How Do I Apply?
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How do I apply?
To apply for TANF, you must fill out an application and bring it, send it, or fax it to the Income Support Division (ISD) office for your county. Fill in as much information as you can before you turn it in to your local ISD office. After they receive your application, you will be asked to come in for an interview at the ISD office.
You may call the ISD office and have them mail an application to you the same day, or you can get an application online:
The same Application for Assistance is used for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid. You can decide if you just want to apply for TANF, or if you want to apply for other types of assistance at the same time.
There may be a home visit to conduct the interview and obtain the information needed. The Income Support Division (ISD) will give you prior notice of the visit.
Tribal TANF: If you want to apply for Tribal TANF, you need to contact the social services office of your tribe.
What are the rules about applying for TANF?
You should remember these rules when you apply:
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Everyone has the right to apply for TANF.
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You should apply as soon as possible. If you are approved, your benefits will start as of the date the ISD office receives your application.
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Your application does not have to be complete when you file it. However, it must have your name, address, and signature.
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You can apply for TANF even if you have been denied another types of assistance.
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If you cannot apply for TANF yourself, you can give someone else permission to apply for you. You must give permission in writing to the ISD office.
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You have the right to know how your application is processed and how your benefits will be determined.
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The ISD office will ask to meet with you before making a decision about your eligibility. You can bring an interpreter or someone else to help you. If you cannot get to the office because you are elderly or disabled, or you have no transportation, or some other problem, ISD can waive your office interview or interview you by telephone.
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The information you give on your TANF application may be shared with other federal and state agencies and with law enforcement personnel.
What documentation do I need to apply for TANF?
To apply for TANF, you need the following documentation:
- Proof of identity and age (driver’s license, birth certificate, voter registration)
- Social Security numbers for all members of your benefit group or proof that you have applied for them
- Proof that your children are related to you and how old they are (birth certificates, statement from someone who knows your family, school records, medical records)
- If you are a single parent, proof that the other parent of your children is dead or not living with you (divorce records, death certificate, sworn statement)
- Proof of immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen
- Proof of income (pay stubs, government checks)
- Proof that you are not eligible for unemployment compensation
- Proof of housing expenses (rent receipts, mortgage)
- Proof of address (landlord’s statement, utility records)
- Proof of immunization for your pre-school children (note from your doctor, ISD form signed by your doctor)
NOTE: You may need other documents as well. Your ISD worker will give you a list of the proofs you need. If you do not have everything, you can sometimes sign a statement as proof. Sworn statements from people who know you are also often acceptable.
How long does it take to determine eligibility for TANF?
Once all the necessary documents have been received, the ISD will let you know if you are eligible for TANF within 30 days after your application is filed. At that time, ISD will inform you of the first month of eligibility, the amount of your monthly payment, how the payment is calculated and which members of your family have been determined eligible for TANF.
How often must I reapply for TANF?
ISD will generally review your case every six months. However, they can review your case any time they choose. When they review your case, ISD can only ask for proof of things that have changed in your situation since you were last approved. If there is any change in your eligibility, ISD will send you a notice before stopping or reducing your benefits. If you do not agree with ISD, you can ask for a fair hearing. As long as you request the hearing right away, your benefits will continue until your appeal is heard.
Once you have been approved for TANF, you must report any changes in your income or assets or your living situation within 10 days of the changes. The person designated as the head of the household is responsible for reporting changes. Failure to do so can result in ISD stopping your benefits. Here are some examples of changes you should report:
- If you are receiving more or less income
- If your benefit group has lost or gained members
- If you have changed your address
- If a member of your benefit group is assigned a social security number
- If a member of your benefit group or the whole group is leaving New Mexico
- If there are any changes in your resources
- If a dependent child has had three unexcused absences or dropped out of school (you must report this change within 14 days)
If you are not sure whether you have to report a change, talk to your ISD case worker. Your ISD worker will give you a list of changes that needs to be reported.
If your application is denied, the ISD will send you a written notice within 30 days of the date you applied. The denial notice will tell you why you were denied, how to request a fair hearing, and where to get legal help.
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