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179 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 3: Individual information Definitions Minor parent: A minor parent is any parent under the age of 18. Minor parent head of household: A minor parent head of household is an individual applying for benefits for themselves and their child(ren). Major parent: A major parent is a parent in the same household with their minor parent child. Teen parent: A teen parent is a parent age 19 or younger who does not yet have their high school diploma or equivalent. Eligibility for minor parents A minor parent filing for TANF benefits cannot be both a dependent child and a caretaker for their own child. If they are considered a dependent child, they must file for benefits with their parent or caretaker relative. Minor parents and teen parents need to meet all TANF eligibility requirements to be eligible for TANF. Minor parent living with a parent or other legal adult Minor parents are not eligible for benefits if they are not living with their parent(s), legal guardian, or another adult relative. This is true unless the worker determines that it is unsafe or impractical for the minor parent to live with the aforementioned individual(s). A minor parent will be ineligible for benefits if they refuse to live with their parent(s), legal guardian, or another adult relative when the worker determines that it is an appropriate option. If the worker determines that it is in the best interest of the minor parent to live on their own, the minor parent must attend high school (or equivalent) full-time, or participate in JOBS or other training programs to develop employment or self-sufficiency skills to qualify for benefits. Note: Sexual abuse or other physical or emotional abuse is grounds for the worker to waive the requirement that a minor parent live with their parent(s), legal guardian, or other adult relative in order to receive benefits. The worker’s decision to waive that requirement may also be based on the unavailability of the parent(s), legal guardian, or other adult relative in providing the minor parent’s care, control, and supervision. This is true when they are not living in the same state, or when the minor parent has been living on their own for over 12 months before or since the birth of their last child. Minor parents living with their major parents When a minor parent returns to live or lives with their parents, eligibility for the minor parent will be determined as follows: • If the major parents are receiving benefits, the minor parent and their child will be added to the filing group. Thus, the minor parent will be treated as one of the dependent children in the family; • If the major parents are not receiving benefits and do not want to apply for the minor parent, the parents’ income (this includes earned and unearned income) will be used to determine if the minor parent is eligible.