Family must be financially needy.- Child must be under age 18, and will graduate from high school before the age of 19.
- Child is going to school regularly if he is between the ages 5 and 18.
- Child is living with a parent or other relative.
- Is a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible immigrant.
A child will not be eligible if born to or adopted by a TANF recipient more than 10 months after an applicant begins to receive TANF. The
Division of Child Supports Enforcement (DCSE) will send all support collected for this child directly to the family. This support will not count as income in the TANF program.
How much assistance can a family receive?The amount of the TANF check is based on the size of the family. A family may still be eligible to receive TANF while receiving money from other benefits. Families in the VIEW program may receive earned income plus a TANF check if the total income is less than the federal poverty level for their family size.
How long can a family receive TANF?
A family who has someone in VIEW may receive TANF for no longer than 24 months followed by a period of ineligibility. A family may receive TANF no longer than 60 months in a lifetime.
Can a minor parent receive TANF?
An unmarried minor parent (under 18) must live with his parents, a close relative, a legal guardian, or a person acting as a parent to receive TANF. The parents may be required to help their child and grandchild financially. A minor parent must attend school until he graduates from high school or gets his GED.