Oregon TANF (Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Oregon TANF gives a monthly cash benefit to families with children who have little or no income, to help pay for what they need while working toward self-support. A family of three with no other income can get up to $506 a month. Apply online through the ONE portal at one.oregon.gov, by phone, or in person, and the same application covers SNAP and the Oregon Health Plan.
There is an extra benefit worth knowing about. Oregon provides a clothing allowance of up to $270 total, sent to your EBT card in three payments, in May, August, and November, as long as the family stays TANF-eligible. That is timed for back-to-school and seasonal needs.
Eligibility centers on the children. You must live in Oregon with little or no income and few resources, and be the parent or caregiver of a child 18 or younger, be pregnant, or be 18 or younger and head of your household. After you apply, ODHS schedules an interview to review everything.
Most people approved for TANF join the JOBS program, which helps you find work and connects you to services. Benefits load onto the Oregon Trail Card, usable like a debit card to buy items or withdraw cash.
TANF opens two more doors for families. Children ages 0 to 5 become eligible for Head Start free preschool, and families needing child support can enroll with the Oregon Department of Justice to establish paternity, get an order, and process payments.
One honest note for immigrant families: getting TANF can count in a public charge test, but many immigrants, including refugees and people seeking asylum, are exempt. Before you apply, Oregon Legal Aid's Public Benefits Hotline at 800-520-5292 can advise on your situation.
Phone 800-699-9075
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Oregon residents with little income and few resources who are a parent or caretaker of a child 18 or younger, pregnant, or a head of household age 18 or younger
- Most adults take part in the JOBS program, and federal and state time limits apply to how long you can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at one.oregon.gov, by phone, or in person; the same application covers SNAP and OHP.
- 2
Complete the interview ODHS schedules.
- 3
Join the JOBS program to keep benefits and get work support.
- 4
Ask about the $270 clothing allowance and Head Start for young children.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the adults applying
- Proof of income and resources
- Proof that a child lives with you. ODHS confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does Oregon TANF pay?
It depends on income and family size. A family of three with no other income can get up to $506 a month, plus a clothing allowance of up to $270 total across the year.
What is the clothing allowance?
Up to $270 total, sent to your EBT card in May, August, and November as long as the family stays TANF-eligible.
Do I have to work?
Most people approved for TANF join the JOBS program, which helps you find a job and connects you to services.
I am an immigrant. Will TANF affect my status?
It can count in a public charge test, but many immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, are exempt. Call the Public Benefits Hotline at 800-520-5292 before applying.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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