What is TANF?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help low income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency.
The federal government provides TANF grant funds ($16.5 billions) to US states and terriories to provide families with financail assistance and related support services. State goverments use the federal TANF grants to fund monthly cash assistance payments to low income familes with children.
Main Goals of TANF are:
- Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives
- End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage
- Prevent and reduce the incidence of out of wedlock pregnancies
- Encourage the formation and maintenance of two parent families
TANF Benefits
TANF cash assistance benefits
The maximum amount of TANF money a family can receive depends on the state they live in.
Every state issues TANF cash assistance benefits electronically on a debit card or through direct deposit. But some also issue benefits with paper checks.
< Texas maximum monthly TANF amount >
| Family size | Child-only cases | Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker | Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $121 | $147 | – |
| 2 | $174 | $305 | $234 |
| 3 | $243 | $353 | $386 |
| 4 | $290 | $424 | $434 |
| 5 | $372 | $471 | $503 |
Recipients may qualify for help with:
- Food
- Clothing
- Housing
- Utilities
- Funiture
- Transportation
- Phone
- Laundry
- Supplies for the home
- Child care
- Job training
- Other basic needs
Who is eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
TANF Requirement
In order to qualify for TANF benefits program, you must meet the following TANF requirments:
- You must be a resident of the state where you are applying
- You must be a U.S. citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident
- You must be unemployed or underemployed with low or very low income
- You must also be one of the following:
- Have a child under age 19 or
- Be pregnant, or
- Be under 19 age and the head of your household
Income Level Limits
As a cash assistance program, qualification for TANF is largely determined by income.
TANF program is aimed at low income families, so each state TANF program establishes certain income limits applicants must not exceed.
These limits are based on the local cost of living in each state.
In addition to income, some states also take assets into consideration.
During an assets exam, TANF program office will examine the different assets you have, including:
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Properties
Each state has its own limits on the dollar amount of assets you are permitted to hold and still receive benefits.
In some cases, your assets may not affect your eligibility at all.
<Texas maximum monthly income limits>
| Family size | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,304 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
How to Apply for TANF?
To Apply for TANF Program
- Each state or tribal territory has its own rules for TANF eligibility and benefits
- Find your local TANF office to get specific information about your state’s program
- You can apply TANF program online, by email, by visiting TANF local office, over the phone
- Type of documents needed:
- Proof of identity, including your valid state ID or Social Security card
- Proof of residency, such as official pieces of mail that list your name and address
- Proof of legal presence, such as a U.S. passport or immigration documents
- Income and asset records, such as bank statements and pay stubs
- Rent documents that state the amount you pay each month, such as a lease agreement
TANF Application Process
After you submitted your TANF application, TANF program office will interview you. TANF officer will ask to see birth certificates (to prove the children are yours), social Security cards, paycheck stubs, and other income verification.
TANF officer may also seek further proof of eligibility. Ask your officer for help obtaining this proof.
Contact
For states TANF program information, please find TANF Program Contact Information Map.
