(a)

1. (1) If the local area panel’s decision is to extend the sixty-month time limit, the decision will be sent for review and approval to the state-level review panel.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The local office manager or designee will send the local area panel’s request for approval of the extension and the recommended length of the extension period via form TEA-176, Request for Approval of 60 Month Time Limit Extension, to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Policy Unit.
   2. (B) A copy of form TEA-175, 58th Month Time Limit Case Review, must be sent with the TEA-176, Request for Approval of 60 Month Time Limit Extension.
3. (3) The request for the state-level approval must be sent within five (5) working days of the local panel’s decision.

(b) State-level panel review and approval.

1. (1) The state-level review panel consists of the:

   1. (A) Deputy Director;
   2. (B) Assistant Director of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families;
   3. (C) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families division chief; and
   4. (D) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Policy Unit manager.
2. (2) Upon receipt of the request, the panel will provide a decision via form TEA-176, Request for Approval of 60 Month Time Limit Extension, within five (5) working days from the date of receipt.
3. (3) Upon receipt of the state level panel’s decision, the local office will notify the participant of the decision via form TEA-177, Notice of Time Limit Determination.

(c) Local area panel’s decision to close the case.

1. (1) If the local area panel determines to not extend beyond the sixty-month time limit, the decision will not be sent for a state-level review.

2. (2) The local office will:

   1. (A) Notify the participant of the decision via form TEA-177, Notice of Time Limit Determination; and
   2. (B) Take the appropriate action.
3. (3) TEA-178, Final Notice of Time Limit Determination, will be sent when the case is closed.

(d) Extended time limit supportive services.

1. (1)

   1. (A) Supportive services will be provided to a participant whose case has been extended so that he or she can participate in the required activities.
   2. (B) For example, a participant who is participating in an Arkansas Rehabilitation Services sheltered workshop may receive transportation assistance, if needed.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Extended support services (ESS) will be available to a participant who has earnings and whose case is closed due to reaching the sixty-month federal limit.
   2. (B) This includes:

(i) ESS employment bonus, if one (1) has not been received in the past twelve (12) months;

1. (ii) ESS transportation assistance payment;

   1. (iii) Case management services;

      1. (iv) Job retention assistance; and
      2. (v) ESS childcare assistance, if needed.
2. (3) Extended support services will be provided if a participant finds employment during the extension period and the case is closed.