Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What is TANF?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to help meet basic needs while working toward self-sufficiency.
Child Eligibility Requirements
For a child to be eligible for TANF, the child must:
- Be under age 18, or
- Be 18 years old and expected to graduate from high school before age 19
- Attend school regularly if between the ages of 5 and 18
- Live with a parent or other eligible relative
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant
Program Administration
Virginia’s TANF program is administered in accordance with §63.2 of the Code of Virginia, as well as applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies established by the State Board of Social Services.
Focus on Personal Responsibility
Virginia’s TANF program emphasizes personal responsibility and employment preparation. To support this goal, participants may receive services such as:
- Job skills and job readiness training
- Work experience opportunities
- Child care assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Other work-related support services
These services are intended to help families move toward long-term stability and independence.
Additional Eligibility Information
- A child is not eligible for TANF if the child is born to or adopted by a TANF recipient more than 10 months after TANF benefits begin.
- Child support collected by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) for an eligible child is sent directly to the family and does not count as income when determining TANF eligibility.