Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families): Direct payment assistance program for families with children in which the child is deprived of maintenance, care, and guidance due to the absence of a parent or parents or the in-home parent's inability to provide maintenance, care, and guidance. Also can provide guidance for adult protective services. 

Participants may be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation, and other work related expenses.  An eligible child must be under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19, going to school regularly if the child is between the ages of five and 18,  living with a parent or other relative and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant.

CommonHelp is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s fast and easy way to apply online for many Virginia social services assistance programs. Through a single online site, you can find out what assistance you might be eligible for and submit one application saving you time and effort. You can apply for Benefit Programs online at CommonHelp or by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.