Your Free Guide to TANF

Your Free Guide to TANF

What is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) is a welfare-job program funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that provides financial aid to eligible families on a monthly basis. Each state, U.S. territory and tribe has its own separate TANF program. These state-administered programs can also choose to provide job preparation, work assistance and child care assistance. 

The primary purpose of TANF is to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. The federal government outlines four primary goals for the TANF program as:

• Provide cash assistance to needy families to help them remain in their homes
• End family dependence on benefits by encouraging job preparation
• Reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, which is considered a driver of poverty
• Encourage the institution and maintenance of two-parent families

Basic Eligibility

There are general TANF eligibility guidelines that all programs use to determine who qualifies for assistance. These are:

• Have a child 18 years or younger OR be pregnant. (Children who are 19 years of age and full-time students are still eligible.)
• Be unemployed, about to be unemployed or severely underemployed.
• Be U.S. citizens, legal immigrants or permanent residents.
• Be considered low to very low income.

Since TANF is administered by each state, territory or tribe, the specific eligibility requirements vary. See the section “TANF Program Requirements in U.S. States and Territories” of this guide for a list of eligibility guidelines by location.

Federal TANF Contact Information

TANF is administered by the Office of Family Assistance (OFA), which is overseen by the larger Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). For general questions about TANF, contact the OFA in any of the following ways:

TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories

TANF for tribal nations is administered by specific tribal organizations rather than state departments.

For more information on how to get in contact with an office, refer to the section called “Tribal TANF Contact Information” in this guide. 

TANF Services Provided in U.S. States and Territories

TANF is operated separately in each state, territory and tribe. As such, the services differ among each specific TANF program. The chart below provides information about all services offered in each location.

TANF Program Eligibility Requirements

There are certain program requirements you must meet in order to receive TANF benefits. Since TANF is operated independently in each state, territory and tribe, these requirements vary. TANF programs use the following standards to determine eligibility.

Income Requirements

Cash assistance from TANF is available to families and individuals with incomes below the location’s median household income. You can find the most recent median household income data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau on the website here: https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2019-median-household-income.html. Your income must be less than 50 percent of the amount for your area.

TANF program income limits are determined based on:

• Cost of living in each state, territory or tribe
• Number of household members

Work Activity Requirements

Adult TANF recipients are required to be employed or participate in work activities as a condition of receiving TANF cash benefits. Work activities are those that promote employment and foster the job search process. The federal government has 12 categories of work activities that states implement in their TANF programs. These are:

• Unsubsidized employment
• Subsidized private-sector employment
• Subsidized public-sector employment
• Work experience, if sufficient private-sector employment is not available
• On-the-job training
• Job-search and job-readiness assistance
• Community service programs
• Vocational education training
• Child care services for individuals participating in a community service program
• Job skills training 
• Education related to employment
• Attendance at a high school, if a minor

Each TANF program is responsible for determining the required amount of work search activities for eligibility. The minimum number of hours of work search activities is 20 hours per week for single parents and 30 hours per week for two-parent households.

Behavioral Requirements

Some states, territories and tribes have certain behavioral requirements for TANF recipients. The behavioral requirements typically are mandatory school attendance and medical immunizations. Programs with these requirements will limit or deny TANF cash benefits to applicants if school-age children are not attending school or if medical immunizations are not maintained.

Asset Requirements

Many states impose limits on assets, which are defined as anything of value that can be converted into cash. The assets considered in determining TANF eligibility are divided into two categories:

• Liquid assets – these are resources that are readily available, like cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and savings certificates.
• Nonliquid assets – these are resources that can be converted into cash, like vehicles, land, buildings, and other types of property.

TANF applicants will have their assets evaluated by their specific TANF program office. If they reside in an area that imposes a limit, they will only be eligible for cash assistance if their assets do not exceed the limit.

TANF Program Requirements in U.S. States and Territories

The chart below provides information about income, work activity and behavioral requirements in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The income column includes the gross monthly income limits for three-person households (one parent and two children) as an example. 

