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 Nevada, 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 Nevada 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, transportation, 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 Nevada TANF website here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services (DWSS). 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. Most 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 ACCESS Nevada here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Division of Welfare and Social Services at 1 (800) 992-0900.
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 Nevada here.
To qualify for TANF in Nevada, 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 Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services website here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on ACCESS Nevada here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office location.
To apply for TANF by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local office.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
State of Nevada
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
PO Box 15400
Las Vegas, NV 89114-5400
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services at 1 (800) 992-0900 or send an email to welfare@dwss.nv.gov.
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 Division of Welfare and Social Services within 45 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and your EBT card. If approved for TANF, your TANF benefits will be deposited within 30 days from your approval date or the date of your application, whichever is sooner.
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 (800) 992-0900.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Welfare and Supportive 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. Click here to find the nearest Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office location.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
Alternatively, you can complete the appeal form included with your determination letter.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call the Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services at 1 (800) 992-0900. You can also send your inquiries via email to welfare@dwss.nv.gov.
To send the Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to your local office or mail them to the following address:
State of Nevada
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
PO Box 15400
Las Vegas, NV 89114-5400
You can also visit or call a local Welfare and Supportive Services office for further assistance. Click here to find the nearest Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office location.
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.