2026 TANF Cash Assistance Benefits by State
Last updated: January 2026 | Source: HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. Benefits vary widely by state. California provides up to $925 per month for a family of three, while Mississippi provides around $170. Most states have a 60-month lifetime limit.
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Check My EligibilityTANF Maximum Monthly Benefits by State
The table below shows the maximum monthly TANF cash benefit for a family of three, the local program name, and the lifetime limit in months for each state.
| State | Local Program Name | Max Monthly Benefit (Family of 3) | Lifetime Limit (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Family Assistance (FA) Program | Varies | 60 |
| Alaska | Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) | $923 | 60 |
| Arizona | Cash Assistance | Varies | 12 |
| Arkansas | Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) | Varies | 24 |
| California | CalWORKs | $925 | 60 |
| Colorado | Colorado Works | Varies | 60 |
| Connecticut | Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) | $698 | 60 |
| Delaware | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| District Of Columbia | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Florida | TCA | Varies | 48 |
| Georgia | TANF | Varies | 48 |
| Hawaii | TANF | $610 | 60 |
| Idaho | TAFI | Varies | 24 |
| Illinois | TANF | $520 | 60 |
| Indiana | TANF | Varies | 24 |
| Iowa | FIP | Varies | 60 |
| Kansas | Successful Families | Varies | 24 |
| Kentucky | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Louisiana | FITAP | Varies | 60 |
| Maine | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Maryland | Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) | $727 | 60 |
| Massachusetts | TAFDC | $633 | 24 |
| Michigan | Family Independence Program (FIP) | $492 | 60 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) | $532 | 60 |
| Mississippi | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Missouri | Temporary Assistance (TA) | Varies | 60 |
| Montana | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Nebraska | Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) | Varies | 60 |
| Nevada | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| New Hampshire | Financial Assistance for Needy Families (FANF) | $675 | 60 |
| New Jersey | Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) | $424 | 60 |
| New Mexico | NMWorks | Varies | 60 |
| New York | Family Assistance / Safety Net Assistance | $789 | 60 |
| North Carolina | Work First Family Assistance | Varies | 24 |
| North Dakota | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Ohio | Ohio Works First (OWF) | $428 | 36 |
| Oklahoma | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Oregon | TANF Cash Benefits | $506 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | TANF Cash Assistance | $403 | 60 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Works | $554 | 60 |
| South Carolina | Family Independence (FI) Program | Varies | 60 |
| South Dakota | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Tennessee | Families First (TANF) | Varies | 60 |
| Texas | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Utah | Family Employment Program (FEP) | Varies | 36 |
| Vermont | Reach Up | $699 | 60 |
| Virginia | TANF | Varies | 60 |
| Washington | TANF | $569 | 60 |
| West Virginia | WV Works | Varies | 60 |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Works (W-2) | $653 | 60 |
| Wyoming | POWER | Varies | 60 |
Benefits shown are maximum amounts for a family of 3 with no other income. Actual benefits may be lower based on household income and other factors. States marked 'Varies' have benefit amounts not listed here.
Source: HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Key Facts About TANF
- Federal block grant: TANF is funded through a $16.5 billion annual block grant to states, unchanged since 1996.
- Work requirements: Most TANF recipients must participate in work activities for at least 30 hours per week (20 hours for single parents with children under 6).
- Time limits: Federal law sets a 60-month lifetime limit, but states can set shorter limits or grant hardship extensions.
- State flexibility: Each state designs its own program, setting benefit levels, eligibility rules, and program names.
- Declining caseloads: TANF serves far fewer families than the old AFDC program. Only about 21 out of every 100 families in poverty receive TANF cash assistance nationally.
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Check My EligibilityFrequently Asked Questions
What is TANF and who qualifies?
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is a federal program that provides cash assistance to low-income families with dependent children. Eligibility varies by state but generally requires having children under 18, meeting income limits, and participating in work activities or job training.
How long can you receive TANF benefits?
Under federal law, families can receive TANF-funded assistance for a maximum of 60 months (5 years) over their lifetime. However, some states set shorter limits. For example, some states limit benefits to 24 or 48 months. States may also grant hardship extensions beyond the federal limit for up to 20% of their caseload.
How much does TANF pay per month?
TANF benefit amounts vary widely by state. For a family of three, maximum monthly benefits range from around $170 in Mississippi to $925 in California. The national median is approximately $500 per month. Benefits depend on family size, income, and state-specific rules.
What is the difference between TANF and welfare?
TANF is the current form of cash welfare in the United States, replacing the older AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) program in 1996. Each state runs its own TANF program under a different local name, such as CalWORKs in California or TAFDC in Massachusetts. TANF includes work requirements and time limits that AFDC did not have.
Can I receive TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF and SNAP (food stamps) are separate programs, and receiving one does not disqualify you from the other. In fact, many TANF recipients also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs. Applying for TANF through your local office will often connect you with these additional benefits.