What is TANF?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Who is eligible for TANF cash assistance?
Children under 18 who are living with their parent(s) or relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle etc., who meet specific nonfinancial criteria and whose countable family monthly income meets the following income guidelines.
| Assistance group size | Gross income standard | Net income standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $286.75 | $139.50 |
| 2 | 471.75 | 229.50 |
| 3 | 592.00 | 288.00 |
| 4 | 712.25 | 346.50 |
| 5 | 832.50 | 405.00 |
| 6 | 952.75 | 463.50 |
| 7 | 1073.00 | 522.00 |
| 8 | 1193.25 | 580.50 |
| 9 | 1313.50 | 639.00 |
| 10 | 1433.75 | 697.50 |
| Each Additional Member | ||
| +120.25 | +58.50 | |
What are the responsibilities of the applicant for or recipient of TANF cash assistance?
The applicant or recipient must provide the Division of Family Resources with accurate and complete information regarding the child(ren), parent(s) and all other household members whose income and needs are to be assessed in order to determine eligibility.
How does the Division of Family Resources determine the amount of cash assistance?
A review is done of all the income available to meet the needs of the family. Some of the types of income considered are wages, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits and child support. Available income is compared to a need standard. The need standard is based on the family size.
May a family have any real or personal property?
A family may not possess assets valued in excess of $1,000 at the time application for assistance is made. The house, which is the usual residence, is exempt.
What happens after the application is filed?
A decision will be made to grant assistance within 60 days of the date of application, unless there is a valid reason that prevents DFR from making a decision. For applicants not meeting all conditions of eligibility, a decision to deny assistance will be made no later than 61 days after the date of application.
How much is the TANF cash assistance payment?
Payments vary based on the family’s countable monthly income up to the maximum allowable amounts listed in the following charts.
| Assistance Group Size | Recipient Parent and/or Caretaker | Children Only |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $155 | $155 |
| 2 | $255 | $220 |
| 3 | $320 | $285 |
| 4 | $385 | $350 |
| 5 | $450 | $415 |
| 6 | $515 | $480 |
| 7 | $580 | $545 |
| 8 | $645 | $610 |
| 9 | $710 | $675 |
What if an applicant or recipient is not satisfied with an action taken on their case?
The applicant or recipient has the right to appeal any action on his or her case and have a fair hearing. An applicant or recipient may appeal by sending a written request to the local DFR office or to the Hearings and Appeals Section of DFR within 33 days of the date of the action or issue being appealed.