TANF in Idaho is the state’s largest cash assistance program. If you are wondering “What is TANF?” it is important to learn more about this invaluable program, including who is eligible for benefits, what those benefits entail, how benefits are distributed, how long an individual can receive assistance and how to apply for assistance.

Before submitting a TANF application, it is important to determine whether or not you and your family may qualify for assistance as the state provides clear guidelines on who is eligible for assistance. Not only can this expedite your application process, but you will also learn about the documentation that you must provide alongside your application. By determining the TANF benefits that you and your family may be entitled to, you can gain an overall better understanding of the program and better prepare for the amount of time that eligible applicants may receive assistance through TANF.

Who qualifies for TANF in Idaho?

Before you apply for TANF in Idaho, it is worth reviewing the eligibility requirements that a family must meet in order to receive cash assistance benefits. TANF eligibility requirements include residency, citizenship, income limits, resource limits and family makeup requirements. To meet Idaho TANF qualifications, there must be at least one child that is under the age of 18 and living with the applying family. This child must also be current on scheduled vaccinations and, if the child is at least 6 years of age, the child must also be attending school. In addition to this family makeup requirement, all applicants must be either a United States citizen or a legal resident within the country, as well as resident of Idaho.

An Idaho TANF calculator is available online in order to determine whether or not you and your family meet income limits that have been set by the state. These limits are well below the federal poverty line as TANF strives to assist the neediest families. In addition to income limitations, there is also a maximum amount of resources and assets that a family may have while remaining eligible for assistance from TANF.

If you are unsure if your family meets TANF eligibility requirements, you are encouraged to submit an application as a case worker will be assigned to your family that will help determine whether or not your family is eligible to receive benefits and the potential amount of benefits that your family may receive, if found eligible.

How to Apply for TANF in Idaho

If you would like to apply for TANF in Idaho, it is worth knowing that you may submit an application in person at your local office, by mail or by fax. When submitting an ID TANF application, you will need to provide various documents that will verify and support the information that you have provided on your application. Requested documents must be provided for each family member that is applying for benefits and include, but are not limited to:

• Proof of income, such as with a copy of paycheck stubs, a work verification form or your most recent tax forms.
• Proof of immigration status (if a member of your household is not a U.S. citizen), such as with a copy of a Resident Alien Card or a copy of residency documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Proof of resources and assets, such as a copy of a bank statement for the most recent 30 days, printouts from your bank and copies of statements that prove the amount you owe on any vehicle.
• Proof of child support expenses, such as a copy of your paycheck stubs showing child support withheld or a copy of court documents that show the amount you are required to pay for child support.
• Proof of child care expenses, such as a statement from your child care provider.

After your TANF application has been submitted, you will be required to attend an eligibility interview. This interview may be conducted in person or over the phone. During the interview, your case worker will provide you with more information about TANF as well as review whether or not any additional documents must be submitted in order to process your application. Your family’s case worker will also review eligibility questions with you and ensure that all of the information on your application is correct.

After your TANF application has been processed and your eligibility has been determined, you will receive a notice by mail that will inform you of the state’s decision on your eligibility and, if eligible, your benefit amount as well as when you will begin to receive benefits. To find out more on how to apply for TANF, download our free guide.

How much cash assistance will I get in Idaho?

Idaho TANF benefits are determined by family size, income and applicable household expenses. There is a maximum amount of benefits that can be awarded to a family each month, but the exact amount of benefits that each family is eligible to receive will vary based on the individual family’s circumstances.

If you are wondering, “Do you have to pay back TANF in Idaho?” it is important to know that benefits need not usually be repaid, so long as you remain honest throughout the application process and while receiving benefits. If you provide false information on your initial application or you fail to report any changes to your household that may affect your benefits, you will be required to repay any benefit amount that your family received but was not eligible for. Additionally, if you receive an overpayment of benefits, you will be required to repay the overpayment amount.

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

Once you submit your TANF application, your local office will have 45 days to make a decision on your case from the date that the office has received your application and all of the necessary documentation that is required to process the application. Therefore, you can expedite this process by providing the required documentation in a timely manner and participating in your eligibility interview. By cooperating with your case worker and local office, you will receive benefits more quickly if you and your family are found eligible.

TANF benefits are provided on a monthly basis through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Benefits are deposited on the card on the same day each month, which will be provided to you in your TANF decision letter. This card can be used similarly to a debit card at authorized ATMs and cash registers.

How long can you receive TANF in Idaho?

TANF in Idaho can be received for a maximum of 24 months (2 years) in a lifetime. This limit only applies to adults who are 18 years of age or older, and those receiving benefits as children are exempt from the limit. Once you have received 24 months of benefits under the TANF program, you will no longer be eligible to receive assistance from Idaho TANF. To learn more about TANF benefits, download our guide.

How can I check my TANF status in Idaho?

After your TANF application has been submitted to your local Idaho office, it is important to know how you can check the status of your application. Your primary point of contact will be the case worker that is assigned to your family’s case, however, you may also contact your local office in person or over the phone in order to inquire about the status of your application.