TEXAS TANF

Texas TANF provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children as well as the parents or grandparents with whom they are living.

In Texas, TANF serves only very poor families with children. An adult without children is not eligible to receive cash assistance.

As the focus of TANF is self-sufficiency through work, families who receive cash assistance are required to work a specified number of hours each week to maintain eligibility.

FAQ

Who qualifies for TANF in Texas?

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

Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Texas.
Be responsible for a child age 18 and younger.
Be unemployed or under employed with very low wages.
Meet income and resource limits .

What is the income limit for TANF in Texas?

Texas has some of the most stringent TANF eligibility in the country. Eligibility is limited to very low-income families with assets not exceeding $1,000 and countable income of not more than $188 per month for a single parent or caretaker with two children.

The following chart shows the amount of money (income) a person or family may earn and still be eligible for the program.

Household Size	Income Limit
2	$163
3	$188
4	$226
5	$251
6	$288
7	$313
8	$356

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much money do I get from TANF in Texas?

In Texas, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $388 per month.

Household Size	Payment
2	$336
3	$388
4	$466
5	$517
6	$595
7	$646
8	$735

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $388 per month in cash benefits. For child-only cases, the benefits are typically lesser.

How much is a one time TANF payment in Texas?

One-Time TANF (OTTANF) of up to $1,000 in cash is also available for families in crisis, including losing a job, losing a home, or a medical emergency. However, this lump-sum cash payment can be given only once in a 12-month period to eligible families.

Under One-Time TANF for Relatives , Texas also allows certain relatives (other than parents) a once-in-a-lifetime payment of up to $1,000 for taking care of one or more related children.

How long can I receive TANF in Texas?

TANF is intended to be a temporary means of support while families work towards self-sufficiency. Under the law, Texas limits receipt of TANF cash assistance to a total of 60 months.

How do I apply for TANF in Texas?

Applications for TANF can be made online through Your Texas Benefits . Cash benefits are issued on a monthly basis through the Lone Star Card that can be used in the same way any other debit card is used.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
HHSC Benefits Assistance
(877) 541-7905

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Texas, 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 YourTexasBenefits (HHSC) at (877) 541-7905 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.