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Hardship Extensions:
TANF recipients can apply for hardship extensions from their DFCS office. Families must meet with their case workers during the 48th month on TANF. Hardship extensions are granted to:
A family that suffers from domestic violence issues
A family that has a protective child services case
A recipient who is in a substance abuse program
A recipient who is disabled, but not eligible for SSI
A recipient who is caring for a disabled household member
A recipient who has not completed his/her work plan
A recipient who lives in an area with few employment opportunities
Extensions are granted for 90 days and can be renewed up to a total of 12 months by your DFCS office. After that time, the state DFCS must approve of extensions. If DFCS decides that you do not qualify for any extensions, but you disagree, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A FAIR HEARING. You must do so within 30 days. You may be able to get legal assistance with the hearing from your local Georgia Legal Services office.
After-Employment Services:
After recipients get a job and are ineligible for TANF, they can receive TANF to Work Support Payments (TWSP). This is an allowance for transportation and incidentals that are needed to allow a person to accept or maintain a job. The TWSP is paid as a lump sum in the last month of TANF eligibility, and is only provided once every 12 months. These are the criteria that a person must meet before TWSP is available:
Employment is the reason for TANF ineligibility
The participant is not receiving services from other sources
The support is needed to accept or maintain employment
Expenditures are pre-approved by DFCS
If you feel that you have been denied services that you should be receiving, you have the right to request a fair hearing. Contact your local Georgia Legal Services Office or Georgia Client Council for help. Call 1-800-498-9469 for the nearest Georgia Legal Services Office, or 404-206-5327 for the nearest Georgia Client Council Group.
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