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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Food & Cash Benefits

This article provides information on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Learn more about TANF in Texas.

Special thanks to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services for their contribution to this article. 

What is TANF?

Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF)  provides cash payments that help families pay for basic needs.  

How can I apply for TANF?

 You can apply for TANF online at Your Texas Benefits. You can also apply by visiting an HHSC benefits office. To locate an HHSC benefits office near you use the Your Texas Benefits find an office website. 

What does TANF help pay for?

TANF provides monthly cash payments to help pay for: 

  • Food 

  • Clothing 

  • Housing 

  • Utilities 

  • Furniture 

  • Transportation 

  • Phone 

  • Laundry 

  • Supplies for the home 

  • Medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid 

  • Other basic needs 

Who is TANF for?

TANF is for families with children aged 18 and younger. Families who can get this help have little to no money or don’t have a way to get money. 

What can be a family to qualify for TANF?

A family can be parents and their children, or relatives caring for related children. 

What is looked at to see if I can get TANF?

The amount of money the family has, the value of things the family is paying for or owns, and the amount the family pays for childcare and child support. 

Is there a maximum monthly income limit to qualify for TANF?

Yes. See below for a chart that gives a general idea of the amount of money/income a person/family can get and still qualify for TANF.  

Maximum monthly income limits 

Family Size 

Child-only cases 

Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker 

Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers 

$64 

$78 

----------- 

$92 

$163 

$125 

$130 

$188 

$206 

$154 

$226 

$231 

$198 

$251 

$268 

For each additional person, add $43.

Note: Some people might be able to get benefits even if their income is higher than what is listed in this chart. 

What if I am a grandparent or a relative caring for a related child with a higher income than what is listed in the chart?

The child or children you are caring for might be able to get TANT even if your income is higher than what is listed in the chart. 

What if I am a grandparent or a relative caring for a related child with a higher income than what is listed in the chart?

The child or children you are caring for might be able to get TANT even if your income is higher than what is listed in the chart.

Do I have to follow any rules to receive TANF?

Yes. If a child’s parent or relative gets TANF, the parent or relative must agree to: 

  • Train for a job or look for work. 

  • Follow child support rules. 

  • Not quit a job. 

  • Not abuse alcohol or drugs. 

  • Take parenting skills classes. 

  • Get vaccines for their child. 

  • Make sure their child is going to school. 

If you receive TANF, you will be told how you can get help in following the program rules. 

How much will I receive from TANF?

See below for a chart of the maximum monthly TANF amount.

Maximum monthly TANF amount

Family Size 

Child-only cases 

Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker 

Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers 

$107 

$130 

----------- 

$153 

$270 

$206 

$215 

$312 

$341

$256

$375 

$383 

$329 

$416 

$444

For each additional person, add $72. 

Does TANF provide one-time payments?

Yes. TANF offers money to families in crisis  so that they can pay for basic needs such as the ones listed earlier. TANF only provides this help to a family once a year. 

What is considered a crisis to TANF?

TANF considers the following a crisis: losing a job, a home, or experiencing a medical emergency. 

Does TANF provide one-time payments for relatives?

Yes. TANF provides a once in a lifetime payment of $1,00 to certain relatives that care for one or more related children. The payment can only be given once, no matter how many related children live or move in with the relative. 

Who is this one-time payment for?

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, and brothers who: 

  • Care for a child who gets TANF, 

  • Are 25 or older, 

  • Do not have a lot of money or have a way to get more money. 

Is there a monthly income limit to qualify for this one-time TANF payment?

Yes. See below for a chart that gives a general idea of the amount of money/income a relative can get and still qualify for the one-time TANF payment. 

Family Size Monthly income limit
1 $2,265
2 $3,052
3 $3,839
4 $4,412
5 $787

For each additional person, add $787.

Relatives might be able to get the payment even if their income is higher than what is listed in the above chart.

If a relative isn't able to get the one-time TANF for relatives payment, the child they care for still might be able to get monthly TANF.