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benefits under TAONF. Other than the funding sources, the TANF and TAONF programs are identical.

These programs provide temporary financial relief to families and stabilize their current financial situation through participation in the First-To-Work (FTW) program. TANF and TAONF recipient families must participate in the FTW program, which provides education and vocational training support, job readiness training, job search assistance, employment placement services, case management, counseling services, and other supportive services so families may obtain and maintain employment. In addition, families may receive child care subsidies, assistance with transportation costs, work, and education-related expenses while engaged in the FTW program to ensure their success.

The TANF and TAONF programs provide families with monthly financial benefits that can be expended for food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials. To qualify for this assistance, a family must include a child under 18 and have a total gross income below 185% of Hawaii’s 2006 Federal Poverty Level. This means the monthly gross income must be less than $2,941 for a household of three persons.

Effective April 18, 2023, assets are no longer considered when determining eligibility for financial benefits under the TANF and TAONF programs [see Act 18, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013].

Effective March 1, 2025, the TANF and TAONF monthly assistance allowance (i.e., financial assistance benefits) increases from 48% to 62% of the standard of need.1 Eligible TANF and TAONF recipient families will see an increase in their monthly financial benefits. For example, a recipient family of three with no income will see a change from $610 (with the 20% reduction) to $789, an increase of $179 per month.

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1 In accordance with section 346-53, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the monthly assistance allowance is a percentage of the standard of need which is based on the 2006 federal poverty level for Hawaii. The monthly assistance allowance cannot be lower than 48% but no higher than 62.5% of the standard of need.