Around 1 billion children globally live in multidimensional poverty, according to Unicef. In 2021, 9.5% of children with two parents lived below the poverty line, and 31.7% of those with a single parent.
TANF is a financial assistance program for low-income families with children. For those unknown, 15 states spent 10% or less of their TANF funds on basic assistance in 2020.
TANF is not the same as food stamps. In fact, TANF benefits include financial support to families with children while food stamps, or SNAP, are specifically for purchasing food.
1. What is TANF Benefits?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program helps low-income families with children achieve financial stability. It provides funding to states through block grants, allowing them to create programs that accomplish one of the program’s purposes.
TANF benefits cover basic needs like food, housing, energy costs, and child care. It also provides cash assistance for daily living expenses. Many states also offer additional support, such as job training and help with tuition for work-related education.
The goals of TANF are to support low-income families with children, help them stay in their own homes, promote job preparation to reduce dependency, prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encourage two-parent families.
2. Who qualifies for TANF assistance?
Families must have children aged 18 or younger to qualify for the TANF program. Families that can receive TANF cash assistance have little to no income or no way to earn money.
Eligible families can include:
- Parents and their children.
- Relatives who are caring for related children.
Eligibility is determined based on:
- The family’s income.
- The value of the things the family owns or is paying for.
- The amount the family spends on child care and child support.
Each state or tribal government manages its own TANF program and may have a unique name in different locations.
2.1. What are TANF benefits in Texas?
Maximum monthly TANF amount in Texas
- For child-only cases, a family of three can receive up to $243 per month when applying for TANF in Texas.
- For households with 1 parent or 1 caretaker, a family of three can obtain up to $353 per month.
- For households with 2 parents or 2 caretakers, a family of three can be eligible for up to $386 per month.
| Family size | Child-only cases | Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker | Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers |
| 1 | $121 | $147 | ——– |
| 2 | $174 | $305 | $234 |
| 3 | $243 | $353 | $386 |
| 4 | $290 | $424 | $434 |
| 5 | $372 | $471 | $503 |
Who qualifies for TANF in Texas?
There are certain income limits to qualify for TANF. In Texas, a family of three may be eligible for TANF with a monthly income of $130 in a child-only case.
Some families may qualify even if their income is higher than what’s listed.
Income limits for TANF in Texas
A family must fall within certain income limits to qualify for cash assistance through TANF in Texas:
- For child-only cases, a family of three earns as much as $130 per month.
- For households with 1 parent or 1 caretaker, a family of three earns as much as $188 per month.
- For households with 2 parents or 2 caretakers, a family of three earns as much as $206 per month.
| Family size | Child-only cases | Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker | Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers |
| 1 | $64 | $78 | ——– |
| 2 | $92 | $163 | $125 |
| 3 | $130 | $188 | $206 |
| 4 | $154 | $226 | $231 |
| 5 | $198 | $251 | $268 |
Other requirements to qualify for TANF in Texas
The child’s parent or relative must agree to:
- Look for work or train for a job.
- Follow child support rules.
- Stay employed and avoid quitting jobs.
- Avoid alcohol or drug abuse.
- Take parenting classes.
- Keep their child vaccinated and in school.
2.2. What are TANF benefits in California?
TANF is known as the CalWORKs program in California.
Maximum monthly TANF amount in California
- A family of three in urban counties can receive up to $1,171 per month (about 54% of the Federal Poverty Level) when applying for TANF in California.
- A family of three rural counties gets up to $1,112 per month (about 52% of the Federal Poverty Level).
In cases where adults in the family cannot work due to disability, they can receive a higher amount of assistance to account for their inability to earn income.
Who qualifies for TANF in California?
A family must fall within certain income limits to qualify for cash assistance through TANF in California:
- A family of three in urban counties earns as much as $1,753 per month (approximately 82% of the Federal Poverty Level).
- A family of three in rural counties earns as much as $1,664 per month (about 77% of the Federal Poverty Level).
These income limits are based on deductions and income disregards.
Families in California can retain assets, such as savings while applying for TANF benefits. The asset limit for a family is $11,634.
Read more: Top 20+ best government phones in California
2.3. What are TANF benefits in Kentucky?
TANF in Kentucky is known as the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP).
Maximum monthly TANF amount in Kentucky
For a family of three in Kentucky, the maximum monthly cash assistance they can receive ranges from $262 to $289 (about 12%-13% of the Federal Poverty Level in 2024).
Who qualifies for cash assistance in Kentucky?
A family must fall within certain income limits to qualify for cash assistance through TANF in Kentucky:
- A family of three earns as much as $974/month (or 45% FPL).
In Kentucky, families can maintain up to $2,000 in savings and still be eligible for cash assistance through TANF.
2.4. What are Tribal TANF benefits?
Federally recognized Indian tribes can apply for funding to run their own TANF programs.
As of 2022, there are 76 approved Tribal TANF programs, serving over 285 recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages.
3. Benefit from Lifeline with TANF: Best Free Government Phone Program for Low-income Families
Lifeline is a government program that provides phone services at no cost or discounted rates for low-income families. Eligible residents can receive significant monthly discounts from participating providers such as AirTalk Wireless.
You can qualify for Lifeline based on income level or participation in specific assistance programs, like SNAP and Medicaid, and receive a free phone and a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone services.
>>> Check details about how to qualify for Lifeline for most states
When you participate in Tribal TANF, you can qualify for Lifeline to get a free government phone. Tribal residents can receive a higher monthly discount on their phone bill – up to $34.25.
How to apply for Lifeline on AirTalk Wireless (quick guide):
- Go to the AirTalk Wireless website, enter your zip code, and click “Apply Now.”
- Choose a phone plan: Claim a free phone with a cell phone plan or opt for Bring Your Own Device (Receive only the phone plan).
- Browse AirTalk Wireless collections and choose the smartphone, tablet, or bundle you like.
- Submit the required documents to verify your eligibility for the Lifeline program.
- After submitting your details, wait for approval.
>>> Read detailed instruction: How to Apply for the Lifeline Program at AirTalk Wireless?
Conclusion
TANF is a lifeline for low-income families with children. They can cover basic needs like food, housing, and childcare. While TANF benefits may differ by state, the program is vital for helping families achieve financial stability, work toward independence, and manage temporary financial burdens.