TAFDC Extension of Benefits Beyond the 24-month Period

The Commissioner or designee may extend benefits beyond the 24-month period under certain circumstances. A nonexempt grantee granted an extension must meet all other program requirements. Requests for extensions will be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. Granted extensions may be reviewed and revised as the Commissioner or designee deems appropriate. An individual may request an extension of benefits beyond the 24-month period after a nonexempt grantee has used 22 months of time-limited benefits, or at any time when an individual has already received 24 months of time-limited benefits. (A) Requirements. (1) Before determining whether or not to approve an extension, the Commissioner or designee shall consider: (a) the degree that a nonexempt grantee has and is cooperating, with the Department in work-related activities. Work-related activities are those which are intended to lead to full-time employment; (b) whether the nonexempt grantee has been sanctioned or has otherwise failed to cooperate with the Department's rules and regulations; (c) whether the grantee received and/or rejected job offers reduced his or her employment hours or quit a job without good cause as specified in 106 CMR 701.380: Good Cause Criteria, or has been fired for cause; (d) whether appropriate job opportunities currently exist locally. A job opportunity is appropriate when the grantee meets the minimum requirements for a job; (e) whether suitable state-standard child care (including special needs care) is available during the grantee’s hours of employment and commuting time; and (f) whether the client demonstrated a good faith effort to meet his or her economic independence goals. If a client has not demonstrated a good faith effort, but is otherwise found eligible for an extension under 703.130(A)(1)(a), (c) through (f), the Commissioner, in his or her discretion, may continue to provide benefits on behalf of any dependent children. (2) A nonexempt grantee who is participating in an approved education or training activity at the end of the 24-month period may be granted a three month extension to complete the activity. If necessary, a second three month extension may be granted to complete the activity. (3) A nonexempt grantee who is working full time (35 hours per week), requests an extension and is otherwise eligible, shall be granted an extension. (B) Conditions of Extension. (1) Each extension is limited to a period of up to three months. (2) In addition to the requirements specified in 106 CMR 703.130, all TAFDC financial and nonfinancial eligibility requirements must be met to qualify for and continue to receive an extension. (3) There is no limit to the number of extensions for which an assistance unit may qualify. (C) Extension Activities. The Department will determine which activities the nonexempt grantee should participate with the goal of obtaining full-time employment. These activities may include: (1) a vocational evaluation; (2) referral, enrollment and participation in a vocational program specified by the Department or employment subsidized through the grantee’s TAFDC grant; (3) job search or structured job search; and (4) other activities deemed appropriate by the Department. In a two-parent assistance unit, each nonexempt grantee must participate in the activities listed in 106 CMR 703.130(C)(1) through (4).