To calculate your specific income limit, use the link in the “Income Limit Generator” column to find your location’s estimator tool. An “N/A” in this column means that an income generator is not available on your location’s website.

The weekly work activity hours columns in the chart include information for families with one parent and a child younger than six as well as families with two parents as examples.

Some states and territories may have different work activity hour requirements for different family makeups. Contact your state or territory’s TANF program to inquire about work activity hours using the contact information in the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories.”

TANF Application Process

If you are interested in receiving TANF benefits, you must apply through your location’s TANF program. Depending on the area in which you live, you may be able to apply using the following methods:

• Online
• In person
• By mail
• By fax
• By email

After completing the application in your area, you need to attend an interview with a TANF program representative. Then, you will receive a decision from the TANF program office. If you are approved, you will receive cash benefits to use for food, clothing and other necessary expenses.

Find out more about what cash benefits can be used for in the section “What can I purchase with TANF cash benefits?” in this guide.

How to Apply for TANF Benefits

The TANF application process varies depending on where you live, but there is a general application process that you must follow to receive assistance. 

1. Find your state, territory or tribe’s TANF program. For a list of state and territory TANF program contact information, see the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories“. For Tribal TANF contact information, refer to the section “Tribal TANF Contact Information“.

2. Choose your application method. Depending on your TANF program, you can apply online, in person, by mail or by fax.

3. Gather all required documents. See the sections below for a complete list of necessary information and documents.

4. Attend a TANF interview. Regardless of where you live, you must attend an in-person interview with a TANF program caseworker.

5. Receive a decision. Your state, territory or tribe’s TANF program will notify you of your approval or denial within 60 days of applying.

Information Needed for a TANF Application

TANF applications require you to submit the following information:

Your personal information. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, citizenship status, Social Security Number (SSN), address and phone number.

Personal information for everyone in your household. You must provide the full names, dates of birth, SSNs, citizenship statuses and marital statuses for each person in your household. You must also provide information about each person’s relationship to you.

Household details. You must disclose any disabilities, criminal convictions, veteran statuses or other information requested by your TANF caseworker.

Income details. You must include the following income-related information:

• Name and address of your employer
• Annual income
• Income from other public assistance programs 
• Income from other sources, including self-employment

Assets and resources. You must provide information about your property, vehicles and cash on hand. 

Recurring expenses. You need to list all of your monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, child care costs, medical bills, credit card bills, transportation costs and any other recurring monthly costs.

Documents Needed to Complete a TANF Application

There are certain documents you will need to submit to your TANF program agency so that a caseworker can verify the information you provided in the application. 

Documents Verifying Personal Information

• Driver’s license 
• Birth certificate
• U.S. or foreign passport 
• Immigration documents (Permanent Resident Card or Certificate of Naturalization)

Documents Verifying State Residency

• A voter’s registration card
• Utility bills or another official piece of mail
• Bank statements
• Rent receipt 
• Tax receipt

Documents Verifying Proof of Income

• Recent pay stubs
• Employment statement that includes income
• Tax returns 
• Retirement, disability or other benefit award letters

Documents Verifying Assets

• Mortgage documents
• Lease documents
• Vehicle purchase documents

Documents Verifying Household Relationships 

• Marriage license 
• Adoption papers
• Birth certificate
• Public health records

Documents Verifying Disabilities

• Retirement, survivors or disability insurance receipt
• Statement from a medical professional
• Copy of medical examination report 

Having these documents on hand will allow you to provide the most accurate information during the application process. If your application has errors or false information, your application may be denied. 

You must answer every question on the application. Leaving a question blank is another reason your application can be denied. 

How to Apply for TANF in U.S. States and Territories

After Applying for TANF

Before receiving TANF benefits, you must attend a TANF interview with a program caseworker. This is your opportunity to provide additional information to make your case. 

If the caseworker determines that you satisfy all program requirements, you will receive an approval notice and be issued cash assistance. If your application is rejected during this interview, you will receive a notice of denial, which you can appeal. To learn more about the appeal process, refer to the section “TANF Denials and Appeals” in this guide.

