unit Restriction. Any child ineligible because of the time limit in one assistance unit cannot be eligible for assistance in another assistance unit.

Section 7. {Severability Clause}

Section 8. {Repealer Clause}

Section 9. {Effective Date}