The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program helps needy families become self-sufficient. States are given block grants to design and run programs that fulfill one of the four purposes of TANF:

• Provide help to families so children can be cared for in their own homes.
• Reduce the parents’ dependency by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.
• Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
• Encourage two-parent families.

To qualify, you must either be pregnant or responsible for a child under age 19.
You and your qualified child must be one of the following:

• U.S. citizen,
• Non-citizen national, or
• Qualified alien.

You must also be in one of the categories below:

• Low income and under-employed (working for very low wages), or
• Unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Check with the TANF agency in your area to learn if you qualify.

• Each state decides the benefits it provides.
• Each state sets the criteria you must meet to get benefits and services.

Visit the Help for Families page to get application information for your state, territory, or tribe.