AddToAny buttons
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program gives temporary financial help to:
- Pregnant women and
- Families with one or more dependent children.
The program is meant to help families as they become financially stable.
TANF gives cash to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and other expenses (but not medical).
To apply for TANF, you start the process by completing an application.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program gives temporary financial help to pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The program is meant to help families as they become financially stable.
TANF gives cash to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and other expenses (but not medical).
You can apply for benefits through TANF if you are a U.S. citizen living in Illinois, and one of the following apply:
-
You are pregnant (your spouse can also get benefits if the spouse lives with you);
-
You have a child under age 18 who lives with you. If your child is 19 and lives with you, the child must be a full-time high school student;
-
You are one of only two adults who take care of the children in the household;
-
You are under 18 years old, you have a child, and you and your child live with your parent, a legal guardian or an adult relative; or
-
You are a parent who is a ward of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and you live in an adult-supervised arrangement as part of the DCFS Independent Living Program.
Even if you are homeless, you may qualify for TANF. Some non-citizens can also get TANF.
For more information on financial and non-financial requirement, see What are the eligibility requirements for TANF?
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
