Work and School Requirements
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Do I have to work to be eligible for TANF?
All adults and certain teen parents not in school must work or take part in an employment activity to be eligible for TANF, unless they have a participation waiver.
You might qualify for a participation waiver if:
- You are completely disabled, temporarily or permanently, as determined by the Incapacity Review Unit (IRU)
- You have a temporary illness or if you are waiting to see if you qualify for a long-term waiver
- You are an individual with proof that family violence prevents you from working
- You are caring for a disabled family member, as determined by IRU
- You are in the third trimester of pregnancy
- You are age 60 or older
- You are a single parent, not living with the other parent in the home, with a child under age twelve months
- You are a single parent caring for a child under 6 years of age or a child who is sick and you cannot find child care
- In certain other circumstances
Your ISD worker will let you know if you must work or if you are eligible for a waiver. Once you start to get TANF benefits you have three months to start an activity that meets the program requirements.
Tribal TANF: Tribal TANF programs may have different work requirements.
What is New Mexico Works (NMW)?
New Mexico Works (NMW) is a program for TANF recipients who must meet the work requirements. The goal of this program is to help people get the skills and experience they need to find long-term jobs that will allow them to support themselves.
You must choose an activity or several activities approved by NMW for a certain amount of hours per week. Your participation requirement depends on whether you are a two-parent household or one parent-household. You can do unpaid community service work, or take part in education or job training programs.
What are the TANF school attendance requirements?
In general, dependent children of school age must attend school full time to get TANF benefits. If your child has too many unexcused absences from school, you may lose your child’s TANF benefits.
NOTE: Your ISD case worker will give you more details on school attendance rules.
Tribal TANF: Tribal TANF programs may have different school requirements.
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