UPDATE: LANSING - Despite terribly tough economic times, the state of Michigan is making major changes to the welfare system placing a 4-year cap on cash assistance benefits. This followed by the Center for Civil Justice filing a lawsuit challenging the Department of Human Services. Watch HOMTV for the latest.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - Recent changes to welfare in the state of Michigan will affect thousands of families across the state.

October 1, 2011, the department of human services implemented its lifetime limit on cash assistance benefits to four years. As a result of the changes, the state will save over $75 million. This will impact over 40 thousand Michiganders, including nearly 30 thousand Michigan children.

Officials say the state simply cannot afford to continue providing lifetime assistance. The Department of Human Services' Acting Deputy Director of Field Operations, Sheryl Thompson says there are, however, exceptions where benefits will be extended. "They can have an additional year if they meet the following criteria; there's domestic violence, they're caring for a disabled spouse and/or child, and/or their social security is too low."

Currently there is a legal injunction against implementing the lifetime assistance, and as a result benefits have been reinstated to those who have exceeded the 4-year limit until further notice. There is no new date at this time as to when this extension will end, but families will be given additional notice before the lifetime limit is reinforced.