Yes, Mr. Smith said, there is a provision for hardship exemptions from the rent laws.

He has applied for a hardship exemption, but has heard nothing about it.

"How long should we spend debating whether or not a hardship exemption should be granted to such a person?"

Both the Federal and state plans provide hardship exemptions from the time limit for up to 20 percent of the welfare case load.

In 2008, Davis played as a fifth-year senior due to a hardship exemption.

Under it, families would face more difficulties in obtaining hardship exemptions from the minimum rent requirement.

The proposed language says, "A hardship exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the secretary" of housing and urban development.

It would also impose a five-year limit on drawing welfare benefits, although states could offer hardship exemptions to a limited pool of recipients.

He was granted 3-A status, the "hardship" exemption, which excluded men with children or dependent parents.

One of the important things the bill does is mandate that people get health insurance (albeit while allowing for hardship exemptions).