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 Montana, 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 Montana 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 childcare and 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 Montana TANF website here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). 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 the TANF website here.
Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
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 ApplyMT here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
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 Montana here.
To qualify for TANF in Montana, 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services website here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on ApplyMT here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Montana Office of Public Assistance location.
To apply for TANF by phone, call 1 (888) 706-1535
To apply for TANF by mail, email hhssspapplicationcustomersupport@mt.gov for a PDF application
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
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 in the mail from the Department of Public Health and Human Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible.
If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your TANF benefits will be deposited. Otherwise, you will 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.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (888) 706-1535.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, you can appeal your decision in writing in person or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Office of Public Assistance. 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 complete the appeal form attached to your determination letter.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
You can also visit or call a local Office of Public Assistance for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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.