Two cash assistance programs serve very different populations in the U.S. safety net. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is a federal block grant program that provides cash to low-income families with children. General Assistance (GA) is a state or county-funded program that catches people who fall through the cracks of federal programs, most often single adults without children. If you are trying to figure out which one applies to your situation, the answer almost always comes down to one question: do you have dependent children in your household?
Use the free eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA.org to check which programs you may qualify for based on your income, household size, and state.
What Is TANF?
TANF was created in 1996 when Congress replaced the older AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) program. It is funded through a federal block grant, and each state receives a fixed amount of funding to run its own cash assistance program. Because states design their own rules within federal guidelines, benefit amounts, time limits, and work requirements vary significantly from state to state.
The federal government sets a handful of firm rules. Adults receiving benefits must engage in work activities within 24 months of receiving assistance, and states must ensure that a certain percentage of their caseload is meeting work participation requirements. The federal lifetime limit is 60 months of cash assistance per family, though states can set shorter limits.
Who Qualifies for TANF?
Federal law requires that families must include a child under 18 (or 19 if a full-time high school student) to receive TANF cash assistance. Beyond that, states set their own income and asset limits.
General eligibility rules include:
- A dependent child under 18 must live in the household (or a pregnant woman in some states)
- U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status
- State residency
- Income and assets below state-set limits
- Willingness to comply with work requirements (for most adults)
- Children must be attending school (in most states)
The income limits for TANF are typically very low. Most states set the income cutoff well below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some states cut off eligibility at 50% FPL or even lower. This means a family earning even a modest income may not qualify.
TANF Benefit Amounts by State
Benefit amounts vary dramatically depending on where you live. The following table shows maximum monthly TANF benefits for a family of three (one parent, two children) with no other income, based on 2024-2025 data.
| State | Max Monthly Benefit (Family of 3) | % of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | approximately $1,243 | approximately 60% FPL |
| California | approximately $1,122 | approximately 55% FPL |
| Alaska | approximately $1,127 | approximately 45% FPL |
| Massachusetts | approximately $1,172 | approximately 57% FPL |
| Washington | approximately $893 | approximately 43% FPL |
| New York | approximately $789 | approximately 38% FPL |
| Ohio | approximately $536 | approximately 26% FPL |
| Florida | approximately $303 | approximately 15% FPL |
| Texas | approximately $112 to $300 | approximately 6-15% FPL |
| Mississippi | approximately $170 | approximately 8% FPL |
| Arkansas | approximately $204 | approximately 10% FPL |
| Georgia | approximately $280 | approximately 14% FPL |
Source: National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) 50-State TANF Comparison, 2024.
The national average monthly TANF benefit for a family of three with no other income was approximately $545 as of 2023-2024. States in the South consistently offer the lowest benefit amounts in the country.
TANF Work Requirements
Most adults receiving TANF must participate in approved work activities. Federal rules require at least 30 hours per week for most parents (20 hours per week for single parents with a child under 6). Approved activities include:
- Paid employment
- Job search and job readiness assistance
- On-the-job training
- Vocational education (limited)
- Community service programs
- Work experience programs
States can exempt certain adults, such as parents caring for a child under a certain age or adults with a documented disability. But exemptions vary by state and are not automatic.
TANF Time Limits
The federal maximum is 60 months (5 years) of lifetime cash assistance. Some states impose stricter limits. Arizona limits benefits to 12 months. Florida caps benefits at 48 months. Georgia caps at 48 months. After reaching the time limit, a family loses cash assistance even if they still meet income requirements.
What Is General Assistance?
General Assistance (GA) is a state or county-funded safety net for people who do not qualify for federal programs like TANF or SSI. Unlike TANF, there is no federal funding or uniform national standard. Each state, and in some cases each county, sets its own rules, benefit levels, and eligibility criteria.
The program goes by different names depending on the state. Common names include:
- General Assistance (GA)
- General Relief (GR) -- used in California counties
- State Supplemental Assistance
- Home Relief (New York)
- Emergency Assistance
Who Does General Assistance Serve?
GA programs primarily exist to help adults who do not have dependent children. This is the population that TANF explicitly excludes. Single adults, childless couples, and individuals waiting for SSI determinations are the most common recipients.
As of recent data, about 26 states and Washington, D.C. operate some form of General Assistance program. The other states offer no equivalent state or local cash assistance for adults without children.
Within states that have GA programs, eligibility often falls into two categories:
- Unemployable adults. People with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working, who have not yet qualified for SSI or SSDI. Many states limit GA exclusively to this group.
- Employable childless adults. People who are able-bodied but cannot find work. Only about half of states with GA programs extend benefits to this group at all.
General Assistance Benefit Amounts
GA benefits are intentionally modest. In nearly every state, the maximum GA benefit falls below half of the federal poverty level for a single individual. In many states, it falls below one-quarter of the poverty line.
| State | Program Name | Approximate Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| California (varies by county) | General Relief | $245 to $620 per month |
| Los Angeles County, CA | General Relief | approximately $345/month |
| San Francisco, CA | General Assistance | approximately $620/month |
| New York | Home Relief | approximately $300 to $400/month |
| New Jersey | General Public Assistance | $185/month (employable), up to $382/month (disabled couple) |
| Connecticut | State Supplement | $55 to $219/month |
| Minnesota | General Assistance | approximately $203 to $350/month |
| Washington | Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) | varies by individual |
These figures are approximate and change over time. Contact your county or state social services office for current amounts.
