If you feel you have nowhere else to go for cash assistance for your debts, rent or utilities, then you should look up the local TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) programs.
Qualifications
The following are general qualifications for TANF eligibility. Do check with your local government offices (HHS or OFA) for the state-specific guidelines.
Citizenship – Applicant must be a citizen of the U.S.A. or have a qualified immigration status.
Residency – Many states require that the applicant be a resident of the state itself.
Social Security Number – The applicant must have a verified Social Security Number, or must apply for one.
Age – The applicant must not only present proof of age for himself or herself, but also for all members of the family, as this will weigh heavily in how much assistance will be given.
Child Support – In some cases, if you do apply for financial assistance, you must assign your rights to child support payments to the local government office in charge of TANF.
Work – Except in cases involving disability, age or child-related matters, all members of the household from 16 to 60 years of age should be studying, looking for work, employed or studying in a work-training program.
Income, resources and expenses – It’s very important that you give the proper information on your household income, resources and expenses, as this will be the basis of how much cash assistance you will receive. If our net income minus your expenses goes below the local minimum income figure for your family size, then you qualify. If your qualified countable resources have a value of below the set minimum for the area, then you qualify.
Do remember that these guidelines can change in every area, particularly in terms of minimum wage, expenses and resource calculations for the family size.
Sign up on the box at the right for more on financial assistance options other than TANF.
8 Responses
I was inquiring to see if theres any way i can get assistance im currently unemployed, i do not have a stable home right know, im 21 and pregnant with my first child and i need immediate assistance is there a number i can call.
Posted on August 16th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
ineed help paymybill and get back on the right track be deft free and pay the income tax backthe money iown them 7,474 dollar k
Posted on August 25th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Hello, Carolyn!
There are three steps you should do in your case:
1) You should start reading up on our articles in the Debt, Food Stamp and Other Expenses area, so you can get ideas on where to cut corners in your expenses without affecting your quality of life severely.
2) You should talk immediately with your local IRS office or representative, so you can find ways to be able to pay your owed taxes in a reasonable time frame – however, if you keep on delaying payment, then definitely, there will be added fees.
3) Do check with our Retraining and School Expenses areas to see if you can find new sources of income or new job options that can help you earn more. You can also look at our Mortgage and Housing sections for more advice on how to keep your expenses lower when it comes to your apartment or house, and again in Other Expenses you can find tips for lowering your utility bills, and even finding other sources of assistance.
Posted on August 27th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Hello Eshell,
Based on your situation, you may want to apply for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program – a food and nutrition program that aims to help pregnant women and families with very young children. The United States Deprartment of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the WIC program. Eligibility guidelines vary by state so you must call your local WIC state agency office if you wish to apply.
Posted on August 27th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I am trying to make sure that my daughter is doing the right thing about tanif , i do not quite understand the program and want to make sure things are on the up and up. she has a job @ a place that maybe tanf pays part of her income- she has help with daycare expense ( childcare south) she gets money on some kind of card each month. She has turned in paperwork for dhr for child support- many months ago. If the baby’s father is giving her money are you really still able to get tanf? She tells me she has reported this – i just want to make sure that she will not end up having to pay money back to the govt. and i want to understand this program. If you have something that u can e mail that i can read please do so. also – she says she should be contacted by the tanf worker but rarely is.
Posted on September 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Hello, Linda!
Here are some of our articles that may explain more about TANF:
General Disability Options
Cash Assistance Through EBT Cards
Recovery Act of 2009 Strengthens TANF Program, Benefits
Posted on September 4th, 2010 at 1:32 am
I moved from another state where i was receiving benifits. Can I receive benifits in louisiana even thou I am not a resident?
Posted on October 14th, 2010 at 2:26 am
I am 25 yrs old my daughters father kicked us out of the house and i need immediate assistance i have no where to go and i am unemployed and i have a 4 yr old daughter i have been seeing rooms and finding some but i have no money to help me pay for it please where can i apply for welfare and i have no money for food for my daughter either
Posted on October 16th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
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