TANF Interviews

A program caseworker will evaluate your application and documents in-person at a local TANF office and make a decision regarding your benefits. The purpose of the interview is to: 

• Review your application documents and correct any mistakes
• Address any questions and clarify program requirements
• Develop a personalized plan for seeking or maintaining employment

Preparing for the TANF Interview 

Upon submitting your TANF application, you will receive a notice in the mail or by email that explains the documents you need to bring to the interview. In some cases, you may be asked to submit these documents by mail or online before the interview. 

Refer to the section titled “Documents Needed to Complete a TANF Application” in this guide for a complete list of acceptable documents. 

TANF interviews are scheduled within one month of submitting your application. Failing to appear for the interview results in an automatic denial. If you need to reschedule your initial interview, contact your assigned caseworker or your TANF program office. 

During the TANF Interview

During your interview, your caseworker will review the forms you submitted and the documents you provided and ask you questions related to the information. The caseworker may also ask you for additional information, which you must submit afterwards to support your application. 

All TANF programs have the authority to drug test applicants. To find out if your application process will include a drug test, talk to your caseworker or contact your TANF program. For a list of contact information and TANF website links, refer to the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories.”

After the interview, your TANF office will send you a notice of approval or denial by mail. It may take up to one week after the interview to receive the notice.

TANF Denials and Appeals

If your TANF application is denied, you can appeal the denial. An appeal is a written notice of disagreement that you file with your state, territory or tribe’s TANF department. When you are denied TANF benefits, the program office will send you a denial notice that includes instructions on how to initiate an appeal.

Common Reasons for Denial

If your TANF application is rejected, your denial letter will provide an explanation as to why you were denied benefits.

The most common reasons for denial are as follows: 

• Your income is too high according to county or state requirements.
• You failed to prove that you have child dependents.
• Your application has incorrect information.
• Your application is missing information.
• The state believes you are underreporting your family income.
• You have failed to maintain your child’s school attendance.
• You have failed to provide supplementary documents in time.
• You have failed to attend your required TANF appointments.
• You have not completed pre-approval work requirements.
• You have more assets than TANF eligibility requirements allow.
• You do not cooperate with child support enforcement efforts.

When to File an Appeal

If you believe you were wrongly denied TANF benefits, you can appeal to your state, territory or tribal TANF program. Appeals are suited for situations that can be quickly corrected. If one of the below scenarios is the reason you were rejected, the appeal process may be quick and you should be accepted into TANF: 

• If you made a mistake on your application
• If you forgot to include necessary documents
• If your income was reported incorrectly, but still meets the requirements.

There are some reasons for application being denied for which an appeal might not result in acceptance into the program.  For example, if your income is too high or you have too many assets, you cannot appeal the denial. You cannot change these factors, so an appeal would not change the outcome of the TANF program’s decision. 

How to Appeal a TANF Denial 

If your application is denied, you will receive a TANF denial notice. This notice will state both the reason you were rejected and the steps required to initiate an appeal. The appeal process may vary slightly in each state, territory or tribe. However, there is a standard procedure for starting the appeal process. 

1. Receive a denial notice. Your local TANF program will send you a notice within 60 days of your application.
2. Find the reason for denial. All TANF departments will provide the exact reason for your application’s rejection. 
3. Draft a written appeal request. The request must mention that you are challenging the TANF application denial and that you would like a hearing. File as soon as you receive the denial notice. In most cases, you have 30 days or less to appeal the decision. The deadline to appeal will be written on your denial notice.
4. Gather evidence. Depending on the reason for your denial, you will need to provide additional documents to prove your eligibility for TANF benefits. Refer to the section “Documents Needed to Complete a TANF Application” for a list of the documents needed to complete a TANF application.
5. Attend an appeal hearing. This formal meeting is your opportunity to provide evidence and facts that prove your program eligibility. 
6. Receive a written decision. Your state, territory or tribe’s TANF program will provide a written statement after your appeal indicating whether or not they have reversed the initial decision. In most cases, you will receive this within a few days of the hearing.

If your appeal is not granted and you are still denied TANF benefits, you can apply for the program in the future if your eligibility changes. 

