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Please read and follow the steps below to improve your application process.
Apply for tanf
The application steps below are meant to support you in the TANF application process. You are not required to complete a TANF Pre-Screen or gather documents before applying for TANF benefits.
1 Check Eligibility
Answering a few short questions will let you know if your household might be eligible for benefits. Complete the questions based on your current household information. You will need to be as accurate as possible, however estimates are allowed.
To be eligible for TANF cash assistance, a family must:
• Have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home.
• Have a monthly income that is at or below the gross monthly income limit for their household size (see TANF Gross Monthly Income Limits for Household Size table below).
• Have no more than $2,000 in resources, like property or cash, excluding a personal home and car.
• Meet other program requirements.
2 Gather Documents
As part of the TANF application process, you will be asked to provide documents to verify important information like your identity, residency, income, expenses, etc. You can contact your local county office for more details about what documents to submit with your application. After you apply, your caseworker may request additional information to work your case.
Here is a list of documents you can provide to verify your identity, residency, income, expenses, etc.
3 Apply
Once you’re ready, you can apply for TANF online:
Or you can contact your local MDHS office for an application. Find your local county office below:
4 Complete an Interview
After you submit your application, an MDHS case worker will review the information you provided and schedule an interview appointment.
You will receive notices (letters) by mail and/or email letting you know the day and time of your interview appointment.
During your interview, you will be informed of TANF program rights and responsibilities. You may also be asked to submit additional information to determine the amount of TANF benefits you are eligible to receive.
5 Return Any Additional Needed Information
If your caseworker asks you to submit additional information, send the information in as soon as possible.
You can return information to your caseworker in several ways, including online, by email, in-person, by mail, and by fax. The contact information for your county office will be on notices (letters) you receive from your caseworker.
You can upload requested information online here:
6 Receive Approval / Denial Notice (Letter)
Once your caseworker has completed his or her review of your application and required documents, you will receive a notice (letter) letting you know whether your case is approved or denied.
If you complete all the requirements of the application process (any required interview, submitting information on time, etc.), you will receive a decision about your eligibility for TANF benefits no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the day your application was received by MDHS.
If you are approved for TANF benefits, you’ll use a Way2Go Debit Card to make purchases with your TANF benefits. Your caseworker will order a Way2Go Debit card for you if you need one and you will receive it in the mail.
7 Comply with Program Requirements
If you are approved to receive TANF benefits, you will need to comply with all program requirements. If you were referred to the TANF Work Program (TWP), this includes TWP requirements.
have questions?
See the TANF Program Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact Us
Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services
Need help with your SNAP or TANF case? Call our EAE Client Services team at 800-948-3050.