TANF Sanctions: Why Cash Assistance Can Be Reduced or Stopped (and What You Can Do)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash assistance program designed to help very low-income families with children. In most states, TANF comes with work requirements, paperwork rules, and time limits. If the program decides that a family is not following the rules, it can reduce, suspend, or completely stop benefits. This is called a TANF sanction.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, does not process applications, and cannot change or fix your TANF case. This guide explains how TANF sanctions typically work and how you can address them through official TANF offices and portals in your state or county.

What Is a TANF Sanction?

A TANF sanction is a penalty that your state or county TANF agency may apply if they decide you did not meet a program rule. A sanction usually affects your cash benefit amount and sometimes your Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps) status, depending on your state.

Sanctions can be:

• Partial – Your TANF benefit is reduced.
• Full-family – Your entire TANF case is closed and you receive no cash assistance.
• Short-term – Benefits stop or drop for a set number of months.
• Longer-term or escalating – Penalties become more serious if there are multiple sanctions.

Each state designs its own TANF program within federal guidelines, so exact rules and penalties vary by state.

Common Reasons TANF Benefits Are Reduced or Stopped

While details differ by location, many TANF programs use similar standards. Below are typical reasons TANF sanctions happen, in plain language.

1. Not Meeting Work or Job Search Requirements

Most adults on TANF must take part in work activities, such as:

• Unsubsidized or subsidized employment
• Job search and job readiness classes
• Vocational training or education (when approved)
• Work experience or community service
• High school or GED (often for teen parents)

A sanction may happen if the agency decides you:

• Missed required work hours without what they consider “good cause”
• Stopped attending an assigned program (job club, training, etc.)
• Refused a suitable job offer or quit a job without approved reason
• Did not turn in work logs or proof of participation

States usually have specific hour requirements (for example, 20–30+ hours per week). Your TANF caseworker or local office can explain the exact expectation for your household.

2. Missing Appointments or Interviews

You can be sanctioned if you do not attend required:

• Intake or orientation sessions
• Case management meetings
• Work program appointments
• Re-assessments or reviews

In many places, even a single missed appointment without good cause can trigger a sanction or a warning. Some states send multiple notices; others move more quickly.

If you cannot attend, most agencies expect you to:

• Call ahead when possible
• Ask to reschedule
• Provide proof of the reason (doctor’s note, employer letter, etc.)

3. Not Turning in Required Paperwork

TANF requires regular reporting. Common paperwork issues that can lead to sanctions include:

• Not returning recertification or redetermination forms
• Not submitting income verification (pay stubs, employer letters)
• Not turning in school attendance or other required reports
• Ignoring requests for additional documents under a deadline

If paperwork is late or missing, the agency may:

• Reduce benefits
• Put your case in “suspension” status
• Close your TANF case entirely

4. Not Reporting Changes in Your Household

Most TANF programs require you to report changes within a set time, often 10–30 days (varies by state). Sanctions can result if you fail to report:

• New or increased income (wages, child support, unemployment, etc.)
• Someone moving in or out of your household
• Changes in child custody or where children live
• Changes in work hours that affect eligibility
• Changes in address or contact information

Sometimes failures to report can also result in claims that you were overpaid and must repay benefits, in addition to sanctions.

5. Non-Cooperation With Child Support Requirements

In many states, TANF requires parents to:

• Cooperate with child support enforcement, and
• Assign child support rights to the state (some or all of the payments)

Sanctions can happen if the agency decides you:

• Refused to give information about the other parent
• Ignored child support enforcement appointments or interviews
• Intentionally gave false or incomplete information

There are usually “good cause” exemptions if cooperation would put you or your child at risk, such as domestic violence or safety concerns. These rules are strict and require talking directly with your TANF or child support worker and providing documentation when possible.

6. Time Limits and Lifetime Limits

Federal law and state rules set time limits for how long you can receive TANF as an adult, often 60 months (5 years) or less, depending on the state.

When you reach the time limit, the TANF cash benefit:

• May stop for adults only, or
• May stop for the entire family, depending on state rules and exemptions

While time limits are not always called “sanctions,” the result is the same: cash assistance ends. Some states can extend benefits for families with serious hardships or disabilities, but this is very case-specific.

7. Program or Behavior-Related Issues

Some states apply sanctions for:

• Fraud or intentional misrepresentation
• Violating specific program agreements (like substance use rules or caring for school-aged children)
• Persistent school truancy of children, in a few states

Fraud findings can lead to more severe and longer-term penalties, including possible legal consequences.

What Counts as “Good Cause” to Avoid a Sanction?

Most TANF policies allow a “good cause” exception when a family cannot meet requirements for reasons beyond their control. Examples often include:

• Illness or hospitalization of you or a household member
• Childcare problems, such as no available provider during required hours
• Transportation breakdowns or no reasonable transportation options
• Domestic violence or unsafe situations
• Work schedule conflicts that the program could not reasonably fix
• Weather emergencies or other serious events

What counts as good cause varies by state. In general:

• You usually need to tell your caseworker as soon as possible
• You may be asked to provide proof, such as a note from:
  • A doctor or hospital
  • A childcare provider
  • An employer
  • A shelter, advocate, or counselor

If you think you had good cause, you can ask for a review or appeal of the sanction decision through your local TANF office.

How TANF Sanctions Usually Work Step-by-Step

Each state has its own process, but many follow a similar pattern.