To begin the appeal process, find out how to get in touch with your local office in the section called “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories“.

TANF Lifetime Limits and Extensions

Although TANF is operated by each state, territory or tribe, there is a federal lifetime limit on benefits of 60 months. This means TANF recipients can only receive benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime regardless of where they live. The 60 months do not have to be consecutive. 

Some states have shorter TANF limits than the federal lifetime limit. This means that even though recipients can collect cash assistance for up to 60 total months throughout the United States, they can only receive benefits in a specific location for a designated shorter amount of time. 

TANF programs do have the option of extending benefits to qualifying individuals under special circumstances using their own state funds. 

Who is exempt from the TANF lifetime limit?

American Indian or Alaska Native recipients living in federally recognized Tribal Nations are exempt from the 60-month lifetime limit. Federal welfare reform law cites the difficulty for these recipients to find employment within their land, and applying a lifetime limit would require these recipients to find employment off their land. 

To learn more about which Tribal Nations are federally recognized, find a list here: https://www.usa.gov/tribes#item-37647.

For more information about American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal TANF programs, refer to the “Tribal TANF” section of this guide.

TANF Extension Eligibility

To extend your TANF benefits beyond the 60-month time limit, you must be experiencing a qualifying hardship or meet your program’s extension criteria. Qualifying hardships are defined as scenarios that prevent adult recipients from finding or keeping employment. These include:

• Having (or having a child with) a physical disability
• Being a victim of domestic violence
• Having a mental illness
• Having a drug or alcohol addiction
• Becoming homeless
• Being considered “at risk” of cruel conditions, battery or violence

TANF Extensions in U.S. States and Territories

The table below provides information about TANF extensions in each state and territory. Note that, for Tribal TANF, extension length and regulations are decided by the tribal organizations of the over 300 federally recognized tribes that participate in the program. Refer to the section “Tribal TANF” in this guide for more information on Tribal TANF.

The “Extension available?” column indicates whether recipients in that location are eligible to receive benefits beyond the 60-month time limit. 

The “Maximum Length of Extension” column denotes the number of additional months for which TANF recipients can receive benefits. 

The “Who qualifies?” column indicates the categories of recipients who can receive extensions. 

The “Do out-of-state TANF hours count?” column includes information about recipients that have received TANF funds in other states or locations. These months are also referred to as “federal TANF months.” Some locations count the months during which recipients received TANF benefits in other locations toward the new state’s overall time limit. Others only count the months in which recipients receive TANF benefits in that specific location. 

Note: An asterisk (*) denotes information that is not readily available on official TANF websites. Refer to the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories” of this guide for TANF contact information by location. 

TANF Benefits

There is no nationwide TANF benefit amount. The amount of TANF benefits you receive each month depends on:

• Location of residence: Each area has its own standards and policies when determining the amount of benefits an applicant will receive
• Size of your family: The amount of children in the household 
• Household income: Your household’s total annual income

Maximum Monthly Benefits in U.S. States and Territories

Each state, territory and tribe has a different TANF maximum benefit amount. The chart below provides the maximum TANF cash benefit amount based on a family of three (one parent and two children) in U.S. states and territories as an example.

If your family size or composition is different, your maximum benefit amount will vary. Refer to the section called “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories” in this guide to get in touch with your local office and find out how much your family composition’s maximum benefit amount is.

Maximum monthly benefits are not available for Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, contact your location’s TANF program office.

How TANF Benefits Are Distributed

The way you receive TANF cash assistance depends on where you live. There are four ways that states, territories and tribes distribute TANF benefits:

