Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides temporary cash for families in need.  

You can apply for TANF benefits on behalf of the children you are caring for if:  

  • You are caring for a relative’s child,  
  • You are their legal guardian, or  
  • You are acting in the place of a parent

People who are eligible for the TANF program may also qualify for Diversion Cash Assistance. Families who choose this program and meet the requirements can get short-term help with their living expenses.

Those who are Washington state residents and are ineligible for TANF because of Welfare Reform Act changes may be eligible for State Family Assistance. 

Who is eligible?

People responsible for the care of children or who are pregnant and live in Washington state. Some requirements include: 

  • Income and resources
  • Citizenship and alien status

Income and Resource Requirements:

Your TANF benefits are based on your family size and income. A family of three, with no income, would receive a monthly TANF grant of about $654. When a household member starts working, only half of the earnings count against the grant. If a member of the household starts getting unemployment or another type of unearned income, the entire amount is counted against the grant.  

To be eligible for TANF, your family must have resources of $6,000 or less. Resources are things like: 

  • Checking and savings accounts
  • Stocks, bonds or mutual funds
  • Vehicle equity over $10,000

Your caseworker will help you understand what income and resources are counted and how it will affect your case. 

If you are approved, you must:

  • Cooperate with the Division of Child Support.
    • If it’s not safe to do so, you may request not to cooperate.
  • Live in an approved living situation (if you are a parenting teen)
  • Participate in the WorkFirst Program, if required.

WorkFirst Program

The WorkFirst Program helps you with: 

  • Child care expenses through our Child Care Subsidy Program
  • Your job search, including resume writing and interview skills
  • Training opportunities to increase your skills and get a better job 

The WorkFirst Program expects you to: 

  • Complete all requested reviews
  • Participate in all required job search and work preparation activities

WorkFirst Support Services can help you with some of the expenses of getting and keeping a job, including: 

  • Work clothing
  • Transportation
  • Schooling
  • Vehicle repair
  • Tools and equipment
  • Moving costs


Ask your caseworker for more information about other support services.

Read the Eligibility A-Z Manual (EA-Z) Manual Entry for TANF. 

For more information, please visit the official Washington State WorkFirst TANF website.

Timeline: 

TANF families are limited to 60 months of benefits in their lifetime unless they qualify for an extension.

How to Apply:

You can apply for TANF program online, by phone at 877-501-2233 or at your local Community Services Office.

As with all our programs, the only way to know for sure if you are eligible is to apply.