TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
A federal block grant program that provides states with funding for cash assistance, childcare, job training.
Official source: acf.hhs.gov
TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a federal program that gives states money to help families in need. This program provides cash assistance, childcare support, and job training to help families become self-sufficient.To qualify for TANF, families must meet certain income and resource limits, which can vary by state. Cash assistance recipients usually have to meet work requirements, meaning they must either work or participate in job training programs. There are also lifetime limits on how long families can receive benefits, typically set at 60 months, but some states have shorter limits.The amount of cash assistance families receive can differ greatly from one state to another, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 each month for a family of three. TANF funds can also be used for other support services, such as transportation or housing assistance.To apply for TANF, families should contact their state's TANF or social services agency for more information and guidance on the application process. See also: <a href="/glossary/snap">SNAP</a>.
In real life
- A family uses TANF to help pay for child care so a parent can work.
- Someone who lost their job gets TANF to buy food and pay bills for a short time.
- A single parent uses TANF to get job training to learn new skills.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about TANF
What is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?+
A federal block grant program that provides states with funding for cash assistance, childcare, job training, and other supports for low-income families with children. Cash assistance recipients are subject to work requirements and lifetime limits (typically 60 months federally, though some states are stricter).
Who qualifies for TANF?+
Households with income at or below local limits set by HUD; priority often goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
How do I apply for TANF?+
Contact your local Public Housing Agency to get on the waiting list. Find yours at hud.gov.
Where can I get help?+
Contact your local Public Housing Agency for Section 8, public housing, and LIHEAP. BenefitKarma's Find Benefits tool lists housing programs for your state.
Source: acf.hhs.gov