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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR TANF • Deprivation- A child must be deprived of parental care and support of at least one parent as a result of absence, disability, or unemployment of one or both parents. Absence may be due to death, non-marriage, desertion, divorce, or illness. • Social Security Numbers (SSN) -A SSN must be provided for each person requesting TANF. • Citizenship- Each person must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien. • Income- The family’s income and the income of a stepparent with whom the child lives must be considered in determining whether the needs of the child are met. • Resources- The family must not own property (other than the home) or have cash or other resources exceeding $2000. • Child Support- All applicants and recipients of TANF must assign their child support rights to the State and cooperate in establishing paternity and obtaining financial and medical support. Failure to cooperate without good cause will result in termination of the family’s TANF benefit or denial of the application. • Disability- An ill or disabled parent will be required to have an examination by a licensed physician and the medical report reviewed by the State Medical Review Unit to determine whether the person meets the definition of disability. The examination and review are not necessary for parents receiving SSI, Social Security Disability, or 100% VA disability. • Unemployed Parent (TANF-UP)- Families in which both legal parents reside in the home and are able-bodied may be eligible for TANF by reason of unemployment. Number of Persons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 100% Requirements (Net Monthly Income) 218 293 368 443 518 593 668 743 818 893 185% Requirements (Gross Monthly Income) 403 542 680 819 958 1097 1235 1374 1513 1652 Maximum TANF Grant 110 146 170 194 218 242 266 290 314 228 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program provides cash benefits for families with children under age 18 who do not have enough income or resources to meet their everyday needs. The monthly TANF benefit amount is based on the family’s size and income. 750 North State Street | Jackson, MS 39202 P.O. Box 352 | Jackson, MS 39205 www.mdhs.ms.gov