Staff Contributor

Who is Eligible?

TANF is open to low-income families with children. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

• Virginia residency: You and your children must be residents of Virginia.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or qualified alien status is required.
• Dependent child: You must have a child under 18 years old living with you, or a child 18-19 who is enrolled in high school and meeting attendance requirements.
• Income limits: Your family income must fall below a certain level. Specific limits are set based on family size.

 

Virginia TANF Income Level Limits

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all income limit for TANF. The eligibility is based on your gross monthly income compared to the family size. For instance, a family of three (one adult and two children) cannot have a monthly gross income exceeding $2,293. You can find the exact income limits by contacting your local Department of Social Services (LDSS) or visiting their website.

 

Virginia TANF Monthly Payment Standard

The amount of financial assistance you receive through TANF depends on your family size. Here's a table outlining the standard monthly benefit amounts:

Family Size	Monthly TANF Benefit
1 adult, 1 child	$347
1 adult, 2 children	$430
1 adult, 3 children	$513
Each additional child	$83

 

Steps to Apply for Virginia TANF

There are three ways to apply for TANF in Virginia:

1. Online: Apply through the Virginia CommonHelp application portal at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/.
2. Phone: Call the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-855-635-4370 to request a paper application.
3. In-person: Visit your local LDSS office and apply in person.

 

Additional Resources

Here are some resources for more information on Virginia TANF:

• Virginia Department of Social Services TANF program page: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/tanf/
• Benefits.gov Virginia TANF page: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/tanf/

 

Remember, TANF is a temporary financial assistance program. While it can provide much-needed support during challenging times, it's also designed to help recipients achieve long-term financial stability. The LDSS can connect you with resources and programs to help you find employment, receive job training, and reach your financial goals.

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.