To lessen the strain placed on low-income households through the TANF subsidies, Tennessee will give over 24,000 children and their families a little more assistance over the holiday season.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services will provide families registered in the state’s Families First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with a one-time additional payment of $500 to help with holiday expenses (TDHS).
Tennesse TANF Benefits Schedule
The Families First program provides low-income Tennessee families with access to federally subsidized purchases of goods and services through monthly cash deposits to users’ electronic benefit cards (EBTs).
The increased payment will be available using current EBT cards starting on Thursday, December 1.
The Office of the Administration for Children & Families offers Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to low-income families with children to help them become self-sufficient (DHHS).
Currently, the federal government provides approximately $16.5 billion in TANF block grants to US states and territories. Feds aim to cover the cost of the monthly cash assistance payments delivered to its qualified citizens.
A participant may only take part in Families First for a total of 60 months in their lifetime. The program also includes a duty commitment for household heads. They stipulate obligations including agreeing to work or attend events connected to work and ensuring children receive immunizations, health checks, and regular school attendance.
Meanwhile, state officials assert that they are aware of all the costs associated with the holidays purchasing warmer clothing, and paying for school breaks.
They anticipate that all affected families will now be able to start the new year off successfully.
Additionally, the state warns these families to be wary of continuous EBT card fraud. Never give a stranger your card number or any other personal information.
For more information on the Families First program, application guidelines, or to manage your Tennessee human services benefits online, go to TDHS’s ONE DHS website.
READ MORE: December SNAP Benefits: Where Will Food Assistance Be Provided?
TANF Benefits Policy May Change
Ken King, a state representative, presented a measure on Tuesday that would require drug testing of TANF applicants.
Moreover, House Bill 822 would limit access to government assistance to those who successfully complete a drug offender education program. The rule could reduce the 12-month restriction to six months if they fail a drug test.
There’s a good reason why you might recognize this bill. Since his election in 2012, King has introduced related laws in every parliamentary session in which he has taken part.
During the 83rd Legislative Session, King gave the members of the Human Services Committee an explanation of why he believed this is such a vital issue.
The bills have been the subject of discussion. One potential issue is the cost of an extensive drug testing program. King, though, argues that any amount would be good.
The bill’s opponents assert that even if it passes the legislature and is signed into law, judicial challenges will delay the case and virtually probably lead to a ruling that it is unconstitutional.
Judy Powell of the Parent Guidance Center testified against the idea in 2013. During the 87th Legislative Session, HB423 was presented before being sent to the Human Services Committee. The session ended before lawmakers could formally take action on the idea.
READ MORE: Texas SNAP Benefits: Where to Use EBT Cards?
