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 Mississippi, the TANF program is known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To learn more about TANF and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Mississippi 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 Mississippi TANF brochure found here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Mississippi 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, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about the restrictions on TANF expenditures, visit page 545 of the Mississippi TANF manual here.
Unlike Food Assistance, TANF benefits can be given to participants on a Mississippi Debit MasterCard. Food Assistance is distributed using 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 ACCESSms here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Department of Human Services at 1 (601) 359-4500.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Eligible families can receive a maximum of $110 per month for the first person, $36 for the second person, and $24 for each additional person. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TANF and benefit amounts in Mississippi here.
To qualify for TANF in Mississippi, 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 in Mississippi, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Mississippi Department of Human Services website here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on ACCESSms here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS) office location.
To apply for TANF by fax, fill out the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local DHS office.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local DHS office.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Mississippi Department of Human Services at 1 (601) 359-4500.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for TANF, you should receive a notice from the Mississippi Department of Human Services about your scheduled interview date and time. You must participate in this interview before your application can be approved.
After your application, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination, your benefit amount, and your Mississippi Debit MasterCard card if you are approved.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your Mississippi Debit MasterCard card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (601) 359-4500.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision after receiving your determination letter. Your determination letter will include instructions on how to file an appeal and the date that you must submit your request by.
If you have any questions about the TANF appeal process, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services at 1 (601) 359-4500.
For help with obtaining TANF, or for any further questions about your application, call the Mississippi Department of Human Services at 1 (601) 359-4500.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices hours and services 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.