Montana TANF (Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is Montana's monthly cash help for low-income families with children. Apply online at apply.mt.gov, by calling the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535, or at your local Office of Public Assistance. Most adults take part in TANF Pathways, the work program run for the state by Maximus, which helps you move toward a job.
TANF is for families with minor children who live in Montana. That includes caretaker relatives, the children's siblings living with them, pregnant women in their last trimester, and refugees with minor children. People who get SSI cannot get TANF cash assistance at the same time.
The most important rule is the clock. TANF cash is limited to 60 months in an adult's lifetime. Once an adult has received 60 months, the family cannot get more unless the state grants an extension. Because the months are limited, treat each one as valuable.
The monthly cash Payment Standard took effect July 1, 2023. A family of three can get up to $725 a month. A family of one can get up to $425, a family of two up to $575, a family of four up to $875, and a family of five up to $1,025. Each extra person adds $150. The amount you actually get depends on your income and situation, and the program decides.
Your countable resources must be less than $3,000 on the day you apply. Some things do not count, like the home you live in and basic household items. You must also assign your right to child support payments to the state as a condition of getting help.
Because the cash is modest and the clock is short, use TANF as a doorway. The same apply.mt.gov application covers SNAP food help and Medicaid, so you can add them at once. Working with your TANF Pathways case worker can help you find a job. Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency funds between paychecks.
Phone 1-888-706-1535
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children who are Montana residents and meet an income and resource test; a caretaker relative or a pregnant woman in her last trimester may also qualify
- Most adults must take part in the TANF Pathways work program, and cash assistance is limited to 60 months in an adult's lifetime
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 1-888-706-1535, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance.
- 2
Have proof of your children, your Montana residency, your income, and your resources ready.
- 3
Take part in the TANF Pathways work program if you are asked to.
- 4
Apply for SNAP and Medicaid on the same application.
- 5
Keep track of your 60-month lifetime limit as you receive help.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and Montana residency
- Proof that you have a minor child in your care. Your local Office of Public Assistance confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does Montana TANF pay?
The Payment Standard, effective July 1, 2023, is up to $725 a month for a family of three, up to $425 for one, and up to $875 for four. Each extra person adds $150.
How long can I get it?
TANF cash is limited to 60 months in an adult's lifetime, unless the state grants an extension.
Who qualifies?
Families with minor children who live in Montana, including caretaker relatives, pregnant women in their last trimester, and refugees with minor children. People who get SSI are not eligible for TANF cash.
Is there a resource limit?
Yes. Your countable resources must be less than $3,000 on the day you apply. The home you live in and basic household items do not count.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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