Each state has a federally funded program “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” but only a few knew and have applied.
Here’s what you should know about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (Photo: CNET)
What To Know About TANF?
To assist those in need, each state has a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. While still attempting to recover from the pandemic’s effects, price increases brought on by the soaring inflation rate are putting a strain on the finances of several households around the country.
When former President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 into law, the TANF program was established. It is intended to assist low-income families with children in becoming financially independent. All 50 states, Washington, DC, and other US territories are now receiving $16.5 billion from the program.
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How Does the Program Work?
To provide monthly cash assistance payments to low-income families with children, each state uses TANF block grants. Although the programs offered by the states vary, they are all intended to benefit financially strapped families, according to a published article in CNET.
The kind of help you may get varies depending on the state you reside in. For people on the verge of homelessness due to an emergency, some could give immediate aid. In addition to TANF, certain states may also provide programs like Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment, which aid parents in completing post-secondary training and education.
Are You Eligible?
Your eligibility for the TANF program is determined in part by your income and in part by the state in which you reside. For a household of three, the maximum gross monthly income in Mississippi is $680. Your family’s total annual income cannot exceed $2,250 in California. Other prerequisites can include having at least one of the following in your family: a pregnant person, a dependant who is under the age of 18, or a dependent who is enrolled in college.
