ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
In the United States, many benefit and welfare programs are available to help those in financial difficulties. One of these schemes is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Let's look at this plan in detail, including what it is, who can apply, and the application process.
What Is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal grant scheme that funds all the States to design and administer aid programs to families with children who are in need. It is a short-term program that helps parents when they or their relatives cannot support the family's basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. Though federally funded, each State decides how the program will operate.
The scheme aims to tackle broader issues as well as providing short-term financial help. That includes:
- • Promote work, job preparation, and marriage to end dependency on benefits,
- • Reduce and prevent pregnancies out of wedlock,
- • Encourage two-parent families.
What Is The Difference Between General Assistance Program And The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
The General Assistance Program is a benefit scheme for adults without children, while the TANF is for those with kids. The two programs work similarly as they are for people in need. While Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is available in all States, including the DC, the General Assistance Program cannot be obtained in all parts of the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
Given the individual States administer the programs, the eligibility varies from one State to another. However, there are some commonalities found in all States. They are as follows:
- • Be a resident of the State,
- • The person must care for children under the age of 18,
- • Be pregnant,
- • Be a permanent resident, legal alien, or a US citizen,
- • Must hold a Social Security Number or apply for one.
The person making the application will be responsible for looking after the child, and the family unit must earn below a minimum threshold income (which varies from State to State) to qualify. For instance, in Connecticut, the applicant's income must be less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while in Arizona, people can apply if their income is less than 130% of the FPL.
The resources held by the applicant and the family are also taken into account. Resources are classified as assets such as money held in a bank account, stocks, bonds, vehicles, etc. Again, the resource levels vary from State to State, but the applicant and their family usually will need to have less than $2000 in capital or assets to apply.
In addition to the above, the applicant must commit to meeting other obligations. Again, they vary from State to State, but the claimant could be asked to do any of the following to receive payments through TANF:
- • Must seek employment if not already employed,
- • Must make sure the children are at school, and their vaccination programs are up to date,
- • Asked to attend parenting classes,
- • Take on board family planning information.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families could stop if the applicant does not follow the required obligations. If the applicant is unemployed and finds a job, the payment could continue unless their income exceeds the State's minimum threshold. In some States, participating in criminal activities could also lead to the end of the payments.
Can Foreigners, Minors, Or The Disabled Apply?
Foreigners can apply if they are in the country legally. Minors are eligible if they are not living with their parents and have a child. Disabled people can also apply for the TANF if they have a child. Since the TANF scheme is aimed at the needy, disabled people are more likely to be considered and given a sympathetic hearing.
How To Apply For The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
Applications are possible online, by telephone, or in person. You can find the website, telephone number, or the local government office (usually the Family Community Resource Center) to visit for your State here.
Following the application, you must attend an interview where an assessment is carried out. The documents required to make an application will include:
- • Identification such as a passport or driver's license,
- • Birth certificates for the children,
- • Social Security numbers for everyone in the family who holds one,
- • Paycheck stubs,
- • Proof of other income and assets.
The application form will ask for the family's personal details, such as name, address, and telephone number. The claimant must also provide details confirming they are in the country legally. The form will request information on the income earned through employment and self-employment and the value of any capital and assets held. Given the TANF program varies in each State, the format of the application forms and the questions asked will differ, but in general, you can expect all States to inquire about the information listed here.
The Outcome And What To Do In Cases Of An Unsuccessful Application
The State will usually write to the claimant within 45 days to inform them of the outcome. If the application is successful, the payments will commence and monies will get paid into the applicant's bank account like other benefits. Those who are turned down for the TANF program can appeal against the decision. You will need to contact your State to file an appeal. The application form submitted will contain details on how to appeal. Usually, the appeal can be made in writing or by telephone.
How Much Are You Expected to Get and For How Long?
The payment amounts depend on the State and the number of children in the household. For example, in Delaware, for a family of 3, the maximum TANF payment is $338, while in Washington DC, the TANF payment for a family of 3 is $751.
Given this program is a temporary assistance, people cannot expect to be on the scheme for a lengthy period. The duration depends entirely on the State. In Arizona, for example, the lifetime limit of the program is currently 12 months, while in Florida, the payments can be received for 48 months. After reaching the lifetime limit imposed by the State, the person cannot apply for the TANF again.
Helping Families In Need
Though The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program is federally funded, individual States are responsible for administering and distributing the payments. The TANF scheme is available in all States and aims to help needy people with children. There are some eligibility criteria in place to qualify, and those who receive payments must follow certain obligations set by the State.