We want to provide information to help you learn how to apply for the benefits you deserve.
We aren’t the government, and our company is private. We provide this information in a free guide.
If you’re trying to get assistance, we want to give you information so that you can:
- Understand the requirements for you to get benefits.
- Learn about the application process.
- Seek to get the most out of your benefits.
Table of Contents
- Want to learn about us?
- Where do we get our information?
- Are we the government?
- Is my information protected?
- What can TANF benefits be used for?
- Can I get TANF and other government benefits at the same time?
- Can you apply for TANF again if you leave the program?
- Will my benefits stop as soon as I get a job?
- I was denied TANF benefits. What can I do?
- How will I get my TANF benefits?
- I can’t apply for TANF online. What can I do?
- My benefits are about to run out. Can I apply for more?
1. Want to learn about us?
We are not affiliated with the government in any way. We are a private company that engaged writers to research the TANF 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. We are not providing legal or financial advice. If you need such advice, please contact an attorney or a financial advisor.
2. Where do we get our information?
Our team of writers does research online. Then we put the information in one place and in a clear way to make things easier for you.
3. Are we the government?
No, we are not the government. Our company is private. We find information that’s already online, but we put it together to make things easier for you. We want to give you the best help that we can.
4. Is my information protected?
We believe in the importance of keeping your data safe. If you decide to give us your data while using our website, we use many different protections to help keep it safe. To learn more about how we protect your information, check out our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
5. What can TANF benefits be used for?
TANF benefits are given to qualifying families in need. They can be used toward essentials like clothes, food, utilities, medical bills, supplies and even transportation.
6. Can I get TANF and other government benefits at the same time?
Yes. States will let you get benefits from different programs at the same time if you qualify. Most states will let you apply for different benefits at the same time, too. For example, you might be able to apply for TANF, Medicaid and food stamps with the same application form.
7. Can you apply for TANF again if you leave the program?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families has a time limit. If you get benefits from the program and leave before you reach the time limit, then you may be able to go back into the program and keep getting benefits until you reach that limit, as long as you still qualify. If you already reached the maximum limit of time, you cannot go back and get benefits.
8. Will my benefits stop as soon as I get a job?
People who are unemployed and underemployed, which means that they don’t have enough paid work to make use of their time or skills, may be able to get benefits from the TANF program. If you still meet the requirements and you have not reached the time limit, you can still usually get benefits.
9. I was denied TANF benefits. What can I do?
If you think that you and your family still qualify for TANF benefits, you can ask for the state office to look at your application again. You do this by reaching out to a case manager. The case manager can look at your files and talk to you about the next steps in the appeal process.
10. How will I get my TANF benefits?
States usually put TANF benefits on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card works just like a debit card. Benefits are automatically put onto the card every month at the beginning of the month. Then, you can use the EBT card at stores that accept EBT cards.
11. I can’t apply for TANF online. What can I do?
If you can’t apply online, many states will let you apply in person or by mail. Check out your state’s options before filling out the application form to be sure. Keep in mind that your application has to be signed to be accepted by the state office.
12. My benefits are about to run out. Can I apply for more?
You might be able to apply for extra benefits if you meet some requirements. For example, if you have a disability, are the victim of domestic violence or if you have a mental illness, you might be able to get extra TANF benefits.