(a) For purposes of an individual's time limit for receipt of TANF assistance as well as the penalty provision at §286.195(a)(1), WtW cash assistance counts towards a Tribe's TANF time limit only if:

(1) Such assistance satisfies the definition at §286.10; and

(2) Is directed at ongoing basic needs.

(b) Only cash assistance provided in the form of cash payments, checks, reimbursements, electronic funds transfers, or any other form that can legally be converted to currency is subject to paragraph (a) of this section.