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 New York, the TANF program is known as Temporary Assistance (TA). To learn more about TA and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the New York TA website here.
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.
For more information on the services the TA program provides to participating families, review the New York TANF website found here.
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.
To learn more about the restrictions on TA expenditures, visit the TA website here.
Both TA and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Many TA 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 TA, visit your local Department of Social Services. To find your nearest office, click here.
If you have questions about TA or Food Assistance, call the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1 (800) 342-3009.
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 TA and benefits in New York here.
To qualify for TA in New York, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TA benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TA eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website here.
To apply for TA in person, click here to find the nearest New York Department of Social Services office location.
To apply for TA by fax, fill out the New York State Application for Certain Benefits and Services found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local office.
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.
You can check the status of your application in the following ways:
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.
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) 342-3009.
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 in person, visit a local Department of Social 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 online, complete the Fair Hearing Request Form here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (800) 342-3334.
To file an appeal by fax, complete the Fair Hearing Request Form – Fax or Mail here and send it to 1 (518) 473-6735.
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
For more information on the appeal process, review the Fair Hearing overview provided by the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance here.
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.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Social 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.