Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI)

Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides monthly cash assistance and work preparation services for needy families with kids in Idaho.

TAFI is designed to provide temporary cash assistance. Monthly cash benefits are provided to eligible families up to a lifetime limit of 24 months.

Once the standard 24-month limit has been reached, Extended Cash Assistance (ECA) may be provided for up to an additional 36 months to families who meet special conditions, such as disability, incapacity, or other hardship as defined under ECA criteria.

FAQ

How do I qualify for TAFI in Idaho?

To qualify for TAFI in Idaho, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the state of Idaho.
3. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
5. Meet income limit guidelines.¹
6. Participate in the Employment and Training (E&T) Program ² for a specified number of hours per week.

What is the income limit for TANF in Idaho?

In Idaho, a family of three is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than $389 per month. The limit for countable resources is $5,000.

How much is cash assistance in Idaho?

Families in Idaho with little or no income receive a maximum of $309 per month, regardless of family size — up to the lifetime limit of 24 months.

How do I apply for TANF in Idaho?

Applications for TAFI can now be done online through the IdaLink  which is the official self-service portal for residents of Idaho to apply for public assistance from the comfort of their home.

Before the application can be approved, applicants will be required to engage in job search activities, unless otherwise exempt.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Self-Reliance Benefits Assistance
(877) 456-1233

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Idaho, 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 idalink (DHW) at (877) 456-1233 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Who qualifies for AABD?

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.

Eligible individuals will receive a small payment each month to help with everyday living expenses — capped at $53 per person.

To apply for AABD Cash Assistance in Idaho, you may:

• Call (877) 456-1233 for an interviw
• Visit a local Department of Health and Welfare office
• Apply online at IdaLink