TANF Approval Notice

Received: [Official Letter Date]

What This Letter Means

Good news: You have been approved for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance. This is monthly cash support for families with dependent children who meet income and resource limits.

Your approval means you:

Meet your state's income limit for a family of your size
Have a dependent child (under 18, or 19 if in school) in the home
Meet resource limits (usually $2,000 in countable assets)
Are a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant (varies by state)

        Monthly TANF Amount:
        Check your letter for your exact monthly payment. This varies by state and family size. Keep this number for your records.
      

Important Details

Federal Limit: You have a lifetime limit of 60 months (5 years) of TANF receipt. Some states have shorter limits (24-36 months).

Your Clock Starts Now: Every month you receive TANF, even partial months, counts toward your 60-month lifetime limit. Once you reach 60 months, you are no longer eligible for TANF in that state.

Hardship Extensions: Some states allow limited extensions (up to 20% of caseload) for families with hardship barriers. Ask your caseworker if you qualify.

You Must Participate in Work Activities: Most states require you to participate in approved work activities for 30+ hours per week.

What Counts:

Paid employment (any job, any hours)
Job search and job readiness activities
Vocational training or education programs
Community service work
Work experience programs
Child care (in some states, while another parent works)

Sanctions for Non-Compliance: If you don't meet work requirements, your benefits may be reduced (partial sanction) or terminated (full sanction). Report all activities to your caseworker.

Recertification Date: Your letter states when you must renew your TANF eligibility. This is usually every 12 months, but your state may require more frequent checks.

What You Must Report:

Any income changes (job, bonus, tax refund, child support)
Changes in household (family member moves in or out)
Address changes
Changes in work activities or barriers

Timeline: Most states require you to report income changes within 10 days. Failure to report can result in overpayment and sanction.

Your Action Items

Write down your monthly amount — You'll need this for budgeting and other programs
Mark your recertification date — Put it on a calendar. Missing it can cause closure
Understand your work requirement — Know how many hours you need and what activities count
Set up direct deposit — Your payment is usually faster via direct deposit
Report changes immediately — Don't wait; report within 10 days to avoid overpayment
Keep all paperwork — Proof of work activities, receipts, and communications with your caseworker

Dr. Ed's Tip

"TANF has a lifetime limit — 60 months federal, some states shorter. Every month on TANF counts toward that clock. If you can work or get into a training program, do it. TANF is meant to be temporary, and using months wisely matters. Think of your 60 months as a runway: use it to get a job, increase your income, and build toward self-sufficiency. Don't stay on TANF longer than necessary."

If You Have Questions

Contact your TANF caseworker: The letter should list a phone number and email. Call them if you have questions about your approval, work requirements, or recertification.

Other resources: Visit 24Help.org for guides on SNAP, Medicaid, childcare assistance, and work programs that can support your path to employment.