Alabama Family Assistance

Alabama’s Family Assistance (FA) Program provides temporary financial assistance for needy families with children whose income must meet the eligibility thresholds.

To be financially eligible, families must have a net monthly income lower than the payment standards for their household size or about $344 per month for a family of three.

Under Alabama’s “Work First” approach, most adult recipients of cash assistance are required to participate in the JOBS Program, unless otherwise exempt. ¹ Failure to comply with the work requirements, without a good cause, will have their benefits reduced or revoked.

FAQ

How do I qualify for TANF in Alabama?

To qualify for TANF in Alabama, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Alabama.
Be either pregnant or be responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
Be unemployed or under employed with very low wages equal to or less than the payment standards .

What is the income limit for TANF in Alabama?

Alabama has some of the strictest income limits in the nation. To be eligible for cash benefits, a family of three must have a net countable income of $344 or less.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$264
2	$304
3	$344
4	$392
5	$440
6	$488
7	$536
8	$584

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much do I get for TANF in Alabama?

In Alabama, TANF benefits vary by household size and income. A family of three with no income may receive up to $344 per month in cash assistance.

Household Size	Payment
1	$264
2	$304
3	$344
4	$392
5	$440
6	$488
7	$536
8	$584

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

How can I apply for TANF in Alabama?

Applications for Family Assistance (FA) Program can be filed in person at the Department of Human Resources in the county where you reside ² or submitted online at OneAlabama , the latest online application portal for Alabama’s Family Assistance and JOBS program.

After your application is filed and received, an interview will be arranged to determine your family’s eligibility, either by phone or in person.

Alabama Department of Human Resources
Family Assistance Division
(334) 242-1773

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Alabama?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Alabama, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact myDHR (DHR) at (334) 242-1310 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

The JOBS Program which is DHR’s welfare to work program is operational in all 67 Alabama counties. The program provides services and work support to parents receiving cash assistance to help them find and retain employment. ↩
Use the map here to find the DHR office contact in your county ↩