Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Update: Changes to stabilize TANF begin October 2027

Beginning October 1, 2027 , the District will implement changes to stabilize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to ensure it remains sustainable and responsive to families’ needs. These changes are designed to improve long-term stability while continuing to support eligible households effectively.

End benefits for 60-month+ households: the District will begin to align the program with the federal structure by ending benefits for households that have received TANF for more than 60 months.

Increase the failure-to-work sanction: the District will renew the focus on engaging in work activities by increasing the failure-to-work sanction from 6% to 25% for work-eligible families.

For more information about the changes, hardship policy, and what you should do right now to prepare, please visit our TANF Program Update webpage .

The Congress Heights Service Center Office of Work Opportunity (OWO) and Childcare Services (CCSD) are moving to Anacostia Service Center. Learn more about service location changes!

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The District’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to families in need, along with a suite of services to facilitate their path to success. Families enrolled in the District’s TANF program may receive benefits so long as they are income-eligible and have a child in the home. TANF also offers access to a variety of supportive services that can be bundled together to meet individual needs. DHS employs a two-generation approach to reaching and serving families so that children and parents can grow together.

Click here to Apply for TANF

Attention: The 2026-2028 TANF State Plan is available for public comment for 45 days.

Through the TANF program, customers gain access to supportive services, including but not limited to:

TANF Employment and Education Program (TEP) – provides coaching towards education and employment goals, but can also coach parents on goals they have for their child(ren) and families

Child Care Subsidy – allows parents to enroll their child(ren) in quality childcare, including before and aftercare

Behavioral, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Support – connects customers to the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to obtain counseling to cope and manage behavioral, mental, emotional, or substance abuse issues for parents or their child(ren)

Tuition Assistance Program Initiative for TANF (TAPIT) – financial assistance to enroll in post-secondary educational programs or professional certificate and/or licensing programs