Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The purpose of Virginia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is: to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the home of relatives, end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. 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.



In order to be eligible for TANF the following criteria apply: There must be a child in the home under age 18 and will graduate from high school before the age of 19, Child is going to school regularly if he is between the ages 15 and 18, The child is living with a parent or other relatives, Is a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible immigrant

To find out more about TANF, visit the Virginia Department of Social Service at their website.

You can apply for Benefit Programs online at CommonHelp or by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.