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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to low income families with children while they strive to become self-sufficient. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of families living in poverty, through employment services and community resources. To qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets and little or no income. The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $503. Benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which allows clients to obtain benefits through grocery store card-scanning devices and ATM machines, using an "Oregon Trail Card." Many families in the TANF program must participate in the JOBS employment and training program, which helps them prepare for and find work. They may also receive help with problems around housing, childcare, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic-violence and other factors that affect family stability. In addition, DHS helps clients obtain child support from absent parents. The Children, Adults and Families group of the Department of Human Services (DHS) administer the TANF program. Services to clients are provided through DHS offices across the state, which are operated by the DHS Community Human Services group.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Oregon, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
The TANF application process starts with a request. The request may be in the form of a phone call, visit, or written request by you or another person or agency acting on your behalf. The date of request is the date the request for benefits is received by the Division. You must apply at the branch serving the area in which your family lives or works. The application process is completed when you fill out, sign the application form, have a face-to-face interview and provide the necessary information and verification within 45 days.

For an application, contact the Oregon Department of Human Services at 503-945-5651 or contact your local DHS Self-sufficiency office:
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/localoffices.shtml

Program Contact Information
See also Oregon Helps, a website that can help you find out if you might be eligible for several programs that serve families and children:

http://www.oregonhelps.org/