TANF vs General Assistance: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TANF | General Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Funding source | Federal block grant (state co-funded) | State and/or county funded only |
| Available in all states? | Yes, all 50 states + DC | No, approximately 26 states + DC |
| Primary population served | Families with dependent children | Single adults, childless adults |
| Children required? | Yes, in most cases | No |
| Typical income limit | Very low, often 50% FPL or below | Very low, varies by state |
| Typical monthly benefit | $112 to $1,243 depending on state | $55 to $620 depending on location |
| Federal time limit | 60 months lifetime | None (set by state; varies) |
| Work requirements | Yes, federal work participation rules | Varies by state program |
| Asset limits? | Yes, varies by state | Yes, varies by state |
| Application location | State TANF office or DSS/DHS | County or state social services office |
Which Program Should You Apply For?
The path is fairly straightforward based on your household:
Apply for TANF if:
- You have a child under 18 in your household
- Your income is at or near poverty level
- You are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- You are willing to meet work requirements
Apply for General Assistance if:
- You are a single adult or childless couple
- You do not qualify for TANF, SSI, or SSDI
- Your state offers a GA program
- You have very low or no income
If you are unsure which programs apply to your situation, use the free screener at BenefitsUSA.org. It checks eligibility across multiple programs at once based on your specific household and income.
How to Apply for TANF
- Find your state TANF office. Each state has its own agency. Search "[your state] TANF application" or visit your state's Department of Social Services or Human Services website.
- Gather documents. You will typically need proof of identity, proof of residency, birth certificates for any children, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), and proof of any assets (bank statements).
- Submit an application. Most states allow online applications. Some also accept paper applications by mail or in person.
- Complete an interview. Most states require a phone or in-person interview as part of the approval process.
- Respond to requests quickly. Agencies often send requests for additional documentation. Delays in responding can slow down or stop your application.
- Create a personal responsibility plan. Many states require applicants to sign an agreement outlining work activities and program expectations.
Processing times vary, but most states must make a determination within 30 to 45 days of receiving a complete application.
How to Apply for General Assistance
- Check if your state has a program. Not all states offer GA. Search "[your state] General Assistance program" or "[your county] General Relief."
- Contact your county social services office. Because GA is often administered at the county level, the local office is your starting point. In California, this means contacting your county Department of Social Services.
- Gather documents. You will typically need ID, proof of income, proof of residency, and documentation of any disability or inability to work if that is part of the eligibility criteria.
- Apply in person or online. Many GA programs require an in-person application, though some counties have added online options.
- Complete any required assessments. Some GA programs require applicants to demonstrate they applied for SSI or other benefits first, or to complete an employability assessment.
- Respond to all notices. GA benefits may be short-term or require regular recertification. Stay on top of renewal deadlines.
Other Cash and Income Programs to Consider
If you do not qualify for TANF or General Assistance, other programs may provide income support or reduce your monthly expenses:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Federal cash assistance for adults with disabilities or adults over 65 with very low income. No children required.
- SNAP (food stamps): Reduces food costs for low-income households. Separate from cash programs. Eligibility is broader than TANF.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A tax credit for low and moderate income workers. Provides a lump sum refund at tax time.
- WIC: Nutrition support for pregnant women and children under 5.
- LIHEAP: Helps with heating and cooling bills.
- State-specific programs: Many states have additional cash or near-cash programs. Use the screener to check what is available in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get both TANF and General Assistance at the same time?
Generally no. GA programs are designed for people who do not qualify for TANF. If you qualify for TANF, you would typically be directed to apply for that program rather than GA. In some limited circumstances, a household with children might receive GA for a non-child adult member while receiving TANF for the child, but rules vary by state.
Does TANF count as income when applying for other programs?
TANF cash benefits are generally counted as income when determining eligibility for other means-tested programs. For example, TANF would be counted toward your gross income when applying for SNAP, though SNAP has its own income calculation rules and deductions.
What happens when TANF time limits run out?
When you hit your state's time limit (or the federal 60-month limit), cash benefits stop. Children in the household may still be eligible for other programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Some states offer state-only funded extensions for certain hardship cases. Contact your state agency before you hit the limit to discuss options.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get TANF or General Assistance?
For TANF, you must be a U.S. citizen or a "qualified immigrant" as defined by federal law. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses may qualify, though some immigrants must wait 5 years after receiving qualified status before they are eligible for federal benefits. For General Assistance, rules vary by state, and some state-funded programs have more flexible immigration requirements than federal programs.
What are the work requirements for TANF?
Federal work participation rules require most adult TANF recipients to engage in approved work activities for 30 hours per week (20 hours for single parents with a child under age 6). States must meet minimum work participation rates across their caseloads, which drives enforcement. Common exemptions include caring for a very young child, having a disability, or being in domestic violence situations. Check your specific state's rules for details.
Does General Assistance have work requirements?
This depends entirely on your state and sometimes your county. Some GA programs require able-bodied recipients to participate in job search activities or community service. Others focus GA on people who are unable to work and have minimal or no requirements for that population. Ask your local social services office about requirements when you apply.
How long does it take to get approved for TANF?
Processing times vary by state, but federal law requires states to process TANF applications within 30 to 45 days. Some states process faster for families with immediate needs. If you have an emergency, ask about emergency or expedited processing options.
My state does not have a General Assistance program. What are my options?
If you are a single adult without children and your state has no GA program, your main federal cash options are SSI or SSDI (if you have a qualifying disability). You may also qualify for SNAP, which has broader eligibility. Local charities, community action agencies, and emergency assistance funds may also help bridge gaps. Use the benefits screener to see what programs are available in your state.
Understanding the difference between TANF and General Assistance helps you know where to start. Families with children generally start with TANF. Single adults without children need to find out whether their state has a GA program. Either way, checking your eligibility across multiple programs at once is the fastest way to find help. The free screener at BenefitsUSA.org can do that in a few minutes.
