Oregon TANF

Oregon TANF offers temporary cash assistance to Oregon’s neediest families with children up to age 18 as well as pregnant women with very few assets and little or no income.

Cash assistance is intended to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and utilities while they work toward self-sufficiency.

As a condition of eligibility, all TANF recipients must participate in the JOBS ¹ employment and training program for a minimum average of 30 hours of work-related activities per week, unless otherwise exempt.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TANF in Oregon?

To be eligible for TANF in Oregon, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the state of Oregon.
3. Be responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
5. Have income and assets below TANF limits .

What is the income limit for TANF in Oregon?

According to Oregon DHS, a family is considered “needy” when their net countable income is less than $611 per month for a family of three.

How much TANF can I get in Oregon?

To qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets with little or no income. The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three with no income is $506.

A clothing allowance is also available for families receiving TANF. As long as a family remains eligible, a total of $270 in clothing assistance is loaded onto their EBT card in May, August, and November. ²

This allowance is issued as a separate, non-recurrent short-term payment intended to help with seasonal clothing needs for children.

How long can I get TANF in Oregon?

TANF cash assistance is intended to be a temporary means of support. Under the current law, Oregon limits receipt of TANF assistance to a lifetime total of 60 months.

How do I apply for TANF in Oregon?

You can apply for TANF through Oregon ONE , or in person at your local DHS Self-sufficiency office . Once your application is received, a case worker will arrange an “intake appointment” to determine your eligibility.

If you are eligible, you will receive an electronic EBT card, known as “Oregon Trail Card”, that is preloaded monthly with cash benefits.

Oregon Department of Human Services
Self-Sufficiency Programs / ONE Customer Service
(800) 699-9075

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Oregon, 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 ONE (ODHS) at (800) 699-9075 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.