Apply For Massachusetts TANF

This page provides the Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Massachusetts.

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is a state and federally funded program which provides cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy, with little or no assets or income.

It is operated under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant and is described in the Commonwealth's TANF State Plan. Participants receive child care and transportation support associated with job assistance and can access a number of supportive referrals to substance abuse and mental health services, and domestic violence specialists.

As part of TAFDC, participants may be required to perform a work-related activity in order to receive benefits. DTA provides job assistance to TAFDC participants including job training, job search, and placements into jobs. Other key services include Access to Basic Education, English for Employment, Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) assistance, work readiness and skills training.

It is especially important for clients to gain employment during their time on TAFDC as recipients are limited to 24 months of assistance in any continuous 60-month period. DTA offers many job assistance programs to provide clients with access to employment and training opportunities.


TAFDC Eligibility Requirements


To apply for TAFDC, please contact DTA's Application Information Unit or your local Transitional Assistance Office. There you will meet with a DTA Department Representative who will start the process. For more help applying for public assistance, call the DTA at 1-877-382-2363.


Requesting a Fair Hearing

If your request for public assistance is denied or your benefits are reduced or terminated, you have the right to request a Fair Hearing. The Division of Hearings will answer any questions you may have about filing an appeal. Mail your request to: DTA-Hearings P.O. Box 4017, Taunton MA 02780-0314. You can also fax your request to DOH at 617-348-5311. If you have any questions about your rights to a Fair Hearing you can call DTA at 1-877-382-2363.If you are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, you can call TTY (617) 348-5337 or (800) 532-6238.


Massachusetts Employment Search

Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Massachusetts provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.


Apply Online For Massachusetts 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.