Table of Contents
- What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?
- What Services Does TA Provide in New York?
- What Is the Difference Between TA and Food Assistance?
- How Much Assistance Does TA Provide?
- How to Qualify for TA in New York
- How to Apply for TA in New York
- How to Check Your Application Status
- What Happens After You Apply for TANF?
- How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits
- Need More Help?
- View or Download Our Free Guide
What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?
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.
What Services Does TA Provide in New York?
Temporary Assistance (TA) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TA program also provides eligible families with childcare and work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
What Is the Difference Between TA and Food Assistance?
TA and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the New York Department of Social Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TA benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
If you have questions about TA or Food Assistance, call the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1 (800) 342-3009.
How Much Assistance Does TA Provide?
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.
How to Qualify for TA in New York
To qualify for TA in New York, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
- Be a resident of New York
- Have children in your care
- Participate in work and training programs
- Meet the New York state income requirements for your household size
- Comply with child support requirements
How to Apply for TA in New York
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance, complete the following three steps:
-
Check the eligibility requirements.
-
Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.
-
Choose how you are going to apply, whether in person, by fax or by mail.
To apply for TA by mail, fill out the New York State Application for Certain Benefits and Services and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local office.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1 (800) 342-3009.
How to Check Your Application Status
You can check the status of your application in the following ways:
- Contact your local Department of Social Services office by phone or in person.
- Contact the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1 (800) 342-3009.
What Happens After You Apply for TA?
Once you have applied for Temporary Assistance, you will be contacted to schedule an interview with a worker that will be assigned to you within 7 days.
After your interview, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services within 30 days of the interview with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If you are eligible for benefits, you will also be provided an EBT card.
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) 342-3009.
How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits
If you do not agree with the TA benefit decision given to you by the New York Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person, online, by phone, by fax, or by mail after receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (800) 342-3334.
To file an appeal by mail, complete the Fair Hearing Request Form – Fax or Mail and submit your request to:
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Office of Administrative Hearings
PO Box 1930
Albany, NY 12201
Need More Help?
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance, or for any further questions about your application, call the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1 (800) 342-3009.
Office hours and services vary by location.
View or Download Our Free Guide
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.
Print FAQ Sheet