Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal assistance program that provides cash benefits to low-income families with dependent children. These benefits are intended to help families meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. In addition to cash benefits, TANF also provides support services such as job training, education, and child care assistance to help families move towards self-sufficiency.
To qualify for TANF, families must meet certain income and resource requirements, as well as have a dependent child under the age of 18. Recipients are typically required to participate in work-related activities, such as job search or job training, in order to continue receiving benefits. TANF is administered by states, which have the flexibility to set their own eligibility criteria and benefit levels within federal guidelines. The program aims to provide temporary assistance while promoting work and self-sufficiency among low-income families.
