Apply For Mississippi TANF
This page provides the Mississippi TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.
Mississippi residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Mississippi welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Mississippi.
How to Apply For Mississippi TANF
To apply for TANF you must submit a TANF application to the county Department of Human Services (DHS) office in the county where you live. The application is available online or you may request an application by phone, in person, by fax, or by mail from the county DHS office.
Upon receipt of your application, a face-to-face interview or telephonic interview will be scheduled to determine your family's eligibility. You will be notified of your appointment date and time and the documents that must be provided for the interview.
When the TANF interview is completed, a worker will conduct an investigation to see whether the family is eligible according to all TANF eligibility factors. A notice will be provided to the parent or caretaker relative within 30 days telling whether the family is approved for TANF benefits, the amount, start date, etc.
Mississippi TANF Eligibility Requirements
In order to be determined eligible to receive TANF benefits, the following criteria must be met by the members of the assistance unit (family).
Up-Front Job Search
A TANF applicant must participate in and comply with job search activities or apply for vocational rehabilitation services prior to approval for TANF benefits, if otherwise eligible.
Age
A child must be less than 18 years of age.
Application for other benefits
A TANF applicant/recipient must apply for and accept other benefits (Unemployment Compensation, Workman's Compensation, Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), Child Support, etc.) for which you may be eligible.
Citizenship
A recipient must be a citizen of the U.S. or a lawful resident alien.
Deprivation
A child must be deprived due to:
- Continued absence from the home of at least one parent
- Physical or mental incapacity of at least one parent
- Death of a parent
In a two parent family in which both parents are able-bodied, deprivation is established if one parent has a "recent connection to the workforce."
Enumeration
All assistance unit members must have or apply for a Social Security number.
School Attendance
All children ages 6 through 17 who have not graduated from high school or who have not received a certificate of high school equivalency must attend school and have satisfactory attendance.
Immunization
All preschool children must be immunized.
Income
An assistance unit's countable, net income must be below certain established limits that are adjusted for the number of persons in the assistance unit. A family must meet the financial criteria to receive TANF. For example, a family of three (mother and two children) must have a gross income below $681 a month and countable assets of not more than $2,000.
Lifetime Limits
Receipt of cash assistance is limited to 60 months in a lifetime. The limit may be extended if it is determined that an extension is justified due to certain hardships, including physical or mental incapacity, provided the household's income does not exceed the Basic 100 percent requirement for the TANF Program.
The 60-month lifetime limit is reduced to 24 months for TANF recipients who are determined to be work eligible and are referred to the TANF Work Program but fail, without good cause, to meet the requirements of their Employability Development Plan (EDP).
Paternity
The assistance unit/family must cooperate in the establishment of paternity. The paternity of a child must be established at application and whenever a child is added to an active case.
Child Support Requirements
A parent or relative who applies for and accepts a TANF money payment for children due to the continued absence of a parent must assign to the state support rights for the children. The parent or relative must also assist the State in obtaining support from the absent parent, including establishing paternity for children born out-of-wedlock.
Work Requirement
All adult recipients have a work requirement, and are required to participate in work activities and training in accordance with their Employability Development Plan (EDP). These work activities help recipients gain the experience needed to find a job and become self-sufficient.
Mississippi Employment Search
Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Mississippi provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.
Apply Online For Mississippi TANF
If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.
