SB5214 amends current law related to TANF timeline limitations and allows time limit extensions related to hardship if the recipient is: participating satisfactorily in the program; temporarily prevented from working or looking for a job; or in need of mental health or substance use disorder treatment.
SB5214 also now allows a WorkFirst orientation by phone rather than in-person orientation for TANF; removes the full family sanction policy, and allows a family to keep earn and keep all (as opposed to 1½ of its earnings during every month it is eligible to receive assistance.
Substitute Bill:
- Provides that for any month the state unemployment rate is at or above 7 percent, the Department of Social and Health and Services may not count a temporary assistance for needy families recipient's cash grant towards the 60-month lifetime limit.
- Provides that the bill applies retroactively as of March 1, 2020 as well as prospectively.