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.
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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 Maryland, the TANF program is known as Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). To learn more about TCA and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Maryland TCA website here.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TCA 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 TCA program provides to participating families, review the Maryland TCA website found here.
TCA and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TACA benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Both TCA and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Many TCA 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 TCA, visit myDCR here.
If you have questions about TCA or Food Assistance, call the Department of Human Services at 1 (800) 332-6347.
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 TCA and benefit amounts in Maryland here.
To qualify for TCA in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TCA benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Cash Assistance, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TCA eligibility requirements here.
To apply for TCA online, create an account on myDHR here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TCA in person, click here to find the nearest Maryland Department of Human Services office location.
To apply for TCA by mail, fill out the TCA Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Department of Human Services office location.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Department of Human Services at 1 (800) 332-6347 or submit an inquiry online here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If approved for benefits, you should receive an EBT card in the 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 1 (800) 332-6347.
If you do not agree with the TCA benefit decision given to you by the Maryland Department of Human Service, you can appeal your decision by phone or in-person within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Human Services office. 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 an appeal by phone, contact your case manager or your local Department of Human Services office.
For help with obtaining Temporary Cash Assistance, or for any further questions about your application, call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 1 (800) 332-6347 or submit an inquiry online here.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here. Office hours and services 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.