Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families.   A monthly cash payment is distributed to eligible families to meet their basic needs.  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 

The program is based upon the principles of personal responsibility, time-limited assistance and work in exchange for benefits. TANF is the cash assistance component of the Virginia Independence Program (VIP) that helps families work toward the goal of total independence.



Call for more information about eligibility.  English and Spanish spoken; interpreters and language line assistance for any other language needs.

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