TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Cash assistance and services for families with children. Run by states with federal funding — rules vary widely by state.
What you get
A monthly cash payment to help with basic needs. Amounts vary enormously by state — from about $170/month for a family of 3 in Mississippi to over $1,150/month in some northern states. Most states also provide childcare subsidies, job training, and transportation assistance through TANF funds.
Who qualifies
- Families with children under 18 (or 19 if in school)
- Low income and limited resources
- US citizen or eligible immigrant
- Must participate in work activities (job search, training, community service) in most states
60-month lifetime limit
Federal law limits TANF cash assistance to 60 months (5 years) over your lifetime. Children are not counted toward this limit in most states. Once the limit is reached, you lose cash benefits even if you still qualify by income.
Apply through your state TANF guide — who qualifies and how to apply