TANF/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The purpose of the TANF program is to provide financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living. Eligible TANF households receive monthly cash and Medicaid benefits and may be eligible for food stamps. Note: TANF information provided also applies to the TANF State Program (TANF-SP) and the One Time TANF (OTTANF) program unless otherwise stated. TANF-SP uses state funds to provide cash assistance to families with two parents who both receive benefits with children deprived of parental support because of the unemployment or underemployment of a parent. OTTANF provides emergency cash assistance for families in crises who do not currently receive TANF but are otherwise eligible.

A grandparent caring for one or more grandchildren who receive TANF is eligible for a one-time supplemental payment of $1000 if they meet certain criteria. The grandparent must be 45 years of age or older, have a family gross income of less than or equal to 200% FPIL, and have resources less than $1000. A grandparent can only receive this payment once, even though other grandchildren move into their home at a later time. Also, they cannot receive the payment if the grandchild for whom they are caring has already received the payment.

One-Time Grandparent Payment
Provides a one-time $1000 supplemental payment to the grandparents of children in their care who receive TANF cash assistance.
The following eligibility criteria must be explored:

  • Residence
  • Citizenship
  • Age
  • Relationship
  • Resources
  • Income
  • Domicile
  • Work Registration
  • Social Security Number

Recipients must also cooperate with the Personal Responsibility Agreement (PRA). The PRA requires recipients to:

  • cooperate with choices requirements
  • cooperate with child support requirements
  • agree not to voluntarily quit a job
  • stay free of alcohol or drug abuse
  • participate in parenting skills if referred
  • obtain medical screenings for their children and
  • ensure their children are immunized and attending school