TANF in Connecticut, also known as Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) in Connecticut and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families nationally, provides temporary cash assistance to needy families within the state as long as they meet eligibility requirements. By providing this assistance while promoting work requirements, the program can help families to rise above poverty. If you are wondering, “What is TANF?” you must understand the benefits of the program, its eligibility requirements and the program’s application process.

A TANF application must be accompanied by necessary documentation. Should you choose to apply online, you will still be required to provide that documentation to the office in a timely manner. Your TANF benefits will be determined once your application has been processed and your family has been approved to receive assistance. Benefit amounts are primarily based on household income and size. If at any point you disagree with a decision made regarding your benefits, including a denial of benefits, you will have the right to start the appeal process.

Who qualifies for TANF in Connecticut?

If you would like to apply for TANF in Connecticut, it is important that you first review the eligibility requirements that you must meet in order to receive assistance from the program. TANF eligibility requirements revolve around residency, citizenship, income, assets, resources, familial makeup and work requirements. TANF qualifications include but are not limited to the following:

• Your family must have at least one dependent child within the home who is younger than 18 years of age. However, families with children who are 18 or older 8 may still qualify, as long as the child is attending high school or a vocational school.
• Each family member within the household must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident.
• Adult applicants must be engaged in employment-related activities, unless considered exempt from this requirement.
• You and your family must meet income limits that are far below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), as well as asset and resource limits.

Note: Get details about qualifying for TANF in our in-depth guide.

Unfortunately, a Connecticut TANF calculator is not available online at this time. If you are unsure whether or not your family may qualify for TANF, it is recommended that you submit an application so that your family’s eligibility can be determined.

How to Apply for TANF in Connecticut

Applying for TANF in Connecticut is a simple process that can be done online, by mail or in person at a local office. If you would like to submit an application by mail, you can download and print an application for TANF online or contact your local office by phone to request that an application be mailed to you.

To apply for TANF in Connecticut, you will be required to provide documentation that supports your application. This documentation includes but is not limited to:

• Proof of identification for all household members.
• Proof of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for all household members.
• Proof of income for all household members.
• Proof of assets and resources (such as bank statements) for all household members.
• Proof of household expenses, such as shelter and utility expenses.

After you complete a TANF application, your local office will contact you to schedule an eligibility interview. This interview is a crucial part of your application, as your family cannot receive assistance, regardless of eligibility, if the interview is not completed. The interviewer will provide general details about the program, review your family’s eligibility and inform you of any additional documentation that may be needed before your application can be processed.

How much cash assistance will I get in Connecticut?

If you are wondering, “Do you have to pay back TANF?” it is important to know that beneficiaries do not generally need to repay benefits. However, any benefits that your family receives but was not entitled to must be repaid. This can occur if your family receives an overpayment, if false information is reported on an application or if information that may affect your TANF eligibility or benefits is not reported.

TANF benefits by family size is a primary factor in determining how many benefits you can receive through the Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance program. Benefit amounts are determined by household income, household size and applicable household expenses.

The question, “How much money do you get from TANF?” can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Once your application has been processed and your eligibility has been verified, you will receive a letter regarding your benefits that will include the amount of benefits that you and your family may receive through the program.

Learn more about how much TANF assistance you may receive in our comprehensive guide.

How long does it take to get TANF benefits in Connecticut?

If you are wondering, “When will I receive my TANF benefits in Connecticut?” then it is important to know that the time that it will take to process your application will depend on when you have provided your local office with everything that it needs to make a decision on your case. After you do this, you should receive a TANF benefits determination within 45 days. It is also worth knowing that you have the right to an appeal a decision at any point during this process, including if your benefits are denied or you do not agree with the amount of benefits that your family will receive.

When asking, “What time does TANF deposit?” it is important to know that you will receive benefits on the same day each month. This date will be determined after your application has been processed. Benefits are provided through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used in a similar fashion to a debit card at approved ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.

How long can you receive TANF in Connecticut?

TANF in Connecticut can be received for a maximum period of 60 months (five years). However, this limit does not apply to children who are younger than 18 years of age. Benefit periods need not be consecutive, and any TANF assistance that you receive in another state will still count toward the Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance limits. After you have reached the 60-month period limit, you will no longer be eligible to receive benefits in any state for the remainder of your lifetime.

How can I check my TANF status in Connecticut?

After completing a TANF application in Connecticut, you can review the status of your application online or by contacting your local office. If contacting your local office, you will have the option of inquiring about your application either over the phone or in person.