Americans have lived through some of the most challenging economic times for the past few years. However, the government has provided a safety net for Americans reeling from economic shocks who now find themselves in need of financial support through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF Overview
TANF is a federally funded government benefit program that provides cash assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families eventually become more financially stable and, in the process, help families through temporary difficulties by providing cash support.

Families who use TANF may be eligible to receive several hundreds of dollars per month. This money could prove helpful while searching for steady employment or seeking additional education or training to become competitive in an ever-changing employment market.

TANF essentially provides a lifeline to those that would otherwise not have any funds to get through difficult financial circumstances. This is especially true for those with large families who could not pay their necessary bills without assistance.

While TANF does offer great benefits for underprivileged families, some strict guidelines accompany the support. The primary restriction for financial assistance is that families are only eligible to receive benefits for a maximum of five years. After that timeframe, barring any special circumstances, benefits will be canceled.

Another aspect to consider when attempting to get TANF benefits is the requirement to seek employment while receiving assistance. If you are not currently underemployed, the program may not be a good fit for you and your family.

TANF Eligibility Requirements and Guidelines
The federal government provides the financial benefits for the program. However, each state makes the financial decisions regarding eligibility. Essentially, requirements may depend upon the state in which you live. However, some key requirements are set forth by the federal government. Meeting the following requirements are typically the most important.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have attained the age of 18 or older
- Have children and/or are pregnant
- Employed, seeking employment, or enrolled in an educational program
- Live in the state in which you apply
- Meet certain income requirements (typically below or around the poverty line)

Given that each individual state makes its own final determination for eligibility, it can be confusing to know if you will receive benefits. If you are ever unclear about the program requirements, many states often have a phone number you can call to ask more detailed questions about your personal eligibility. However, if you ever have any doubts about applying, it may be best to apply for benefits and have the state in which you live to make a final determination about your eligibility.

How to Apply
To apply, you will need to visit your state's government benefits program website, you can start here

This information listed should provide you with the information you need to get started on the application process. Some states will require you to submit the application online, and others will give you an option of submitting it via phone with a representative or mailing it in.

When applying for the benefits, you will likely need several documents to ensure that your application process goes smoothly and is approved in a timely fashion. Be sure you have at least the following documents available to you.
- Social security numbers for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Driver's license or state identification for applicable household members
- Paystubs for applicable household members
- Unemployment payments
- Educational program enrollment, if applicable

In many cases, you may begin the application process without submitting all of the documents at the same time. However, this can slow down the process, and it may be confusing to determine if all documentation has been submitted. Therefore, it is best to submit everything at once and follow up on your application within a 30-day time period.

Applying for TANF benefits can be a step in the right direction for you and your family. The financial support provided can make all the difference by ensuring you have access to necessities such as electricity and phone service when other financial resources are scarce. And with financial experts predicting a looming recession in the coming months, applying for these resources now can help you avoid long-term financial damage.