Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered at the state and tribal level. It provides time-limited support to low-income families with children, with goals that include helping parents prepare for and find work. The program is open to women and men alike, and eligibility is determined by each state or tribe according to its own rules.
Depending on the state, TANF can include monthly cash assistance along with services such as job training, child care, and transportation help. Because each state and tribe runs its own program, benefit levels and specific requirements vary. The program typically carries time limits and work requirements, though the precise terms differ by program.
TANF is a benefit rather than a loan and does not need to be repaid. Applications are free and are handled by official state or tribal human-services agencies. More information is available at acf.hhs.gov. Anyone who charges a fee to help someone apply is not a legitimate resource.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: HHS Administration for Children & Families — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for temporary assistance for needy families (tanf)?
Low-income families with children, including many single mothers, who meet each state's eligibility rules. Open to women and men alike..
Does temporary assistance for needy families (tanf) have to be repaid?
This is benefit (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for temporary assistance for needy families (tanf)?
Apply through your state or tribal human-services agency; learn more at acf.hhs.gov.
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