(DailyAnswer.org) – As of 2020, “about 437,000 adults and 1.6 million children received TANF cash assistance. There were approximately 512,000 child-only families (those in which no adult received TANF cash assistance), which accounted for 55.8 percent of the total TANF caseload in an average month,” according to US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance. If you are wondering what the program is about, if you qualify for assistance, and how to apply, here’s an overview of the TANF program.
What is TANF?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program gives states roughly $16.5 billion dollars to help families with children. The program was designed to promote job preparation and work, prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies, encourage two-parent family systems, and provide assistance for children to be cared for in the home. It was these goals that were included in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 which was the founding law that created the TANF program and replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program.
How to Qualify for TANF
TANF eligibility is set by income and a few stipulations. BenefitsGov states that those who apply must live in the same state for which they are applying. They also need to be a United States citizen or a legal/qualified alien. Being low income and unemployed/underemployed is also a pre-requisite. Other stipulations are that you must either be pregnant, have a child under the age of 18, or be 18 years old or younger yourself and be the head of your household.
How to Apply for TANF
Applications are state specific and can be found at the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Family Assistance. The application information can be filled out there after choosing the state in which you reside.
TANF Time Limits
While the length of time one can be on the TANF program varies state to state, there are some time limits to be on the assistance service, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Here are some basics of the TANF time limits:
- States can’t give cash assistance from any federal TANF fund longer than 60 months to a family that has an adult as the recipient.
- States can exceed that 60-month rule for up to 20% of the families if there is a hardship.
- There is no time limit if it is a “child-only” family.
- There is no time limit if it is a family that has their assistance funded solely by state MOE (Maintenance of Effort) funds.
- The majority of states have a 5-year time limit for TANF and MOE funded programs.
- 12 states have less than a 5-year time limit for TANF and MOE funded programs.
Keep in mind that there are exemptions and exceptions to all these generalities for those families that meet specific criteria and that the guidelines will vary, sometimes wildly, from state to state. By looking at the application for your state, you’re able to see more what is there for you and your family.
Key Statistical Findings for TANF Programs
According to 2020 data:
- 17 States make those who are unemployed job search as an application condition.
- Monthly earnings for a three person family showed a maximum from $268 in Alabama to $2,359 in Minnesota.
- 25 States still have cash assistance for those that stop receiving TANF monthly benefits. This help ranges from 1-24 months.
- Single-parent families with no income and two children showed a maximum monthly assistance range between $170 for Mississippi to $1,086 in New Hampshire.
The TANF program is designed to try to help families that need help with cash and services to help provide and care for children. The links in this article can help you find the application for your state and the guidelines to help apply.
Copyright 2023, DailyAnswer.org