1. Paper Checks: Traditional paper checks are still available in many locations and can help families keep track of their finances. This option is beneficial for recipients who do not have a bank account. 
2. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card: An EBT card is a state-issued debit card that public assistance program recipients use to purchase items. The TANF program loads cash benefits onto the EBT card once per month, typically on the first of the month. Then recipients use these EBT cards just like a regular debit card when making a purchase. EBT cards can also be used at ATMs, where recipients can withdraw cash. When the card balance reaches zero, recipients must wait until the next month for the TANF program to reload it. Note: Some retailers and online stores do not accept EBT cards. Before making a purchase, check with the store to learn the types of accepted payment methods.
3. Prepaid Card: Prepaid cards are similar to standard debit cards with a four-digit pin. They can be used online or in stores to purchase items, and are accepted by more major retailers than EBT cards. Retailers that accept EBT cards will often place a banner on display indicating that EBT cards are accepted in their stores. Note: Prepaid cards sometimes charge ATM withdrawal fees.
4. Direct Deposit: With this option, TANF benefits are deposited directly into a recipient’s bank account once per month, typically on the first day of the month. Then, they use their personal debit cards, cash or checks to purchase the items they need.

What can I purchase with TANF cash benefits?

The purpose of TANF benefits is to help families purchase essential items in times of financial need. Each state, territory and tribe defines “essential items” slightly differently as evidenced by the purchase restrictions in the following table, but the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) lists the following item categories as essential:

• Food
• Clothing
• Personal care items
• Shelter
• Utilities 
• Household goods

What items are restricted for purchase with TANF cash benefits?

State, territory and tribal TANF programs restrict the purchase of certain items with cash benefits. TANF cash benefits cannot be used to purchase items at the following businesses:

• Liquor stores
• Tattoo or body-piercing businesses
• Strip clubs
• Casinos
• Online gambling websites

This list is not all-inclusive. States, territories and tribes have the final say in restrictions and penalties for purchasing restricted items. Learn more about these specific topics in the section below.

TANF Restrictions and Penalties

Some states, territories and tribes provide information related to TANF restrictions and penalty enforcement. The chart below lists these locations and details on the specific restrictions and penalties in these areas.

If your state, territory or tribe is not listed in the chart, contact your local TANF office to learn more about restrictions and penalties. Refer to the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories” for a list of TANF contact information in each location. 

Note: An asterisk (*) denotes information that is not readily available on the location’s TANF website. Contact your local department for more information. 

Tribal TANF

Federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages are eligible to operate their own TANF programs separate from states and territories. Currently, there are nearly 300 tribes across the United States that operate a version of the TANF program. 

View a list of all federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native tribal entities on the U.S. government website: https://www.usa.gov/tribes#item-37647. 

Or, if you prefer searching by state, use the tribal search tool offered on the National Conference of State Legislators website: https://www.ncsl.org/research/state-tribal-institute/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx. 

Tribal TANF Contact Information

Each Tribal TANF program is operated by specific American Indian and Alaska Native tribal entities. However, there are 10 regional TANF offices that oversee Tribal TANF programs by state. The following chart contains contact information for each regional office as well as the specific states that it oversees. 

How Tribal TANF Works

Like states and territories, eligible American Indian and Alaska Native tribes receive grants from the U.S. government to design and implement their own public welfare programs. To create and enforce a TANF program, tribes submit a three-year Tribal Tanf plan to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Tribal TANF programs are a bit different than TANF programs in the states and territories. Due to the increased difficulty in finding and maintaining employment on reservation lands, tribes are given more flexibility in designing their TANF programs. Other eligibility and work requirements may also differ between specific Tribal TANF programs. Continue reading the sections below to learn more about these requirements.

Tribal TANF Program Eligibility

To receive TANF benefits through a Tribal TANF program, you must be a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or an Alaska Native. View a list of all federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native tribal entities on the U.S. government website: https://www.usa.gov/tribes#item-37647. 

Like TANF programs in states and territories, you must also meet general TANF eligibility guidelines, which are:

• Have a child 18 years or younger OR be pregnant
  *Children who are 19 years of age and full-time students are still eligible
• Be unemployed, about to be unemployed or severely underemployed
• Be U.S. citizens, legal immigrants or permanent residents
• Be considered low to very low income

Refer to the section “TANF Program Eligibility Requirements” for more information about general requirements. 

Since tribes are responsible for creating their own TANF programs, they are allowed to define their program’s specific eligibility criteria, including income. Tribal TANF programs are not bound to the same income limits as states and territories. Tribes must outline their own definition of a “needy family” in their Tribal TANF plan.

