Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program that provides temporary cash assistance to families in need and helps end the dependence of parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. To find out if you may be eligible, please use one of the methods listed below.

• Online: Virginia CommonHelp
• Phone: 1-855-635-4370
• In Person: If you’re an Albemarle County resident, inquire in person during normal business hours at the address below.
  
  • Albemarle County Department of Social Services
    5th Street County Office Building
    1600 5th Street Ext, Suite A
    Charlottesville, VA 22902
  • Phone: 434-972-4010
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm

Eligibility

TANF eligibility is based on both financial and non-financial criteria. Verification of some information will be required. It will be necessary to provide all required verifications.

Program Requirements or Restrictions

With few exceptions, assistance under TANF is restricted to a lifetime limit of 60 cumulative months. The family may receive a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs and the program does require that there be a minor child in the home with a parent or other relative.

Recipients of TANF may be required to cooperate with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). To learn more about services available through DCSE, you can visit the website or call 1-800-468-8894.

Work Requirements

Able-bodied adult TANF recipients are required to participate in the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) program. The VIEW program emphasizes personal responsibility. Participants may be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, childcare assistance, transportation and other work-related expenses.

Diversionary Assistance

During the application process, a family in need may indicate that they have a one-time financial emergency related to basic needs. Under certain circumstances, they may be eligible for a program under TANF called Diversionary Assistance.

Diversionary Assistance under the TANF program is an immediate intervention in the short-term to resolve a specific crisis and prevent the need for ongoing assistance. Assistance from this program will result in periods of ineligibility for monthly TANF assistance and cannot be used again for another year. This program has additional criteria for eligibility.