Assistance for Needy Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

What is TANF?

TANF is the acronym for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.  This is a government funded grant program that enables states to initiate and administer their own financial aid programs.  TANF replaces the national programs once known as "welfare," and enables states to offer a broad diversity of social services.

What is the objective of TANF?

Offers a mixture of financial assistance and local job opportunities to needy families.

How Do I Register for TANF?

TANF is powered by the Office of Family Assistance.  The Office of Family Assistance is inclusive to the Administration for Children and Families.  TANF has its local office in each state.  However, the titles of TANF programs differ state to state.

What are the necessities of Parents getting TANF?

If you are a single parent qualifying for TANF, you are required to be involved in qualified "work activities" for a minimum of 30 hours per week.  All recipients are required to be employed within two years of receiving assistance.

What are Qualified "Work Activities?”

Work Activities are made up of two distinct categories, "Core Work Activities" and "Non-Core Work Activities.”  Your "Core Work Activities" must make up at least 20 of your 30 work hours per week and are as follows:

•             Unsubsidized jobs and employment

•             Subsidized private sector jobs and employment

•             Subsidized public division jobs and employment

•             On-the-job training

•             Local Job Search (a maximum of 4 weeks in a row or 6 weeks total)

•             Work involvement

•             Involvement in a community service program

•             Occupational education training (maximum of 12 months)

•             Providing childcare for another TANF recipient occupied in community service