TANF Cash Assistance for Struggling Families
Are you or someone you know finding it hard to make ends meet? You're not alone. Many families face tough times, especially when it comes to having enough money for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothes.
Oregon offers a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ("TANF"). This program provides extra help, in the form of cash payments, to families with no or very little income.
This article will explain what TANF is, who can get help, how to apply, and answer frequently asked questions about TANF.
What is TANF?
TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. People who qualify for this program receive a cash payment on the first of every month. The money can be used to pay for utilities, rent, toiletries, household items, and other necessities.
TANF money is deposited each month onto a special debit card called an Electronic Benefits Transfer ("EBT") card. The EBT card can be used at most stores (except liquor stores, casinos, and strip clubs). The benefit card can also be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Who can get TANF?
To get TANF, you must:
- Live in Oregon
- Have no income or very little income
- Have few resources (like a bank account, vehicles, or other valuable property)
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Be either a parent or caregiver to a child (or pregnant and about to give birth)
How much TANF can I get?
TANF payments vary from family to family. Your TANF payment will be calculated based on your monthly income, household size, and TANF program rules. For example, a family of three with no income can receive up to $506 per month in TANF money.
Families can also get extra money, in the form of a clothing allowance, three times per year.
How to apply for TANF
Applying for TANF in Oregon is a straightforward process:
- Gather information. You'll need documents that show your income and identity. You'll also need to provide a mailing address. If you are homeless, you can use the address of a trusted friend or relative.
- Complete your initial application: You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office. Remember, you can apply for other government assistance programs, like food stamps or Oregon Health Plan, at the same time. Learn more about applying on this government site.
- Attend an interview: After turning in your application, you'll need to have an interview with a caseworker. The caseworker will gather more details about you and your situation to decide if you qualify for TANF.
Need help in another language when applying for TANF? Ask for an interpreter when you apply and you'll be provided with one for free. Asking for an interpreter is important so you can provide accurate information about yourself and your situation. If you have problems getting help in the language you speak, you can call the Governor’s Advocacy Office or Oregon's Public Benefits Hotline for more help.
How long does it take to get TANF?
You should receive a decision on whether you qualify for TANF within 30 days of applying. However, if your information is missing key details, it can take up to 45 days.
After you enter the TANF program, you should get your monthly benefit on the first day of each month.
Takeaways
- If you're in Oregon and struggling to make ends meet, TANF can provide your family with a little extra cash.
- TANF money probably isn't enough to meet all your basic needs. Consider applying for other government assistance, like food stamps, and call 211 to find out if other help is available in your community.
- If you're not sure you qualify, apply. It doesn't take long to complete an application, and the worst thing is you'll get told "no."
Other Frequently Asked Questions About TANF
TANF isn't the same as food stamps (called "SNAP benefits" in Oregon).
While both programs give you monthly payments on an Electronic Benefits Card ("EBT card"), SNAP benefits can only be used for food, while TANF money can be used for non-food items.
You can use TANF to pay for rent or utilities or buy toiletries, household supplies, clothing, or other necessities. You can also withdraw your TANF benefits as cash using an ATM.
If you qualify for TANF, you'll also be eligible for SNAP food stamp benefits. Learn more about SNAP benefits here.
Yes, if you qualify for TANF, you’ll likely qualify for food stamps (“SNAP benefits”) too. You may also qualify for other government assistance programs like childcare assistance or free health insurance.
You can apply for all these programs at the same time. Learn more on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
Most immigrants who are in the U.S. with permission from the U.S. government qualify for TANF benefits. This includes:
- Lawful permanent residents
- Asylees
- Refugees
- VAWA recipients
- T-Visa recipients
Your kids, family members, or other household members can qualify for TANF money even if you or someone you live with doesn't have the immigration status to qualify.
Yes, there are rules and expectations for people in the TANF program. You'll need to:
- Participate in the JOBS program: This program aims to help people find steady work by eliminating barriers to employment. If you are disabled or can't work for other reasons, you can ask for this requirement to be waived. Learn more about the JOBS program on this government site.
- Cooperate with the Oregon Child Support Program. You'll also have to help the Oregon Child Support Program get child support from your child's other parent (unless this would put you or your child in danger). Refer to this handout for more details on TANF and child support.
- Report changes. Tell your Oregon Department of Human Services caseworker if your income or living situation changes. If you don't report these changes, you can have an overpayment problem or even be accused of fraud.
TANF payments haven't been increased in the last 20 years and haven't kept up with inflation. As a result, it's unlikely your TANF money will be enough to cover all your needs.
If you need more help, consider:
- Other government assistance programs. You may want to apply for other government programs such as food stamps, childcare assistance, and free health insurance. You can apply for these programs at the same time. Learn more on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
- Community-based help. Your local community may also have additional programs to help you. These programs may be available through a church, non-profit, food pantry, or elsewhere. To see what help is available, call 211 or visit the 211 website.
TANF is meant to be temporary. In Oregon, you can receive TANF for up to 60 months (five years) over your lifetime. However, some exceptions might allow you to get help longer if you're in a particularly tough situation.
TANF money can be used for anything you need. Your TANF money is paid monthly on an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT). You can use your EBT card like a regular debit card to buy things at stores. You can also use this card to withdraw money from ATMs.