TANF is designed to offer financial and medical support to Texas families facing economic hardship.
TANF particularly focuses on aiding dependent children and their parents or relatives living under the same roof.
This support becomes vital when a parent faces unemployment or underemployment, leaving their children without the necessary parental support.
One essential aspect of TANF is child-only cases, which account for nearly half of all TANF cases.
These cases arise when no adult is included in the Benefit calculation, typically because the children reside with relatives or other specified nonrelatives, or because parents are ineligible for TANF due to specific reasons other than income.
TANF benefits are designed to cover various basic needs, including food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, phone services, laundry, home supplies, and medical supplies not covered by Medicaid. These monthly cash payments aim to alleviate financial stress and improve the overall well-being of eligible families.
TANF eligibility and income limits
To be eligible for Texas Family Assistance, you must meet certain criteria. You must be a resident of Texas and a U.S. citizen, legal alien, or qualified alien. Additionally, you must be unemployed or underemployed with low or very low income. Eligibility is also extended to:
- Individuals with a child aged 18 or younger
- Pregnant individuals
- Individuals aged 18 or younger who are the heads of their households
The income limits for TANF assistance vary depending on family size. While the income limits provide a general idea, some individuals may qualify for benefits even if their income slightly exceeds the figures outlined in the chart.
For instance, a child-only case in Texas may receive a monthly TANF payment of $112 for a family of one. This amount increases to $136 for households with one child and one parent or caretaker. The maximum monthly TANF amounts also vary according to family size, with the highest amount reaching $466 for families with five members.
TANF payment schedule in October 2023
It's important to note that TANF payments in Texas are not distributed uniformly among all recipients. The payment schedule depends on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, ensuring a staggered disbursement to beneficiaries.
Here's the TANF Cash Benefits payment schedule for Texas in October 2023:
- EDG # ending in 0: Benefits available on October 1
- EDG # ending in 1: Benefits available on October 3
- EDG # ending in 2: Benefits available on October 5
- EDG # ending in 3: Benefits available on October 6
- EDG # ending in 4: Benefits available on October 7
- EDG # ending in 5: Benefits available on October 9
- EDG # ending in 6: Benefits available on October 11
- EDG # ending in 7: Benefits available on October 12
- EDG # ending in 8: Benefits available on October 13
- EDG # ending in 9: Benefits available on October 15
