DC TANF (Cash Assistance)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, is the District's monthly cash help for low-income families with children. Apply online at districtdirect.dc.gov or by phone through the Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355. Effective October 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $504 for one person, $629 for two, $803 for three, $983 for four, rising to $2,024 for a household of 10.

To qualify, you must be a District resident, be pregnant or responsible for a child under 19, and be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant. You must also meet income limits based on household size. Countable resources like bank accounts and stocks may not go over $3,000, or $4,500 if the household includes someone age 60 or older.

TANF is built around work and education. Most adults take part in the TANF Employment and Education Program, TEP, complete orientation through the Office of Work Opportunity, and follow an Individual Responsibility Plan. Some people are exempt, including those who are pregnant, have a child under age one, are experiencing domestic violence, or have a physical disability that limits work.

Income limits at application are low, but they open up once you are on the program. The maximum monthly earnings to start are $664 for one person, $963 for three, and $1,143 for four. After you are approved, you can earn more and still keep benefits. Families with childcare costs get a higher limit, an extra $175 per child age 2 or older and $200 per child under 2.

One large change is coming, so plan for it. Unlike most states, DC did not cut families off at the federal 60-month lifetime limit; it used local funds to keep benefits going. That ends October 1, 2027, when households that have gotten TANF for more than 60 months lose benefits unless they qualify for a hardship extension. Also on October 1, 2027, the failure-to-work sanction rises from 6 percent to 25 percent of the benefit.

TANF comes with supports, including the TANF Employment and Education Program, a child care subsidy, and TAPIT tuition assistance. Apply for SNAP and Medicaid at the same time, and dial 2-1-1 for local funds that can bridge a gap.