How to Apply for TANF

TANF is run as a joint federal-state program, so the exact application process, required documents, and online portal are different in every state. Select your state below for step-by-step instructions on applying, what you'll need before you start, and how to reach your state's TANF agency directly.

Select Your State

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Alabama Family Assistance Division, Alabama Department of Human Resources Alaska Division of Public Assistance Arizona Department of Economic Security Arkansas Division of County Operations (Arkansas Department of Human Services) California Department of Social Services Colorado Department of Human Services Connecticut Department of Social Services Delaware Division of Social Services District of Columbia Department of Human Services Florida Department of Children and Families Georgia Division of Family & Children Services Hawaii Department of Human Services Idaho Self Reliance Programs, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Illinois Department of Human Services Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Iowa Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) Kansas Department for Children and Families Kentucky Department for Community Based Services Louisiana Louisiana Department of Health Maine Office for Family Independence Maryland Department of Human Services Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families Mississippi Mississippi Department of Human Services Missouri Family Support Division Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Nevada Division of Social Services New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services New Jersey Division of Family Development, New Jersey Department of Human Services New Mexico Health Care Authority New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance North Carolina Division of Social Services (NCDHHS) North Dakota Health and Human Services Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Oklahoma Oklahoma Human Services Oregon Department of Human Services Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) South Carolina Department of Social Services South Dakota Department of Social Services Tennessee Tennessee Department of Human Services Texas Health and Human Services Commission Utah Department of Workforce Services Vermont Economic Services Division (Department for Children and Families) Virginia Department of Social Services Washington Department of Social and Health Services West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance, West Virginia Department of Human Services Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Wyoming Department of Family Services

After You Apply

Submitting your application is just the first step. Most states require an eligibility interview and will ask for follow-up documents before making a decision, so respond quickly to any request to avoid delays. Processing typically takes several weeks, so it's worth applying as soon as you think you may qualify rather than waiting. This directory is independent and not affiliated with any state TANF agency; always use the official state links provided in each guide to submit your actual application.