Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) #
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides monthly cash assistance and work preparation services for families with kids in Idaho. The aim is to provide necessary assistance to needy families with children on a temporary basis.
Eligible families receive a maximum of $309 per month for up to a lifetime limit of 24 months. The actual amounts are based on the family’s unique household circumstances, such as income and resources.
How do I apply for TANF in Idaho?
Application for TAFI can be done online via IdaLink — the official self-service portal for residents of Idaho to apply for public assistance from the comfort of their home.
The Aid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) Program, the other cash assistance under TANF, provides a certain amount of cash each month for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Idaho Food Stamp Program #
Idaho Food Stamp Program helped put food on the table for approximately 128,000 Idahoans in 2022 — nearly a third were in families with children.
SNAP benefits are available to families whose total income is equal to or below 130% of the poverty guideline. The average SNAP recipient receives about $115 per month or $408 for families with children.
Eligible households will be issued an Idaho Quest Card which can be used instead of cash to purchase food items at one of the 1,100 authorized retail locations around the state.
How do I apply for food stamps in Idaho?
Application for SNAP can be done online via IdaLink. After your application is received and reviewed, you will be contacted for an eligibility interview.
Idaho Medicaid #
Idaho Medicaid is a health care coverage for low-income Idahoans who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children.
It covers a broad range of people, including children under age 19, pregnant women, elderly people and single parents whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.
As Idaho is expanding Medicaid, eligibility now includes children ages 6-18, pregnant women, and adults up to age 64 with family income up to 138% of FPL.
Idaho Medicaid offers three different plans:
Basic #
This plan provides health, prevention, and wellness benefits for adults who do not have special health needs. This plan includes annual physicals, immunizations, most prescriptions, doctor and hospital visits, and more.
Enhanced #
This plan is for individuals with disabilities or special health needs. This plan has all the benefits of the Basic Plan, plus additional benefits.
Coordinated #
This plan is specifically designed for individuals who are eligible and enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. It offers all the advantages of the Enhanced Plan while also providing the option to enroll in a managed care plan. This helps in coordinating the benefits of both Medicare and Medicaid.
Can I apply for Idaho Medicaid Online?
Application for Medicaid, also called Idaho Health Plan Coverage, can be done online via IdaLink or alternatively, by calling the Department of Health and Welfare at 1-877-456-1233.
Idaho Health Plan (CHIP) #
Idaho Health Plan provides comprehensive health care to uninsured children through the age of 18 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage.
Coverage includes, but not limited to, well-child visits, doctor visits, prescriptions, immunizations, dental and vision care, hospitalization, among others.
In Idaho, children with family incomes up to 190% of poverty are eligible for Idaho Heath Plan. There may be a small monthly premium for coverage — $10 or $15, depending on income, for each child enrolled in CHIP.
To determine eligibility for CHIP, contact
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
1-877-456-1233
Idaho Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) #
WIC is a short-term intervention program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children up to age 5. It does this by providing nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services to families who qualify.
Women, infants, and children in Idaho whose gross income falls below certain limits are eligible for WIC assistance.
How much do you get for WIC in Idaho?
The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $57 of healthy foods per month.
How to apply for WIC in Idaho?
WIC has local offices all over Idaho. Find your local WIC Clinic to set up your first appointment or call 2-1-1 to find the WIC office nearest you.
Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) #
Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provides child care assistance to low-income, working families by paying for a portion of child care, and parents co-pay for the remaining cost.
Child care assistance is available to parents in Idaho who are income eligible and are working or going to college.
Priority is given to families already receiving Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI).
The amount of assistance a family may receive from ICCP is based on income, the amount of hours the parents are working, in school, or participating in approved activities.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Idaho?
Call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-456-1233 and ask for assistance on how to sign up for the ICCP program or visit IdahoSTARS.org to find approved, quality child care providers near you.
Idaho Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households in Idaho with a one-time benefit towards the utility used to provide heat during the winter.
Eligibility is based on income and benefit amounts are determined by the household’s historical energy usage. Households with the elderly or disabled or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Idaho?
Application for LIHEAP can be made online and is available November 1 through March 31 each year, depending on funding availability.
For additional details on how to apply, call
1-800-326-4843.
Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) #
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
Services may include, but are not limited to, insulation of attics and walls, heating system repairs or replacement, installation of energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators, among others.
Idaho WAP serves low-income households whose household income is at or below 200% of the poverty line. Priority is given to the most vulnerable households — families with young children, elderly, and disabled.
How do I apply for WAP in Idaho?
To apply for weatherization assistance, contact the local CAP Agency in your area for further information on program requirements and application procedures.
Idaho Unemployment Insurance #
Unemployment insurance provides temporary financial assistance to laid-off workers in Idaho, while they are looking for a new job — up to 21 weeks of benefits.
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, claimants must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work each week that they file a claim for benefits.
The current range for unemployment weekly benefits in Idaho runs from $72 per week to a maximum of $499 per week.
How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Idaho?
You may file your weekly claim online at the Idaho Claimant Portal. If you do not have Internet access or need help filing online, you may do so at your nearest local Idaho Department of Labor office.
Payment will be available about two and a half weeks after you submit your application for benefits.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship #
The Idaho Legislature established the Opportunity Scholarship to assist low-income, talented students who are “at-risk” of failing to obtain a college education.
The scholarship provides up to $3,500 a year for a maximum of four (4) years. Students can use the Opportunity Scholarship at any public Idaho institution and BYU-Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, and College of Idaho.
Applicants for the opportunity scholarship are selected on the basis of demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA and their cumulative GPA.
For additional information, contact
Joy Miller
Scholarships Program Manager
208-332-1595