SB 00197 - Temporary Family Assistance

• Extends the time limit for temporary family assistance benefits from 21 months to 60 months, effective July 1, 2022.

• Months of assistance received during the COVID-19 public health emergency declared by Governor Ned Lamont shall not count toward the 60-month time limit.

• Allows families to petition for six-month extensions of benefits if they make good faith efforts to comply with program requirements and meet criteria including domestic violence, multiple employment barriers, or working at least 35 hours per week at minimum wage.

• Adds exemptions from time limits for families facing circumstances preventing employment, including domestic violence or physical harm to children.

• Provides cost-of-living adjustments to temporary family assistance benefits annually starting July 1, 2023, based on consumer price index increases when appropriated funds lapse.