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Temporary financial help is available for single mothers
or low income families who are facing foreclosure, lost incomes, unemployment
or underemployment through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) program administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The purpose of TANF is to enable families achieve self sufficiency through
various ways including finding work, affordable housing, Medicaid insurance,
etc. Welfare programs such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC) prior to 1996 were replaced with TANF and the federal government
provides funding to all states & territories so they can run TANF
under their own banners. Thus, each state has its own rules for qualifying
families to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
One of the most basic requirements that qualify families
for TANF benefits is the willingness to participate in a working contract
for at least 30 hours per week. This includes finding employment in your
specialty area, attending job training & resume building services,
etc. Once employed, you can receive TANF benefits while you become self
sufficient. Note that TANF benefits can only be received for up to 60
months in a family's lifetime. Benefits include cash payments, food and
subsidized housing. Benefits received such as childcare assistance or
transportation for employed families does NOT count towards the 60 month
limit. If your family does happen to run out of the 60 month time limit
for receiving TANF benefits, there are other options including food
stamps for single mothers, child
care assistance for single moms or government
housing grants.
As mentioned above, each state maintains its own set of
rules for application & eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF). Below, we did some research and found all webpages of
TANF websites by State. Select your state from the list below, read on
eligibility requirements and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Most sites also have a pre-screening eligibility tool that will inform
you if you are eligible right away, use it and learn about your financial
situation. Good luck!
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