Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Apply online at CommonHelp

General Information

Provides monthly financial support, in the form of a check, direct deposit, or debit card, to low-income families whose minor children live in the home.

• TANF benefits are available for no more than 60 months in a lifetime.
• Assistance in another state counts towards the 60 month allotment.
• Unless exempt, recipient must participate in an employment program (Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare – VIEW) and look for employment.
• If enrolled in VIEW, TANF is limited to 24 months.

Eligibility

• Arlington residency must be verified. Everyone in the household must be listed on the application.
• Family must have a child under the age of 18, or - if 18 years old - is attending secondary school or the equivalent. All related children must be included in the application.
• Children must be living with a parent or other relative. If the parent is in the home, the parent must apply even if someone else has custody.
• Every eligible family member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant. At least one child must meet this requirement.
• Children between the ages of 5 -18 must attend school regularly.
• Children must be fully immunized unless there is good cause for not being up to date with immunizations.
• A Social Security number or proof of application is required for each family member.
• Cooperation with the Division of Child Support Enforcement in establishing paternity and obtaining child support from absent parents, if applicable, is required unless good cause exists for non-cooperation.
• Face to face interview may be required.

Monthly Gross Income Limits

Ways to Apply

Via Arlington County DHS

1. Apply in person, or mail application to:
   Bureau of Assistance Programs
   2100 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor
   Arlington, VA 22204
2. To have an application mailed to you, call 703-228-1350.
3. You can also fax your completed application and documents to 703-228-1011.

Via CommonHelp

1. Apply online via CommonHelp
   
   

Documents Required

Required documents include, but may not be limited to:

• Complete Department of Social Services Application for Benefits
• Verification of citizenship. Verification of alien status for each person not born in the U.S.
• Verification of address, and that each child lives with the applicant
• Verification of birth date for each child
• Verification of relationship of the child to the applicant
• Verification of income
• School attendance verification for each child of school age
• Verification of immunizations for each child not attending school