Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a core welfare program that provides cash assistance, childcare support, and job training to help low-income households with children under 18 (or pregnant women) achieve self-sufficiency. In New Jersey, it is known as WFNJ/TANF (Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). *OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) implementations may affect eligibility and program details.
Eligibility
- Target: Low-income households residing in New Jersey with children under 18 (or children under 19 if still in high school).
- Income: Monthly income of $5,379 or less for a family of 3 — this is the total-income limit on the 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) basis (250% of FPL; 2024 FPL for a family of 3 is $25,820 per year, so $25,820 × 250% ÷ 12 = $5,379 per month).
- Status: U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants (Green Card holders for 5+ years / Refugees and Asylees are eligible immediately).
- Assets: Liquid assets must be $2,000 or less. (Primary residence, one vehicle, and retirement assets such as 401k or IRA plans are excluded from eligibility review).
- Employable: Parents must participate in job search activities, vocational training, or designated work activities for at least 35 hours per week (Standard WFNJ Regulations).
- Unemployable: If you submit a medical certification of illness or disability (Med-1 Form) through a healthcare provider, you will be exempted from work requirements.
- Child Support Cooperation (If Applicable): To receive cash assistance for your children, you must provide information about the other parent and cooperate in the assignment of child support rights. From the child support collected each month, an additional payment of up to $100 for one child, or up to $200 for two or more children, will be passed through to the recipient. Failure to cooperate without good cause may result in the denial of benefits.
Benefits
WFNJ/TANF provides multifaceted services for self-sufficiency beyond simple cash payments.- Monthly Assistance: $559 per month for a family of 3 – this amount is based on having zero income; if there is any income, the benefit amount will be adjusted.
- Amounts may be adjusted based on household size and income.
- Cash assistance is provided for a lifetime limit of 60 months. If cash assistance stops due to employment, the remaining months are preserved and can be used in the future if help is needed again. Upon reaching 48 months of assistance, individuals are automatically assigned to the SAIF (Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families) program. After the 60-month limit is exhausted, extensions of 6 months (up to two times) may be granted. Additionally, if specific criteria are met, you may apply for up to 24 months of additional cash assistance through the SAIF program.
- Post-TANF ($200 Monthly): If your cash assistance ends due to employment after receiving TANF for at least 6 months, a monthly post-assistance subsidy of $200 is provided for up to 24 months to support your self-sufficiency. This subsidy does not count toward the lifetime 60-month limit and serves as a powerful incentive for independence unique to New Jersey.
*Eligibility: You become eligible if you voluntarily close your case after maintaining employment of at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 4 consecutive months.- Diversionary Payment ($750 Lump Sum):
- A one-time $750 payment provided to families to overcome temporary crises during a job search.*Consultation Required Upon Application: The Diversionary Payment is a one-time lump sum provided in lieu of ongoing cash assistance. Please note that receiving this payment may restrict your eligibility to apply for TANF cash assistance for a specified period.
- Emergency Housing Assistance: If you are facing a crisis or at risk of homelessness, you may receive support for back rent, emergency shelter, utility arrears, moving expenses, and security deposits. This assistance is available to TANF, GA, and SSI recipients, as well as certain low-income households not currently receiving ongoing benefits.
- Benefit Period: Assistance is generally capped at 12 months per case. However, TANF recipients may be eligible for up to two extensions (6 months each), and GA recipients may receive one extension (up to 6 months).
- Co-payment Requirement: While receiving EA, you are required to contribute 30% of your household income (including cash assistance) toward your housing costs.
- Employment and Education Support:
- Support for obtaining a High School Equivalency (GED) and Vocational Training.
- Assistance with transportation costs for commuting and job preparation expenses.
- Healthcare Linkage: Enrollment in WFNJ/TANF automatically grants enrollment in ACA Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).
How to Apply
- Online: MyNJHelps.gov
- In-Person: Local county social service offices
- Bergen County Board of Social Services
- Address: 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
- Phone: 201-368-4200
- Hours: Weekdays (Mon–Fri) 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact
- NJ Division of Family Development Hotline: 1-800-792-9773
- AWCA provides expert consultations free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org).
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