Beginning January 1, 2013, budget legislation shortens (from 48 months to 24 months) the duration an adult may remain eligible for assistance (cash aid and employment services) by meeting state-defined work requirements. The newly created 24-month time limit allows 24 cumulative months of welfare-to-work services as agreed upon in the recipient’s Welfare-to-Work plan.  Months do not need to be consecutive. The time limit is prospective.  For existing recipients, months of welfare-to-work services prior to January 1, 2013 will not be counted against this time limit; current recipients will be eligible for up to 24 months of welfare-to-work services unless they reach their 48-month lifetime limit prior to the end of their 24-month limit.