Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Overview

The Pennsylvania-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.

The four purposes of the TANF program are to:

• Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
• Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
• Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
• Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families

Note: TANF is sometimes referred to by state specific names.

Administration

Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is administered by Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Program Requirements:

In general for this benefit program, you must be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident, and have very low income. You must also be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania.

In order to receive TANF benefits in Pennsylvania you will need to contact Cash Assistance/TANF, which is the local TANF office in PA. They can assist with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families that helps low income families purchase items such as clothing, food and housing expenses.

Application Details

To apply online, please visit the COMPASS online application portal.

For additional application information, visit the Apply for Benefits  page.