What Is TANF?
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What is TANF?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a government program that gives cash assistance to needy families with dependent children, and to pregnant women, to help them meet the basic needs of their children. This cash assistance can be used to help families with housing, utilities, and clothing costs. It is sometimes called "welfare." In New Mexico the TANF program is often referred to as NMWorks (NMW).
TANF is a time-limited program. Most people are allowed to get TANF benefits for no more than 60 months during their lifetime. Some people, such as people with permanent disabilities, can get a hardship extension of benefits.
Who runs the TANF program?
The TANF program is a federal program, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the U.S. government. This federal department gives money to each state in the form of a block grant each year to provide TANF for its residents.
In New Mexico, the Income Support Division (ISD) of the Human Services Department (HSD) is in charge of the state TANF program. Indian tribes may choose to operate their own Tribal TANF programs.
Who is in charge of fraud prevention?
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Human Services Department is in charge of TANF fraud prevention in New Mexico.
To report TANF fraud:
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