Learn about how tribal law can supersede federal law with the following eligibility FAQs.

Can a family receive Tribal TANF assistance if a child is living with a legal guardian?

According to federal law, children must be living with a parent or an adult family member to receive assistance through the TANF program. However, the specific tribe’s tribal law can allow a legal guardian to stand in the place of a parent, allowing the family to receive Tribal TANF assistance. 

Can a noncustodial parent qualify for Tribal TANF assistance?

Yes. Parents who do not have physical custody of their child(ren) are known as “noncustodial parents.” These individuals can still receive assistance through a Tribal TANF program. Tribes have the ability to define their TANF program laws, and have two options for serving noncustodial parents. 

1. Tribes can choose to include noncustodial parents in the definition of a family unit, which defines the types of individuals who make up a family. In this scenario, the noncustodial parent would submit their income and work requirements for purposes of calculating TANF program eligibility. 

2. Or, tribes can provide other benefits outside of financial assistance to noncustodial parents. These benefits are: 

• Counseling
• Job readiness
• Employment placement
• Post-employment services

Can Tribal TANF programs provide assistance to child-only families where the child is living with a non-relative caregiver?

Yes. Tribes have the freedom to design their own TANF programs and go beyond their state’s definitions for “family unit.” In situations where a child is living full-time with an adult that is not a family member, he or she may qualify for assistance if tribal law defines this. Even if the state where the tribe is located does not include non-relative caregivers in their definition of a family unit, the tribe may choose to go beyond state law and include this in its own definition. 

Tribal TANF Services

Tribes have the same flexibility as states to determine the types of services they will provide through their TANF programs. These services are:

• Cash assistance
• Child care assistance
• Job preparation
• Work assistance

The services offered depend on the needs of the tribe or village as well as the total size. Smaller reservations may choose to offer limited services compared to large tribes. To learn about the services offered by the specific Tribal TANF program in your state, contact the regional office that oversees your location. Refer to the section “Tribal TANF Contact Information” for a list of regional office contact information.

Tribal TANF Work Requirements

Like states, Tribal TANF programs have work requirements that you must follow to continue receiving cash assistance. However, these requirements are more flexible and differ from states because of the difficulty of finding and maintaining solid employment on reservation lands. 

Tribes are given more freedom to define “work activities” than states are. They may choose to count additional activities toward work activity requirements beyond the 12 types of activities defined by the federal government. Refer to the section “Work Activity Requirements” for a list of all 12 types of federal work activities, and contact your local tribal organization for more information.

Tribal TANF Lifetime Limits and Extensions

While states and territories adhere to a federal lifetime benefit limit of 60 months (many of which have even shorter limits within their respective states), tribes have more flexibility in defining lifetime limits.

Each tribe-specific program defines its own lifetime limit and process for extending benefits. Hardship exceptions still apply to Tribal TANF recipients. Those experiencing a hardship can receive extended assistance depending on the Tribal TANF program’s definition of qualifying hardships. For tribal-specific information about lifetime limits or extensions, contact your Tribal TANF program directly or reach out to one of the regional offices found in the “Tribal TANF Contact Information” of this guide.

Tribal TANF Non-Assistance

The purpose of the TANF program is to promote employment and self-sufficiency, which is why Tribal TANF programs can choose to provide a variety of non-assistance to its members. Non-assistance is any activity that promotes the four main goals of the TANF program that may not meet the OFA’s definition of “assistance,” which is cash, payments, vouchers, and other forms of benefits designed to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs.

The following types of non-assistance services are available through Tribal TANF programs:

1. Nonrecurring, short-term benefits
   • Must address a specific crisis or time of need; cannot expect to meet or solve ongoing issues
   • Cannot extend beyond four months
2. Work subsidies – employers receive payments from Tribal TANF programs that cover the expenses related to hiring a new employee, promoting employment and new hires
3. Child care
4. Case management
5. Transportation for employed individuals
6. Counseling for:
   • Other public assistance programs, like Medicaid, CHIP, Native Employment Works and Food Stamps
7. Refundable earned income tax credits
8. Contributions to individual development accounts, which help individuals save money for education expenses or home purchases

TANF and Child Support 

TANF recipients are required to cooperate with child support laws while receiving public cash assistance. In most states and territories, TANF program participants cannot receive child support payments while receiving cash benefits.

