TANF cash assistance
Who qualifies, what you get, and how to apply in your state.
What is TANF?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal block grant that states use to provide cash assistance and services to families with children. Each state runs its own program — names and rules vary widely. Common state names include CalWORKs (California), Family Independence Program (Michigan), and Ohio Works First.
Who qualifies?
Generally, TANF is for families with children under 18 (or under 19 if in school) who have low income and limited resources. You must be a US citizen or eligible immigrant. Most adults on TANF must participate in work activities (job search, training, community service) to keep receiving benefits.
How much does TANF pay?
Benefit amounts are set by each state and vary enormously. In 2026, maximum monthly benefits for a family of 3 ranged from about $170 (Mississippi) to $1,151 (New Hampshire). Benefits have not kept pace with inflation in most states — in no state do they bring a family above the poverty line on their own.
Time limits
Federal law limits TANF cash assistance to 60 months (5 years) over a lifetime. Some states set shorter limits. Children are not counted toward the time limit in most states — only adults. Once the time limit is reached, you lose cash assistance even if you still qualify on income grounds.
Apply at your county or state social services office, online, or by phone. Find your state's TANF program at benefits.gov.
TANF on benefits.gov