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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial assistance to families in Texas experiencing financial difficulties, with an estimated 17,215 households receiving this benefit in the state.
TANF is an aid that Texas Health and Human Services provides once a year to low-income families going through an economic downturn. It helps those in need with cash payments to pay for food, clothing, housing and other essentials. Luxury items or non-essentials do not qualify as part of the benefit.
There is also a once-in-a-lifetime payment option provided to family members who are caring for related children, and naturally at $1,000, this will be higher than the monthly payment.
The program is intended for families with children under 18 years who have little to no income and no means of accessing money. It applies to parents and their children, or relatives caring for related children.
To access TANF benefits, applicants must commit to training for employment and looking for work, follow child support rules, pledge not to quit their job, not use alcohol or drugs, take parenting skills classes, get their children vaccinated, and make sure they go to school.
You can apply for TANF online at Your Texas Benefits or by visiting an HHSC benefits office.
How much is monthly TANF in Texas?
There is a maximum monthly income limit to qualify for TANF, which is dependant on the size of the family or how many people there are that require care.
For a child-only case for a parent of one child, $64 is the maximum monthly. If you qualify, you can expect a payment of $107. This increases to $153 for a family of two, $215 for a family of three, $256 for four and $329 for five.
The highest available income amount allowed for a home with two parents and two caretakers is $268. They can therefore claim the highest amount of $444 available from TANF.