Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary financial assistance to needy eligible families with children. TANF promotes economic independence, work first, and personal responsibility through participation in the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program.

For a Child to Be Eligible He/She Must Be:

Under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19
Going to school regularly if he is between the ages of five and 18
Living with a parent or other relative
A U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant

How Do I Apply for TANF?

In order to apply for TANF, you may pick up an application from the Suffolk Department of Social Services or call for additional information.

For your convenience, you can now apply online from any computer that has Internet access by visiting the new Virginia Department of Social Services website, CommonHelp.

Facts About the TANF Program

If you are applying for TANF, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment, instead of monthly TANF payments. This is called a Diversionary Assistance Payment.
TANF promotes economic independence through participation in the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program.
VIEW requires most TANF recipients to work at least 30 hours per week.
If you are not working 30 hours per week, you will have to participate in VIEW for 35 hours per week.
If your child is 12 months or older, you are required to participate in VIEW.
If your child is 6 weeks or older and not on TANF because of the “cap” rule, you will be required to participate in VIEW.