Houghton v. Alexander

DECISION

Before the Court is Elizabeth Houghton and Maria Mendez's ("Plaintiffs") complaint seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. At issue is the Plaintiffs' eligibility for an extension of public assistance benefits by reason of hardship. The Defendant, Department of Human Services ("DHS"), denied benefits to the Plaintiffs on the grounds that DHS rules limit such hardship benefits to no more than twelve (12) months. Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the rule capping hardship benefits at twelve months is invalid for DHS' lack of statutory authorization, the arbitrary and capricious…