Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Newport News Department of Human Services offers Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).  TANF is an assistance program that pays a transitional monthly money payment to families with children who are deprived of the support of one or both parents.    The TANF program provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs.  Participants may be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation, and other work related expenses.

An eligible child must be under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19, going to school regularly if he is between the ages of five and 18,  living with a parent or other relative and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant.  

Must provide proof of age and relationship to a guardian, proof of residence, evidence of parent's death, absence, or incapacity, and evidence of financial need.

CommonHelp is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s fast and easy way to apply online for many Virginia social services assistance programs. Through a single online site, you can find out what assistance you might be eligible for and submit one application saving you time and effort.  You can apply for Benefit Programs online at CommonHelp or by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.