What is TANF?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program for families with children under the age of 18 who need financial assistance. Families with children who are 18 and in high school can also apply for TANF benefits.

The TANF program can provide cash assistance, job training, and supportive services. TANF cash assistance is not free. You are required to work

TANF is the program that replaced the traditional AFDC program. This happened in 1996, when the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act was passed.

What about child support?

TANF requires you to ask for child support from the other parent.

If you have been abused by the other parent, sometimes asking for child support can put you in danger. If that is your situation, you can ask your TANF case worker to get rid of the requirement that says you have to ask the other parent for child support. (That is called the "Family Violence Option Waiver").

In most cases, child support that comes from the other parent will be paid to the State of Montana while you are receiving TANF.

How can I get TANF benefits?

To get TANF benefits, you have to meet specific income and resource guidelines. Also, you have to have children living with you, who are related to you. To find the current income and resource guidelines visit: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanf/tanfeligibility.shtml.

The only way to be sure if you can get TANF benefits is to go to your local Office of Public Assistance and apply. To find your local OPA, call 1-800-332-2272.

Where can I get a TANF application?

• Call 1-800-332-2272 and ask the worker to mail it to you.
• Pick it up at your local Office of Public Assistance.
• Print the application form at http://vhsp.dphhs.mt.gov/hcs250v3.pdf.

Do I have to work while I am receiving TANF benefits?

Yes. If you receive TANF benefits, you have to participate in the WoRC (Work Readiness Component) program. The WoRC program is a job training and employment program.

What do I have to do in the WoRC program?

If you are in a two-parent household, the WoRC program requires each adult in the family to participate in a minimum of 38 hours per week (152 hours per month) of WoRC approved activities.

If you are in a single-parent household, you are required to participate in a minimum of 33 hours per week (132 hours per month) of WoRC approved activities.

Every case is different and the only way to know your requirements for sure is to discuss this with your WoRC case manager.

If you need special assistance in order to follow your employment requirements, you can get help. An example is that you might be able to get help with childcare or transportation.

Is there any way I can avoid taking part in the WoRC program?

No. TANF is a work program, and in Montana everyone has to participate. In most situations, you will be required to agree that you will follow a Family Investment Agreement/Employability Plan. You will be responsible to follow that Plan if you want to receive benefits.

You will not need a Family Investment Agreement/Employability Plan if you are a dependent child under the age of 16 or a full-time high school student.

Be sure to let your case manager know if you have a documented disability or impairment that prevents you from working. This may affect your participation in the WoRC program.

What counts as an acceptable WoRC activity?

There are two types of WoRC required activities: Primary and Secondary.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to, employment, work experience, job search (for a limited time), vocational education training (for a limited time), and community service.

Primary activities: In a two-parent household, each adult must participate in at least 33 hours per week of Primary activities. In a single-parent household, the parent must participate in at least 23 hours per week of Primary activities.

Secondary activities include, but are not limited to, job-skills training directly related to employment and the pursuit of a high school diploma if you are 20 years old or older.

Secondary activities: In both single-parent and two-parent households, the required hours of activities above the number of hours of Primary activities can be satisfied with secondary activities.

What is an example of how many hours a person need to participate in WoRC activities?

Jill is a single-parent. Under the TANF requirements, she has to participate in at least 33 hours per week of WoRC approved activities. At least 23 of those hours have to be spent in Primary activities. She can spend the remaining 10 hours per week in Secondary activities (33 Total hours - 23 hours in Primary activities = 10 hours in Secondary activities).

Is there a time limit on TANF benefits?

Yes. There is a 60 month lifetime time limit on benefits. The months do not have to be in a row to count. You might be able to get an extension of the time limit if you:

• Have a physical/mental illness or incapacity (Temporary or Permanent)
• Have a physical/mental illness or incapacity due to domestic violence abuse
• Are needed in the home full time as the primary caretaker for a household member who is suffering from a physical/mental illness or incapacity
• Are dealing with a current domestic violence situation

Are there penalties if I don't follow my WoRC program plan?

Yes. If you decide to not follow your Family Investment Agreement/Employability Plan, a sanction may be imposed on you. What happens if you get a sanction can include:

• For a first sanction, your monthly benefit will be reduced by the amount equal to one person's share of the payment.
• If you and your case manager agree that you will follow a new Family Investment Agreement/Employability Plan during the sanction period, your benefits will start again after your sanction period is over.
• For second and subsequent sanctions, a one month ineligibility period is imposed on the household and the case is closed. This means that your TANF benefits will end and you cannot reapply for one month.

Revised 1/07

Call the MLSA HelpLine for legal assistance:
(800) 666-6899

MontanaLegal Services Association
616 Helena Avenue, Suite 100
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-9830
(800) 666-6124