What Benefits Will I Get?

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How much cash assistance will I get?

How does ISD calculate my cash payment?

What other benefits does TANF provide?

For how long can I get TANF?

NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.

 How much cash assistance will I get?

The amount you will get in cash assistance depends on your net countable income and the number of people in your benefit group.

The table below shows the Standard of Need, which is the maximum monthly TANF cash amount for benefit groups of different sizes:

TANF Standard of Need

Size of benefit group	Standard of Need
1	$266
2	$357
3	$447
4	$539
5	$630
6	$721
7	$812
8	$922
9	$1013
10	$1102
each additional person	+$91

• Only benefit group members are counted in determining the applicable standard of need. Total countable earned and unearned income, after allowable deductions, is subtracted from the benefit group’s standard of need to determine the cash assistance benefit.

• Each August, and for August only, the payment standard for eligible benefit groups is increased by $100 for each school-age child included in the benefit group.

• A one-time layette allowance of $25 is allowed upon the birth of a child who is or will be included in the benefit group.  The allowance shall be authorized by no later than the end of the month following the month in which the child is born.

How does ISD calculate my cash payment?

The cash payment amount is calculated by subtracting the benefit group's net countable income from the Standard of Need applicable to the benefit group.

Here is a summary of how ISD determines your cash payment:

• ISD starts by calculating your gross countable income (total countable income before any deductions).

• ISD subtracts allowable expenses, including certain work and child-care expenses, to find your net countable income.

• ISD then subtracts your net countable income from the Standard of Need for your benefit group size to find the TANF cash payment you are eligible to receive.

EXAMPLE:

Consider a family of four.

1. Let's say their net countable income is $100 per month.
2. The amount they will get is the Standard of Need for their family size ($539 for a family of four) minus their $100 net countable income ($539-$100 = $439).

3. They will receive a TANF cash payment of $439 a month.

What other benefits does TANF provide?

TANF also provides the following benefits:

• Health insurance: You will automatically be eligible for health insurance through Medicaid.

• Infant expenses: If you have a newborn baby, you will be eligible for a one-time layette allowance of $25. The allowance will be giving no later than the end of the month following the month in which the child is born.

• Child care: You may receive child care reimbursement. 

• Vocational Training and Education: You may get reimbursement for vocational training and educational expenses, but not for tuition.

• Employment- Related Expense: You may receive assistance to help pay the cost for certain personal items necessary to accept a job offer, or to retain employment. You may only receive $300 once during your lifetime.

• Funeral and burial expenses: You may be eligible for funeral and burial expenses. You will receive no more than $200 towards the cost of the funeral. 

• Transportation: You may receive transportation reimbursement if you are enrolled in a training or education program or if you are working.

• Clothing allowance: In the month of August you will receive $100 for clothing for each member of your household under 19 years of age.

• Supplimentaly Nutitional Assistance Program (SNAP): TANF recipients usually qualify for SNAP (formally known as food stamps).

For how long can I get TANF?

TANF has a term limit on the amount of time recipients may get cash benefits. Unless you have an extension, you may only receive cash assistance for a maximum of 60 months in your lifetime. The 60 months do not have to be consecutive: any 60 months when you are receiving cash benefits count against the term limit. Months in which you get TANF support services but no cash assistance do not count against your term limit.

Once you have reached your 60-month term limit, you may get an extension of cash benefits if:

• you are temporarily or completely disabled
• you are the sole provider of home care to an ill or disabled family member
• you cannot work because of domestic violence
• you have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty
• you are age 60 or older
• your application for SSI is pending or in the appeals process

  You must have proof of your hardship, such as medical reports, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, court orders, police reports, or other documents.

Note: Any individual who lives in Indian country where at least 50% of the adult population is not working is excluded from the term limit.