How to qualify for welfare (TANF)
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TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is the program many people mean when they say welfare or EBT cash. It is a needs-based program for households who have children and a very low income. Since TANF is a state-run program, eligibility rules can look different depending on where you live. Your household composition, your income and assets, and your immigration and residency status are all factors.
About 900,000 families in the United States participated in TANF monthly in 2025, receiving cash benefits to pay for basic needs as well as job, training, and education opportunities.
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Who can get welfare (TANF)?#who-can-get-welfare-tanf
TANF eligibility varies by state. However, in general, your state will look at three things to decide your eligibility for TANF:
- Your household composition: In general, welfare is for families with a minor child under 18, or sometimes age 18 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19. Some states extend eligibility to people who are pregnant or caring for non-relatives
- Your income and assets: To get welfare, your household must have a very low income, and some states also look at your assets like savings to determine eligibility. Exact income and asset limits are set by each state
- Your immigration and residency status: To get welfare you must be a U.S. citizen or have another qualifying immigration status. You must also be a resident of the state where you apply
Every state has different rules, so the best way to know if you qualify is to apply for TANF in your state.
Once you qualify for TANF, you may need to meet work, job search, education, or training requirements to keep receiving benefits. The exact rules depend on your state and your family situation.
Find your state’s TANF website and look up your state’s eligibility criteria.
How low does your income need to be to qualify for TANF?#how-low-does-your-income-need-to-be-to-qualify-for-tanf
TANF income limits are often lower than programs like SNAP or Medicaid, but each state sets their own income limits for welfare, so this varies by state.
Some states set income limits for TANF using the federal poverty level while others set their own ranges.
Many states also have different rules for what they consider “countable income” and may not consider all types of income towards the limits.
Common types of countable income include:
- Wages from a job
- Child support
- Unemployment benefits
- Other household income
Some states also subtract certain expenses or offer earned income deductions when calculating eligibility.
Because rules vary so much, the best way to know if you qualify is to apply in your state.
Does TANF have asset limits?#does-tanf-have-asset-limits
Sometimes. Some states still check the value of things you own, called assets or resources, for TANF eligibility.
This may include savings in bank accounts, available cash, investments, or extra physical assets like a second-home or extra vehicles.
Most states do not count:
- The home you live in
- Basic household items
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings
Some states have removed asset limits entirely, while others still use them.
Does TANF have work requirements?#does-tanf-have-work-requirements
Usually, yes. TANF often has work requirements, but the exact rules depend on your state and your family situation.
Once you qualify for TANF, you may need to take part in activities such as:
- Working a job
- Looking for work
- Job training
- Education programs
- Work experience programs
- Community service
Some people may not have to meet work rules, depending on the state, including parents of very young children, people with disabilities, caregivers for a disabled family member, pregnant individuals in some cases, or people facing domestic violence or other hardships.
The exact rules vary by state.
Who is often not eligible for welfare (TANF)?#who-is-often-not-eligible-for-welfare-tanf
Each state has different eligibility rules for TANF, but there are some common situations where a household may not qualify.
The following households may not qualify for welfare:
- Households with no children under age 18
- Households whose income or assets are above the state limit
- Households that receive supplemental security income (SSI)
- Households who don’t meet work program requirements
- Households who have already used the time limit or lifetime limit for TANF benefits. TANF has a federal lifetime limit of 60 months (5 years), but some states set shorter limits or have additional rules that can end benefits sooner.
- Households who don’t have a qualifying immigration status
- Individuals with some types of criminal records
Exclusion rules vary by state. Some states may also allow a family to qualify for TANF for the child only, even if the parent doesn’t qualify.
Can immigrants get TANF?#can-immigrants-get-tanf
Sometimes. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but some immigrants with certain statuses may qualify.
Immigrants who may qualify include:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian or protected statuses
Some qualified immigrants may have to wait before getting benefits, while others may qualify right away. Because these rules can be complicated and vary by state, the best next step is to apply or contact your local TANF office.
How do I apply for welfare?#how-do-i-apply-for-welfare
To apply for welfare, find your state’s TANF website.
You should see instructions and a few options for how to apply, including by phone, by mail, in-person, or online through your state’s benefits portal.
