(b)

1. (1) A work-eligible individual who meets all the eligibility requirements may receive TEA cash assistance benefits for a period of up to twelve (12) months.
2. (2) The twelve (12) months do not have to be consecutive months.
3. (3) The months counted are based on the number of months the adult participant or “head of household” minor parent receives cash assistance.

(c) The time limit does not apply:

1. (1) To cases in which the only parent in the home, or both parents if both are living in the home, receives Supplemental Security Income benefits, and therefore, no adult is included in the case;
2. (2) In the months in which an individual is deferred/exempt from work activity participation; or
3. (3) In the months in which a non-head of household minor parent receives cash assistance.

(d)

1. (1) The time limit applies to nonparent caretaker relatives only when such relatives choose to be included in the TEA payment with the child.
2. (2) If a nonparent relative is a payee only, then the time limit does not apply to the case.

(f)

1. (1) Payments made by another state under a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program count toward the twelve-month limit in Arkansas if the participant has received more than forty-eight (48) such payments in another state.
2. (2) Only the payments from another state in excess of forty-eight (48) will count toward Arkansas’s twelve-month limit.

3. (3)

   1. (A) Diversion assistance payments also count toward the twelve-month limit if not repaid.
   2. (B) See 20 CAR § 502-309.

(h)

1. (1) During periodic contacts, the Program Eligibility Specialist will inform the participant of the number of months of TEA eligibility remaining.
2. (2) The Program Eligibility Specialist should continue to stress to the participant the importance of employment because of the time limit.

(i)

1. (1)

   1. (A) The Program Eligibility Specialist will explain to the participant what action will be taken once the twelve-month time limit has been reached.
   2. (B) Refer to 20 CAR § 503-118 for termination procedures.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The Program Eligibility Specialist will advise that the TEA case will be closed unless it is determined that an exemption, or extension from the time limit, should be granted.
   2. (B) See 20 CAR §§ 503-115 and 503-122.