Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to needy families with dependent children when available resources do not fully address the family's needs and while preparing program participants for independence through work. Adults with dependent children applying for or receiving TANF must meet financial and technical eligibility requirements. Conditions of eligibility include cooperation with child support, participation in work activities and compliance with substance abuse provisions. Earned and unearned income cannot exceed the benefit level paid for the assistance unit size and assets are limited to $2,000.00. Sanctions may be imposed for program noncompliance.

General Program Requirements


In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the District of Columbia, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.