TANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.
How it's run
Run by each state
State guides
51 of 51
Type of help
cash
TANF in your state
Income limits, apply links and local offices differ by state. Choose yours for the details.
Click a state to see TANF rules there
About TANF
What is TANF?
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) gives cash help and support services to low-income families with children. The program can help you pay for basics like rent, food, and utilities.
Each state designs its own TANF program and may use its own program name. This means the rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are different in every state. Check your state's page to learn what applies to you.
Who qualifies
To qualify for TANF, you usually must:
Have a child under a certain age living with you (the age limit varies by state)
Have income below your state's limit
Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Live in the state where you apply
Income limits depend on your household size and your state. Most states base eligibility on the federal poverty guidelines, but some use higher limits. Since every state is different, you'll need to check your state's specific rules.
Work requirements
Most adults receiving TANF must take part in work activities. These may include:
Having a job
Searching for a job
Job training or education
Other approved activities
Your state will explain what work activities you need to do and may offer help finding a job or getting training.
Time limits
Federal law generally limits adults to 60 months (5 years) of federally funded TANF cash assistance. This means that once you've received TANF for that long, you usually can't get more federal TANF money.
Some states have shorter time limits. A few states may have exceptions for people with hardships or people caring for very young children. Check your state's rules to be sure.
How much you can get
Benefit amounts vary by state and family size. Most states pay between a few hundred and over a thousand dollars per month, depending on your household size and income. Your state's program page will show what the payment is.
Applying is free. Your state agency decides whether you qualify.
How to apply
You apply through your state's social services or benefits office. Most states let you apply:
Online through your state's benefits website
In person at your local office
By phone or mail (rules vary by state)
Check your state's TANF page to find out how to apply where you live.
What to bring or provide
When you apply, you'll usually need to show:
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or proof you have no income)
Proof of identity (driver's license or passport)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status
Proof of residence (utility bill or lease)
Information about your children (birth certificates or Social Security numbers)
Information about any child support you receive
Your state may ask for other documents. Ask your local office what you need to bring.
What happens after you apply
After you submit your application, your state will:
1
Step 1: Review your information to see if you qualify
2
Step 2: Contact you if they need more documents or details
3
Step 3: Make a decision and send you a notice
The time it takes varies by state. Some states decide quickly; others may take several weeks. Once you're approved, your payments usually start within a few weeks.
Your state will explain what work activities you need to do and when to start. You may be assigned to a caseworker who helps you find a job or complete training.
Renewing your benefits
You'll need to renew your TANF benefits periodically. Your state will tell you how often (usually every 6 or 12 months) and how to renew. You may need to:
Recertify your income and household
Prove you're meeting work requirements
Update your contact information
If you stop meeting the requirements or don't renew on time, your benefits may stop. Your state will send you a notice before they stop your cash assistance.
Related programs
If you qualify for TANF, you may also qualify for:
SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – food assistance
Medicaid – health coverage
Child Care Assistance – help paying for child care so you can work or get training
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – help paying heating and cooling bills
Check these programs on our site to see if you qualify.
Find your state's program
Since each state runs TANF differently, visit your state's page to learn the specific rules, income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply:
Benefits Research Desk · Sep 18, 2026 · 3 min read
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