Nevada TANF

Nevada TANF serves low-income families with children by providing temporary assistance and supportive services to help participants become self-sufficient.

“Assistance” can be defined as cash payments, vouchers and other benefits provided to meet a family’s basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, etc.

There are currently five different benefit programs under Nevada TANF. Two programs are considered assistance by federal definition and three are considered non-assistance programs. ¹

TANF NEON

The New Employees of Nevada (NEON) program, the state’s work program, is for needy families with work-eligible household members.

As a condition of eligibility, participants are required to create a Personal Responsibility Plan and comply with the required work-related activities.

Receipt of TANF NEON is, however, limited to 24 months only, with some exceptions for hardship cases.

TANF CHILD-ONLY

Under the Child Only program, children living with a relative, are provided cash assistance while adults in the household who are not eligible to work are not. There is no time limit associated with the receipt of TANF CHILD-ONLY.

Self Sufficiency Grant

Self-Sufficiency Grant (SSG) is a one-time lump-sum payment designed to help families with a temporary, non-recurring situation associated with employment.

Eligibility is directly aimed at families who are either starting a job and awaiting their first paycheck, or are on temporary leave from a job.

Temporary Assistance

Temporary Assistance (TA) is only available to families experiencing an unforeseen crisis situation such as a flood, earthquake, etc and is limited to no more than four months.

TANF Loan

This program provides eligible families a monthly cash payment to meet the family’s immediate basic needs only if they have a future source of income to pay off the loan. Time limits do apply.

Tribal TANF

Tribal TANF  is also available in Nevada but services are limited to members or descendants of the Washoe Tribe. The Native TANF program provides temporary aid and services to Native American families that are at risk of welfare dependency.

FAQ

How much cash assistance will I get in Nevada?

The amount of cash assistance you may receive in Nevada largely depends on your household size and countable income. For example, a family of three in Nevada with little or no income is eligible for up to $386 each month.

Do I qualify for TANF in Nevada?

To qualify for TANF in Nevada, 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 Nevada.
3. Be unemployed or under employed for very low wages.
4. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
5. Have countable income within certain limits. ²

What is the income limit for TANF in Nevada?

Parents with children whose family income is below 75% of the state’s Need Standard, about $1,666 per month for a family of three, are eligible during the initial three months.

How do I apply for TANF in Nevada?

Families wishing to apply for any TANF benefit in Nevada may submit their application through ACCESS Nevada  or in person at a local DWSS district office nearest to you.

Upon receipt of your application, an interview will be set up to review your eligibility, either in person or over the phone. An eligibility decision is usually made within 45 days from the date of your application.