Idaho, ID

Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) #

Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides monthly cash assistance and work preparation services for low-income families with children in Idaho.

The aim is to provide necessary assistance to neediest families with children on a temporary basis — up to a lifetime limit of 24 months only.

Eligible families may receive a maximum of $309 per month, regardless of family size. Actual benefit 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 now be done online through 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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

Idaho SNAP helps tens of thousands of Idaho families put healthy food on the table each month — the majority of which are in families with children.

SNAP benefits are available to families whose income is equal to or below 130% of the poverty guideline. For a family of three with no income, that's about $740 per month.

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 SNAP in Idaho?

Application for SNAP can be done online through IdaLink or in person at the closest DHW field office. 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.

Medicaid in Idaho, also called Idaho Health Plan Coverage, offers three different benefit plans based on your healthcare needs.

Basic Plan #

This plan provides health, prevention, and wellness benefits for adults in generally good health, without disabilities or special health needs.

It covers annual physicals, immunizations, most prescriptions, doctor and hospital visits, and more. Most participants will be in this benefit plan.

Enhanced Plan #

This plan is for people with more complex needs and medical conditions, disabilities or special health needs, and people over the age of 65. It comes with all the benefits of the Basic Plan, plus additional benefits.

Coordinated Plan #

This plan is specifically designed for individuals who are eligible and enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual eligibles.

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.

What is the income threshold for Medicaid in Idaho?

As Idaho is expanding Medicaid, eligibility now includes children age 6-18, pregnant women, and adults up to age 64 with family income up to 138% of FPL. Newborns and children under age 5 qualify with income up to 147% of FPL.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

Can I apply for Idaho Medicaid online?

Application for Medicaid can be done online via IdaLink or alternatively, over the phone 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 are not limited to, well-child visits, doctor visits, prescriptions, immunizations, dental and vision care, hospitalization, among others.

What is the income limit for Idaho Health Plan?

In Idaho, children with family income up to 190% of poverty are eligible for Idaho Heath Plan. That's about $47,230 a year for a family of three.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $27,700
• 2 $37,470
• 3 $47,230
• 4 $57,000
• 5 $66,770
• 6 $76,530
• 7 $86,300
• 8 $96,060

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

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) #

Idaho 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. Authorized foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, milk, eggs, juice, peanut butter, cheese, beans, and baby food.

WIC services are provided by the seven Idaho public health districts and two Native American health agencies.

What is the income limit for WIC in Idaho?

Women, infants, and children in Idaho with gross monthly income under 185% of the poverty level are eligible for WIC assistance.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How much do I get for WIC in Idaho?

The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $64 of healthy foods per month. WIC is accepted in 200 Idaho grocery stores.

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 families by paying for a portion of child care, and parents co-pay for the remaining cost.

ICCP serves families in Idaho with children under the age of 13 or over 13 if a child has a disability 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).

Eligibility is based on the family income and the amount of hours the parents are working, in school, or participating in approved activities.

Most parents will have to pay a portion of the child care, called a “copay or copayment,” and any child care amounts exceeding the program limit.

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) #

Idaho LIHEAP provides eligible households in Idaho with a one-time benefit towards the utility used to provide heat during the winter season — up to $1,218 per household.

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 October 1 through March 31 each year, depending on funding availability.

For additional details on how to apply, call
1-800-326-4843.

Idaho Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Idaho LIHWAP offers a one-time crisis benefit up to $1,500 to help qualified households pay their water and wastewater past due utility bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections.

Households eligible for LIHEAP meet the eligibility requirements for LIHWAP as well, which includes an annual income being at or below 60% of the current State Median Income.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Idaho?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you may apply either online at Idaho LIHEAP or in person at the local agency that serves your county.

Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) #

Idaho's 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.

What are the income guidelines for weatherization in Idaho?

Idaho WAP serves low-income households whose monthly income is at or below 200% of the poverty line. That's about $4,143 for a family of three.

Priority is given to the most vulnerable households — families with young children, elderly, and disabled.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,430
• 2 $3,287
• 3 $4,143
• 4 $5,000
• 5 $5,857
• 6 $6,713
• 7 $7,570
• 8 $8,427

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 #

Idaho Unemployment Insurance (UI) 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 ½ 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