• Food
• Housing
• Home energy
• Child care
• Job training

Each state or tribal government runs its TANF program differently and has a different name.

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families benefits

• Design of the program.
• Type and amount of assistance payments.
• Range of services to be provided.
• Rules for determining who qualifies for benefits.

• Check the receipt from the store where you made your purchase using a TANF card. Many stores will print the amount of money left on your card.
• Find out if your state offers a mobile app to help manage your benefits and check your available balance.
• Look for a phone number on the back of your card. The number may be for your local TANF office, which can tell you your balance.

• Identification Documents: Applicants are usually required to provide valid identification documents such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport to verify their identity.
• Proof of Income: Applicants must provide proof of their household's income, including pay stubs, tax returns, or documentation of any other sources of income.
• Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency: Documentation to establish the citizenship or legal residency status of the applicant and any eligible household members is typically required. This may include birth certificates, passports, or immigration documents.
• Social Security Numbers: Social security numbers for all household members applying for assistance are typically required.
• Housing Costs: Documentation of housing costs, such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or rent receipts, may be necessary to determine eligibility for TANF benefits.
• Utility Bills: Providing recent utility bills can help demonstrate the household's need for assistance with essential utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.
• Childcare Expenses: Documentation of childcare expenses, such as receipts or invoices from childcare providers, may be required, especially if the applicant needs assistance with childcare costs.
• Bank Statements: Applicants may be asked to provide recent bank statements or information about their financial assets to assess their overall financial situation.
• Employment Information: Information about current or past employment, including employer details and work history, may be required to determine eligibility for TANF benefits and to assess the need for work-related services.

It's important for applicants to check with their local TANF office or the state's social services agency to obtain a complete list of required documents and to understand the specific eligibility criteria and application process for the TANF program in their state.

Required eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families

• Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or qualified aliens, and they must reside in the state where they are applying for benefits.
• Income: TANF is typically available to families with very low incomes. There are income limits set by each state, and eligibility is often determined based on the household's income and size.
• Assets: Applicants must meet certain asset limits, which can include cash, savings, and other resources. States may have specific guidelines regarding the value of assets that applicants are allowed to possess to be eligible for TANF.
• Work Requirements: TANF emphasizes the importance of work, and applicants may need to demonstrate that they are actively seeking employment or participating in work-related activities, depending on their circumstances. Some states may have specific work requirements for TANF eligibility.
• Dependent Children: Applicants must have at least one dependent child under the age of 18 (or 19, in some cases) living with them. Pregnant women may also be eligible for TANF benefits.
• Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement: Applicants must cooperate with state child support enforcement agencies to identify and locate noncustodial parents and establish paternity and child support orders for their children.
• Other Eligibility Factors: States may have additional eligibility factors or requirements, such as specific residency periods, social security number requirements, and compliance with other state-specific guidelines.

It's important for individuals interested in applying for TANF benefits to contact their state's TANF program or social services agency to get detailed information about the specific eligibility requirements and application process. State TANF offices can provide guidance on the documentation needed and the steps involved in applying for TANF assistance.

How To Apply temporary assistance for needy families

• Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect all required documentation, such as identification documents, proof of income, proof of residency, social security numbers, and any other relevant information needed to verify your eligibility.
• Locate Your Nearest TANF Office: Find the nearest TANF office in your area. You can typically locate this office by visiting the website of your state's Department of Health and Human Services or the agency responsible for social services.
• Contact the TANF Office: Contact the TANF office to inquire about the application process and to confirm the specific documents required for the application. You can also ask about any additional steps or specific requirements for your state.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the TANF application form accurately and completely. Make sure to provide all the necessary information and documentation as required by the application.
• Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation to the designated TANF office. You may need to do this in person or via mail, depending on the procedures set by your state's TANF program.
• Attend Interviews or Meetings, if Required: Some states may require applicants to attend interviews or meetings to further assess their eligibility for TANF benefits. Be prepared to participate in these meetings and provide any additional information as requested.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the TANF office to ensure that your application is being processed. You can inquire about the status of your application and any additional steps you need to take.