Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The purpose of Virginia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is: to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the home of relatives, end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Participants may be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation, and other work related expenses.  An eligible child must be under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19, going to school regularly if he is between the ages of five and 18, living with a parent or other relative, and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant.

To find out more about TANF visit the Virginia Department of Social Service at their website. Residents can now apply for Social Services benefits online at Commonhelp  by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.