When there is a financial crisis in life, the most affected are the basic needs of our family – food, housing, electricity, child care and daily needs. In the US, a special program is run to help such needy families, which is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
This article will give you complete information about aspects such as the purpose of TANF, the benefits available under it, eligibility criteria, application process, and monitoring of benefits.
What is TANF?
TANF is a federally funded but state-run welfare program. It provides cash and other services to families who are going through financially difficult times.
The main purposes of TANF are:
- Help with buying food
- Help with rent or housing
- Help with paying home energy bills
- Support for child care
- Help with work-oriented education (such as college tuition or job training)
- In some states, TANF also provides services such as job training, educational financial assistance, and counseling.
TANF is implemented differently in each state
It’s important to know that each state or tribal area runs its own TANF program with a different name and different processes.
For example:
- In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.
- In New York, it’s called the Family Assistance Program.
- In Texas, it’s simply called TANF but has its own rules.
This means that if you’re eligible for TANF in one state, another state may have different eligibility criteria for you.
Benefits under TANF
TANF provides not just cash assistance, but many other benefits that help stabilize life:
- Cash Assistance: This is a fixed amount per month that depends on your family size and income level.
- Child Care Assistance: If parents are working or pursuing education, the state can provide day care or other care facilities for children.
- Job Training: Many states also run skill development and job training programs under TANF so that beneficiaries can become self-reliant.
- Transitional Support (Post-employment Services): Help can be provided for a few months even after exiting TANF so that a person can maintain stability.
Eligibility for TANF – Who can apply?
Before applying for TANF, it is important to know what your eligibility is, which may vary according to each state. But in general, these criteria apply:
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for TANF.
- Your income and assets must be below the state’s set limits.
- You must have one or more children, or you are pregnant.
- You must be a citizen or legally living in the US.
- Note: Some states require you to work or try to find a job.
How to apply for TANF?
The TANF application process may be different in each state, but the following steps are generally followed:
Find a local TANF office: Contact your nearest TANF office or social service agency.
Apply online: Most states have now made the TANF application process online. You can fill out the form by logging on to the state’s official website.
Documents required:
- Identity card (ID)
- Proof of residence
- Income and property details
- Children’s birth certificates
Interview: The TANF application is followed by a short interview, where officials ask you about your family’s situation and needs.
How are TANF benefits received?
The cash assistance provided under TANF can be given through various means:
- Direct deposit: Money is sent directly to your bank account.
- EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer): This is like a debit card with which you can buy goods from grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.
- Paper check: Some states with older systems still send paper checks.
How to check TANF balance?
If you are receiving benefits through a TANF card, you can check your card balance in these ways:
- Shopping receipt: Many stores also print the remaining amount on the receipt when you pay by card.
- Mobile app: Many states provide a mobile app to check TANF benefits so you can view balance and transactions.
- Phone number: There is a customer service number on the back of your card. You can call that number to check your balance.
TANF is not just about assistance, it is about self-reliance
TANF is not just about immediate financial assistance. Its main purpose is to make beneficiaries financially independent so that they do not have to depend on government assistance in the future. For this, TANF programs also provide services like employment-oriented activities, counseling, and educational assistance.
Conclusion:
In today’s inflationary era, a program like TANF can be a lifeline for families who are living in a difficult economic situation. If you or someone you know needs TANF, this information can change their life.
