Section 112.1  Description of the Assistance Program and Time Limit

a)         The program provides temporary assistance for needy families.  Clients are limited to 60 months of benefits as an adult.  This is a lifetime limit and includes cash benefits received both in Illinois and other states.  All parents or caretakers must engage in work activities when determined able to work.

b)         Months in which the family has reported weekly hours of employment equal to or greater than the State TANF Work Requirement will not count toward the 60-month limit. The State TANF Work Requirement is as follows:

1)         For Category 06 (two parent) cases − 35 hours per week;

2)         For Category 04 cases whose youngest child is age six or older − 30 hours per week;

3)         For Category 04 cases whose youngest child is under age six − 20 hours per week.

c)         Months in which a family head is a teen parent under age 18 will not count toward the 60-month limit.

d)         Months in which a person meets the criteria listed in Section 112.2 will not count toward that person's 60-month limit.

e)         Months in which a person cares for a severely disabled child approved for a waiver under the Home & Community Based Services Waivers for Medically Fragile, Technology Dependent, Disabled Persons Under Age 21 programs (89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.645) will not count toward the 60-month limit.

f)         Months in which the only adult in the assistance unit is the primary caregiver for a child under age 18 with physical or mental health problems, or in which one adult in the assistance unit is the primary caregiver for his or her spouse who has physical or mental health problems, and the demands of caregiving do not allow the caregiver to obtain or retain employment that would satisfy subsection (b) of this Section, will not count toward the 60-month limit.  The physical or mental health problems of the child or spouse must be verified with a physician's statement and will be reviewed by the Department.  The Department shall also verify that the care being provided does not allow the caregiver to obtain or retain employment that would satisfy subsection (b) of this Section.

g)         Months in which a person is granted a waiver under Section 112.6(i) due to domestic or sexual violence issues will not count toward that person's 60-month limit.

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 10085, effective July 1, 2010)