Pennsylvania's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known as "Cash Assistance," is a vital support system for low-income families in the state. This program is designed to provide financial aid to families with dependent children and pregnant women, with a focus on fostering long-term self-sufficiency through employment and education.

A key aspect of Pennsylvania's TANF program is its time limitation: assistance is capped at a total of 60 months (five years) in an adult's lifetime, whether they are the head-of-household or the spouse of the head-of-household. This limitation also applies to pregnant minors, minor parents, or minors married to the head of the household. Importantly, these 60 months need not be consecutive but are cumulative over the individual's lifetime. However, when the TANF assistance is solely for children, without adult recipients, this 60-month limitation does not apply.

This approach underscores the program’s goal to balance immediate financial support with the promotion of independence and responsibility.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for cash assistance or TANF in Pennsylvania involves several requirements:

• Citizenship in the United States and residency in Pennsylvania are required, with certain non-citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence also eligible.
• Individuals and their family members must have or apply for Social Security Numbers.
• Job search or participation in an employment and training program is mandated, except for persons with disabilities or other valid exemptions.
• Completion of an Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR) with a caseworker, outlining steps towards ending the need for cash assistance, is necessary.
• For cash assistance for a dependent child, cooperation with paternity and child support requirements is essential, barring valid reasons for non-cooperation. The child must be under 18, or 18 and a full-time student, living with the applicant who is responsible for their care.
• Eligibility is affected by the child's need for support due to a parent's death, long-term illness, absence, or low/no income.
• Resource limits include a maximum value of $1,000 for items like bank accounts, bonds, or non-primary residence properties.
• All income sources, including employment, child support, unemployment compensation, interest, Social Security benefits, or lottery winnings, must be reported.

Maintaining Eligibility

To maintain TANF benefits in Pennsylvania, recipients must adhere to ongoing requirements. These include:

Residency and Citizenship: Continuously meet the citizenship or eligible non-citizen status and maintain residency in Pennsylvania.

Employment and Training: Engage in work-related activities as required. This often includes job searches, participation in training programs, or other employment-related tasks, except for those exempt due to disability or other specific reasons.

Compliance with Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR): Follow the plan outlined in the AMR, which is agreed upon with a caseworker. This plan typically includes steps towards gaining employment and eventual independence from cash assistance.

Child Support Cooperation: If receiving benefits for a child, continue to cooperate with paternity and child support requirements unless there are valid reasons for non-cooperation.

Child Care and School Attendance: Ensure that children in the household attend school regularly. Additionally, compliance with immunization requirements for children is often necessary.

Reporting Requirements: Promptly report any changes in household composition, income, employment status, or any other significant change that could affect eligibility. This includes reporting if any household member becomes a fleeing felon, is convicted of a drug-related felony, or violates parole or probation.

Income and Resource Limits: Regularly ensure that household income and resources remain within the program’s limits.

One-Time TANF Assistance

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services offers the Diversion program, aimed at assisting low-income families during temporary financial challenges. This program is a valuable alternative for those who need short-term help instead of long-term ongoing cash assistance through the TANF program. It's designed for situations such as a recent job loss or reduction in work hours, with an expectation of regaining financial stability soon.

Diversion provides a one-time lump sum payment to eligible families, based on their immediate financial needs, with a cap set at three times the Family Size Allowance (FSA). This payment is intended to address short-term needs, meaning families receiving it should not require ongoing TANF benefits. To maintain the program's focus on temporary aid, a family can only receive the Diversion payment once in a 12-month period, ensuring the support is reserved for those in urgent need.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In Pennsylvania, TANF benefits are typically dispersed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. This system functions like a debit card, allowing beneficiaries to access their funds electronically. Recipients are issued an EBT card, which they can use to withdraw cash or make purchases directly at stores that accept EBT payments. This method provides a convenient, secure, and efficient way to distribute and utilize TANF benefits.

TANF Application Instructions

Those looking to apply for TANF benefits in Pennsylvania have several methods to apply:

Online: To apply online, applicants can visit the compass.state.pa.us website and follow the step-by-step process to complete their application.

In Person: For those preferring a more personal approach, applications can be submitted at any local County Assistance Office across Pennsylvania.

The TANF program in Pennsylvania is an essential resource for families in need, offering not only financial help, but also support in achieving self-reliance through various employment and training opportunities.

Pennsylvania TANF Office

Address: Department of Human Services
625 Forster St.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(800) 692-7462