Staff Contributor

What is Montana's TANF Program?

Montana's TANF program, also known as Family Assistance (FA), offers temporary financial aid to low-income families with children. It provides monthly cash benefits to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and food. The program emphasizes helping families achieve self-sufficiency through employment and education while offering support services.

 

Who Qualifies for Montana TANF?

To be eligible for Montana TANF, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or have qualified immigration status: This includes legal permanent residents and qualified aliens.
• Be a Montana resident: You must live in Montana and intend to stay in the state.
• Have dependent children: You must have at least one dependent child under 19 living with you.
• Meet income limits: Your family's gross income (including your income and any income received by dependent children) must fall below the program's income thresholds.
• Meet work requirements: There are work participation requirements for most TANF recipients.

 

Montana TANF Income Level Limits

Here's a breakdown of the income limits for TANF eligibility in Montana (effective January 1, 2024):

Family Size	Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1 person (adult and 1 child)	$1,813
2 people (adult and 2 children)	$2,417
3 people (adult and 3 children)	$3,021
4 people (adult and 4 children)	$3,625
For families with 5 or more children, add ~$604 per additional child.

Important Note: Income limits are subject to change. Be sure to visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) website for the most up-to-date information: https://dphhs.mt.gov/

 

Montana TANF Monthly Payment Standard

The exact amount of your TANF benefit will be determined during your application process and is based on your family size, specific needs, and housing situation (living in subsidized housing can affect benefits). Here's a table outlining the maximum monthly benefit amounts for Montana TANF:

Family Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit (Private Housing)	Maximum Monthly Benefit (Subsidized Housing)
1 person (adult and 1 child)	$445	$338
2 people (adult and 2 children)	$533	$406
3 people (adult and 3 children)	$621	$474
4 people (adult and 4 children)	$709	$542
5 people (adult and 5 children)	$797	$610
For families with 6 or more children, add ~$88 per additional child.	~$70 per additional child

Additional Notes:

• The table shows the highest benefit amounts for each family size and housing situation. Your actual benefit amount may be lower depending on your circumstances.
• Montana TANF offers a small housing supplement in addition to the base benefit amount for families living in private housing.

 

What Does Montana TANF Offer Beyond Cash Assistance?

• Job Training and Education: The program connects you with job training or educational opportunities to develop skills and qualifications for better-paying jobs. This can help you achieve long-term financial stability.
• Childcare Assistance: Montana TANF can help cover childcare costs so you can focus on work or training activities without childcare worries.
• Support Services: The DPHHS collaborates with community organizations to offer additional support services, such as:
  • Food Banks and Pantries
  • Housing Assistance
  • Health Insurance Assistance

 

Getting Started with Montana TANF

If you're a single mom facing financial hardship, Montana TANF can be a valuable resource. Here's how to get started:

1. In person: Visit your local Office of Public Assistance. You can find the office nearest you by calling 1-888-706-1535 or visiting the DPHHS website: [invalid URL removed].

2. By mail: Call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 and request a Montana TANF application to be mailed to you.

3. Online: You can complete the Montana TANF application online at https://apply.mt.gov/.

4. Over the phone: Call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 to initiate the application process over the phone.

Additional Tips:

• Gather any documents you may need beforehand, such as proof of income, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of residency in Montana.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your household composition, income, and expenses.
• A caseworker can help you complete the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) TANF webpage: https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanf
• Benefits.gov TANF information for Montana: https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanf

Warning:  This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.