While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Table of Contents
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the TANF program i s known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) To learn more about TANF and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Virgin Islands TANF website here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services the TANF program provides to participating families, review the Virgin Islands TANF website found here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS). While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Many TANF participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit your local Department of Human Services office. To find your nearest location, click here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call your local DHS office.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TANF and benefits in the U.S. Virgin Islands here.
To qualify for TANF in the Virgin Islands, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services website here.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services location.
To apply for TANF by fax, fill out the SNAP/CASH Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local office.
To apply for TANF by email, fill out the SNAP/CASH Application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to certoffice.stx@dhs.vi.gov.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the SNAP/CASH Application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local office.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call your local Department of Human Services office.
You can check the status of your application by calling your local Department of Human Services office. To find your nearest DHS location, click here.
After your application has been processed, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible. If you qualify for benefits, you will receive an EBT card by mail.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call your local DHS office.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail after receiving your determination letter. Review your determination letter to find the date that your request must be submitted by.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Human Services. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You may also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail.
For more information on the appeal process, read the Fraud, Administration and Appeals overview page provided by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services here.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call or visit your U.S. Virgin Islands local Department of Human Services office. You may also fax or mail documents to your local office.
Find your nearest DHS location here. Office hours may vary by location.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.