HB 114 - Welfare Cap Act Summary

• Reduces lifetime TANF benefit limits to 48 months for applicants first receiving benefits between October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2013, and 36 months for applicants first receiving benefits on or after October 1, 2013.

• Hardship exemptions are capped at 20 percent of the average monthly caseload, with criteria and procedures to be established by the Department of Human Resources.

• TANF assistance received in other states counts toward Alabama's cumulative benefit limits.

• Child-only cases are exempt from time limitations and assistance received while an individual is a minor does not count toward the time limit.

• Legislation becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.