Some states, however, do allow beneficiaries to continue receiving a portion of child support payments. These states allow TANF recipients to continue receiving child support payments if restricting the payments would cause further harm. 

TANF and Child Support Payments in U.S. States and Territories

States that allow TANF recipients to receive a portion of their monthly child support payments are known as “pass through” states. In other words, they allow some of this payment to “pass through” to the TANF program participant without affecting their eligibility for the TANF program.

States can choose whether to enact this pass-through policy. Those that have pass-through options determine the exact amount that TANF recipients can receive. The table below defines the states that have a pass-through policy for monthly child support payments as well as the specific pass-through amount. 

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates the state or territory is a fill-the-gap state, which means the specific amount that is passed through to the TANF recipient depends on unmet need. TANF programs calculate the pass-through amounts in these states by subtracting the family’s income from the state’s maximum eligibility standard.

Emergency TANF Assistance

In times of crisis or emergency, states can implement non-recurrent short-term benefits through their TANF programs. These one-time benefits are not meant to solve long-term issues and do not extend beyond four months. 

Emergency TANF assistance is different from regular TANF cash benefits. Individuals who receive an emergency cash payment through TANF are not held to the same requirements as regular TANF recipients, which are:

• Work activity requirements
• Lifetime benefit limits
• Child support prohibition

Types of TANF Emergency Assistance 

Each state, territory and tribe determines the types of emergency assistance it will offer through their TANF program. Emergency assistance is designed to resolve a variety of short-term crises and emergency scenarios. 

States use leftover TANF funds to provide these non-recurrent, short-term emergency funds in a variety of programs:

• Utility and energy assistance
• Emergency housing assistance
• Vehicle support or payments
• Burial services
• Domestic violence assistance
• Transportation assistance 
• Family support services
• Clothing stipends
• Family or caregiver assistance 
• Scholarship assistance 

For more information about the availability of emergency benefits, refer to the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories” of this guide to get in contact with your local agency. 

TANF Fraud

To continue receiving benefits from the TANF program, you must follow the program’s guidelines and avoid fraud.

What is considered TANF fraud?

The most common cases of TANF fraud are:

• When applicants provide false information on their TANF applications to receive benefits or to increase their benefit amount
• When individuals use TANF cash assistance to purchase restricted items or purchase items from restricted businesses (see the section “TANF Restrictions and Penalties” for a list of restrictions and penalties)
• When a retailer that has been disqualified to participate in the TANF program lies on their application to become an approved EBT retailer again
• When a retailer accepts TANF funds as payment for unauthorized items

What happens if I receive a higher benefit amount than what I am entitled to and I do not report it?

TANF recipients who do not report changes or overpayments can be penalized and even lose the assistance altogether. 

Does the government take action against those who commit TANF fraud?

Each state and territory has its own process for investigating suspected TANF fraud. State TANF agencies conduct undercover investigations on retailers and individuals suspected of fraud and work with federal law enforcement officials to reduce instances of fraud.

How can I report TANF fraud?

If you have credible information that someone is committing TANF fraud, report it right away. 

You can report TANF fraud to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) via phone by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)

You can also report TANF fraud to your state’s TANF agency. Depending on where you live, you may be able to report fraud online, by mail or by phone. Refer to the section “TANF Programs and Contact Information for U.S. States and Territories” to find your state’s TANF contact information.

Additional Resources

In addition to TANF, the federal government offers other resources to families and individuals who need financial assistance. To qualify for these programs, individuals and families have to meet low income requirements. Those who qualify for TANF automatically qualify for the following government assistance programs.

Food Benefits 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory 

Housing Benefits

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap

Healthcare Benefits

• Medicaid: https://www.medicaid.gov/