District of Columbia TANF

TANF provides temporary cash assistance to very low-income families with children, along with a suite of services to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Apart from direct cash payments, the program provides job training, job readiness, child care, tuition assistance, case management, and other supportive services.

A central component of the District’s TANF program is its emphasis on “self-sufficiency through work”. For this reason, all work-eligible families are expected to participate in work activities as a condition of receiving cash benefits, or face reductions in benefits.

FAQ

How do I qualify for TANF in DC?

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

1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the District of Columbia.
3. Be pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
4. Meet income limit based on household size 
5. Complete orientation and assessment through the Office of Work Opportunity (OWO) and
6. Develop an Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP). ¹

What is the income limit for TANF in DC?

In District, a family of three is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than or equal to $963 per month. The limit for countable resources is $3,000.

The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below.

If a family has child care costs, there is a maximum monthly income limit increase by $175 per child age 2 or over, and $200 per child under the age of two.

How much is TANF in DC?

Currently, the monthly TANF benefit for a family of three in District with little or no income is $803, regardless of how long the family has been in the program. ²

When you get a job and keep it for at least two weeks you will receive a bonus of $150, and an additional bonus of $500 if you keep your job for six months.

In addition to cash assistance, the District of Columbia also provides a $200 child support pass-through payment  to eligible families. This payment is made directly to the custodial parent.

How long can I receive TANF in DC?

There is no time limit to how long a family can receive TANF in the District of Columbia. As of April 1, 2018, DC eliminated the lifetime limit for families receiving TANF.

Families may receive benefits beyond the federal 60-month lifetime limit as long as they continue to meet income requirements and work participation rules.

How do I get TANF in DC?

You must apply for TANF in person at your nearest Economic Security Administration (ESA) Service Center.³ An interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility.

DC Department of Human Services
ESA Benefits Call Center
(202) 727-5355

Applications are also accepted online through District Direct , via mobile application , or through the mail to:

Department of Human Services
Economic Security Administration
Case Record Management Unit
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, DC 20090

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in DC, 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 DC Access (DHS) at (202) 727-5355 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.