HB114 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes Long

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, cash assistance limited, exceptions, Welfare Cap Act

Summary

HB114 would cap lifetime TANF cash assistance in Alabama at 48 months for those who first receive benefits between Oct 1, 2012 and Sept 30, 2013, and at 36 months for those who first receive benefits on or after Oct 1, 2013, with hardship exemptions.

What This Bill Does

Sets two lifetime time limits on TANF benefits based on when a recipient first starts receiving them. Allows hardship exemptions that can extend benefits for up to 20% of the average monthly caseload, with criteria set by the Department of Human Resources. Counts TANF benefits received in other states toward Alabama’s limit. Excludes child-only cases from the time limits and does not count benefits received while an individual is a minor.

Who It Affects

• TANF recipients and applicants in Alabama, who would have their cash assistance capped at 48 months or 36 months depending on when they first started receiving benefits.
• Recipients who qualify for hardship exemptions (up to 20% of the average monthly caseload, per DHHS criteria).
• Families with child-only TANF cases, which are not subject to the time limits.
• Individuals who receive TANF benefits as a minor, whose benefits do not count toward the time limits.
• People receiving TANF benefits from another state, whose benefits count toward Alabama’s cumulative limit.

Key Provisions

• Section 2(a): Establishes a 48-month lifetime limit for those first receiving TANF benefits between Oct 1, 2012 and Sept 30, 2013, and a 36-month limit for those first receiving benefits on or after Oct 1, 2013.
• Section 2(b): Creates hardship exemptions limited to 20% of the average monthly caseload; the Department of Human Resources will set the criteria and process for approval.
• Section 2(c): Benefits received from TANF in other states count toward Alabama’s cumulative limit.
• Section 2(d): Child-only TANF cases are not subject to the time limits; benefits received while a person is a minor do not count toward the limit.
• Section 3: Establishes the act’s effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)