(HealthyExaminer.com) – With rising inflation, many families are finding themselves in need of financial support. The TANF program, or temporary assistance for needy families, is a government program that helps support families who are experiencing temporary financial hardship. The program is intended to keep families in their homes during financial challenges. The program also helps support co-parenting family relationships.
What is the TANF Program?
The TANF program is designed to assist families experiencing a temporary hardship, usually due to a crisis situation. Program benefits vary by state but may include the following:
Childcare Assistance
Families with minor children can often access childcare assistance through the TANF program. The TANF program acknowledges that caregivers who cannot afford childcare often stay out of work, which can make it difficult for the family to overcome poverty. Childcare assistance can help families address temporary challenges and keep parents in the workforce.
Job Preparation
Some states offer job preparation or training support through TANF. These benefits could include job assistance programs, job preparation skills, and other services to help applicants feel more confident in their search for employment.
Work Assistance
The TANF program may also provide work assistance. Applicants who are willing to work but struggling to find work placement may be eligible to partner with a work assistance provider who can connect them to a job. This work support can be invaluable for those who are consistently underemployed, giving them the tools necessary to find employment that better fulfills their needs.
TANF Eligibility
US citizens, legal aliens, and qualified aliens are all eligible to apply for TANF benefits. Applicants must apply in their state of residence, and their household must include at least one minor child. TANF is designed to help families that are either unemployed, underemployed, or have a low income as compared to the median household income of the area where they live. TANF is designed to provide assistance to help families get back on their feet. It’s considered help, not permanent support.
Program support varies by state and is financed by federal government block grants. States are able to use these funds to build programs and may even use other state funds to supplement these programs.
How to Apply for TANF Benefits
Applicants who are interested in TANF benefits should submit a state application that provides the following information:
- Information about the household, family size, and minor children
- Proof of employment/income that meets eligibility requirements
TANF benefit eligibility may depend on what state funding is available. Some states have more applicants receiving TANF benefits, which may impact new applicants receiving benefits.
Can TANF Benefits Help You or a Loved One?
TANF benefits can support you if you have a minor child in the home and are experiencing childcare issues, are dealing with unemployment or underemployment issues, if you’re developing new skills to obtain a better job, or if you’ve simply experienced a life event that’s presenting financial challenges. During difficult times, these government programs can come to your aid. Apply through your state TANF program, and look for other local resources that might help you overcome this time of financial hardship.
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