STATEDistrictTANF

District of Columbia TANF

TANF provides temporary cash assistance to needy families with children. Only families with very low-incomes are eligible to apply for District’s TANF program.

Apart from cash assistance, the District 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 is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than or equal to $941 a month for a family of three. The limit for countable resources is $3,000.

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

Family Size
Income Limit
1
$650
2
$772
3
$941
4
$1,116
5
$1,264
6
$1,458
7
$1,649
8
$1,804

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 $781, regardless of how long the family has been in the TANF program. 2

Family Size
Payment
1
$490
2
$612
3
$781
4
$956
5
$1,104
6
$1,298
7
$1,489
8
$1,644

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.

How long can I receive TANF in DC?

There is no time limit to how long a family can receive TANF in District. As of October 1, 2017, DC eliminated the 60-month time limit for families who receive TANF.

Eligible families in District may receive TANF longer than the 60-month lifetime cap on benefits.

How do I get TANF in DC?

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

To locate your nearest ESA Service Center, call
(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

Footnotes

  1. The Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) lists your goals, and career interests, and the steps needed to achieve self sufficiency. You are required to complete the activities in your IRP, which may include going to work or attending school. ↩

  2. Prior to 2018, the benefit for a family of three over 60 months is only $154 per month. ↩

DistrictSNAP