TANF in Nevada provides assistance to low-income families with children. What is TANF? It is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which is a government-funded program that is offered throughout the U.S. However, TANF benefits are awarded exclusively to needy households with minor children. The goal of the program is to help raise families of out a financially stressful time through work and job preparation requirements while providing caretakers extra financial assistance.
The process starts when you submit a completed TANF application, which can be found online or in person at a local Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS) office. Qualified families are awarded TANF benefits in the form of monthly payments that can be used to purchase things like food, gas or school supplies. The amount of financial rewards depends on the size of the household and the total gross income.
Who qualifies for TANF in Nevada?
As previously stated, one of the main TANF qualifications is the presence of minors in a household. Minors are children who are younger than 18 years of age. All minors must be in school to maintain eligibility. Participants may lose benefits if school-aged children do not attend school regularly. However, this education requirement does not apply for infants and children too young to enroll.
TANF benefits are available for adult caretakers caring for a minor or children whose caretakers are not eligible for work requirements. In addition, the caretakers are responsible for maintaining their eligibility. They must make sure they keep up with child support payments as well as their work requirements. If they are not working, then they must consistently be participating in job preparation.
TANF income limits are also taken into account when determining who qualifies for the program. Income limits are related to household size, or how many members live in the home. Many eligible families are within 50 to 130 percent of the federal poverty limit. For a family of three to qualify for TANF benefits, the collective household income would at or less than $1,200 a month to be at the poverty level. TANF eligibility requirements also limit the total amount that a household can have in countable assets. However, one car and the home are not considered when calculation countable assets.
How to Apply for TANF in Nevada
Those who want to apply for TANF in Nevada have several methods available to them. One of the simplest ways to apply is by filling out the TANF online application. Applicants can also download the form online and either fax, mail or submit it in person at a DWSS location. Those who not have access to a printer or fax machine can always call or visit a DWSS office and ask for an application.
When filling out the TANF application, applicants must provide accurate information. The following items are requested on the application and you should be prepared to supply proof for them:
- S. citizenship or legal immigration status
- Nevada state residency
- Social Security Numbers
- Immunization records of all children in the household
By submitting a TANF application, prospective participants are agreeing to cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Program and participate in Nevada’s employment and training program if they are work-eligible. Learn more about applying for the TANF program by downloading our free guide.
How much cash assistance will I get in Nevada?
Many prospective applicants ask, “How much money do you get from TANF for my family if I meet the qualifications?” As mentioned above, Nevada calculates TANF benefits by family size, thus, larger qualifying families typically receive a larger amount of cash assistance. A family of three people is eligible for $300 to $400 per month. A smaller family, or one in which only the minor is receiving TANF benefits, is eligible to receive approximately $250 per month. To estimate how much cash assistance you might qualify for, you can use a Nevada TANF calculator. However, this calculation is only an estimate and the actual benefit amount may be different.
How long does it take to get TANF benefits in Nevada?
Many applicants ask, “When will I receive my TANF benefits?” after submitting the application and required paperwork. An application must be reviewed by a caseworker. This is usually complete within one month. Afterward, applicants receive a TANF denial or acceptance letter in the mail. Shortly after, an EBT card or check will arrive in the mail. If an applicant submitted accurate bank information, then he or she will receive a direct deposit.
Payments are disbursed according to a TANF payment schedule. Payments are either deposited into bank or EBT accounts or received as checks in the mail. They are disbursed at the beginning of each of month. If the beginning of the month falls on a weekend, then you might worry about what time does TANF deposit. However, deposits are disbursed on the same day each month regardless of business days. Disbursed funds are usually available immediately.
How long can you receive TANF in Nevada?
TANF in Nevada only provides temporary assistance for families. This is because the primary goal of the program is to enable care for children while reducing dependency on government services through job preparation and participation requirements. Therefore, TANF benefits are limited to no more than 60 months per household.
A commonly asked question is, “Do you have to pay back TANF?” The short answer is no, you do not have to pay-out-of-pocket for benefits receive when eligible. However, if overpayment occurs whether through error or intention fraud, then the enrollee will need to pay back any overissued funds.
How can I check my TANF status in Nevada?
If may yourself, “how do I check my TANF status?” while waiting for your application decision. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can view the status of your application. The first method is by phone. You can contact your local Administration for Children and Families TANF number and speak with a representative. If used the TANF online application, then you can easily login with your credentials and check your status online. Another way to inquire about your TANF application is to visit a TANF office. By completing a simple “TANF office near me” search, you can find the closest location and speak with a caseworker in person.
To discover more about the federal requirements to receive TANF benefits as well as what to do if your application is denied, download our comprehensive guide.