Step 1: Warning or Non-Compliance Notice

Before a sanction is applied, you will often receive a written notice saying the agency believes you did not meet a requirement. This notice may include:

• What rule they say you broke
• The date(s) of the issue (missed appointment, no work hours, etc.)
• What you need to do to fix it (sometimes called “curing” the sanction)
• A deadline to respond or comply

Some states first send a warning; others move directly to a proposed sanction notice.

Step 2: Chance to Explain or Show “Good Cause”

The notice may give you a chance to:

• Call your caseworker
• Attend a conciliation meeting, compliance review, or good-cause appointment
• Provide documents to explain what happened

This is often your best opportunity to:

• Clear up misunderstandings
• Show that you did comply
• Prove you had a good reason you could not comply

If the agency accepts your explanation, they may cancel or avoid the sanction.

Step 3: Formal Sanction Notice

If the issue is not resolved, the agency typically sends a formal sanction notice stating:

• The type of sanction (partial reduction, full-family, etc.)
• The amount your benefit will be reduced by
• The start date of the sanction
• The length of the sanction (for example, 1 month, 3 months, longer, or until you comply)
• Your appeal rights and deadlines

It is important to read this notice carefully and keep it in a safe place.

Step 4: Appeal or Request a Fair Hearing

You usually have the right to appeal the sanction through a process often called a fair hearing or administrative hearing. Typical steps:

1. Request the hearing by the deadline on your notice (often 10–30 days).
2. You may be able to:
   • File the request in writing
   • Call the state or county hearing office
   • Return a hearing request form included with your notice
3. You can:
   • Explain your side to a hearing officer or judge
   • Bring documents or witnesses to support your case
   • Sometimes be represented by an advocate or legal aid attorney

In some states, if you request the hearing before the sanction start date, your benefits may continue temporarily until a decision is made. This varies by state and by type of sanction.

Step 5: Curing or Ending a Sanction

Many states allow you to cure a sanction by:

• Doing the required work or activity for a set number of weeks
• Attending missed appointments or orientations
• Turning in missing paperwork
• Cooperating with child support as required

Once you have cured the sanction, benefits may:

• Be restored in full, or
• Remain reduced for a certain minimum sanction period, depending on the rules

Your local TANF office can explain exactly what you must do to end or reduce the sanction.

Typical TANF Sanction Levels and Penalties

The table below is a general example of how sanctions may escalate. Your state’s rules may look different, but this can help you understand the pattern.

*These examples are generalized. Exact penalty amounts, durations, and cure rules are set by each state’s TANF program.

To find out the specific sanction levels where you live, contact:

• Your local TANF office
• The state human services or social services department
• The toll-free TANF or benefits hotline listed on your TANF paperwork

How to Avoid TANF Sanctions

There are practical steps you can take to reduce the chance of a sanction.

1. Keep Communication Open

• Update your address and phone number immediately if they change.
• Check your mail regularly for letters from the agency.
• Call your caseworker if you:
  • Are confused about requirements
  • Cannot attend an appointment
  • Have a change in your situation

2. Know Your Work Requirements

• Ask your worker to clearly explain:
  • Required hours per week
  • Approved activities
  • How to report your hours or participation
• Request a written copy of your work plan, if available.

3. Report Changes on Time

Typical changes to report quickly:

• New or changed jobs or income
• Someone moving in or out of the household
• Pregnancy or a new baby
• Changes in childcare availability
• Serious illness or disability

Most TANF programs have a specific deadline for reporting changes. Look at your approval notice or ask your worker.

4. Ask for Help if You Have Barriers

If you have challenges, it may be possible for the TANF agency to adjust your plan or connect you with supports. Examples:

• Disability or chronic health condition
• Mental health challenges
• Domestic violence or safety concerns
• Limited English proficiency
• Lack of transportation or childcare

Ask about:

• Reasonable accommodations
• Good cause policies
• Alternative work activities

What to Do If You Already Have a TANF Sanction

If your benefits were reduced or stopped, you still have options. Typical steps:

1. Read the sanction notice carefully.

   • Note: the reason, start date, duration, and appeal deadline.

2. Contact your TANF office or caseworker.

   • Ask: “What do I need to do to cure this sanction?”
   • Confirm if it’s a partial reduction or full-family sanction.

3. Gather documents to explain your situation.
   Helpful items may include:

   • Medical notes
   • Employer letters
   • Proof of transportation or childcare problems
   • Police reports or shelter letters if safety was an issue

4. Request a fair hearing or appeal if you think the sanction is wrong.

   • Follow the instructions and deadlines on your notice.
   • You generally must act within a limited time (commonly 10–30 days).

5. Seek free legal or advocacy help if available.

   • Many areas have legal aid organizations that help with public benefits issues.
   • You can usually find them by:
     • Calling 211 (where available)
     • Asking your local TANF office for legal aid contact information
     • Searching for your state’s “legal aid” or “legal services” office

Documents That May Help If You’re Facing a Sanction

While each case is different, these kinds of documents are often useful:

• TANF notices and letters
• Work activity logs, timesheets, or sign-in sheets
• Pay stubs or employer letters about your schedule
• Doctor or hospital notes explaining illness or incapacity
• Childcare provider letters (for example, no openings, closure, or change in hours)
• Transportation receipts or repair bills
• Court orders, police reports, or shelter letters (for domestic violence or safety issues)
• School records if school attendance is an issue in your state’s rules

Organize these documents by date and keep copies in a safe place.

How to Find the Right TANF Office or Official Portal

Because rules and procedures are state-specific, it’s important to contact the correct official agency.

You can typically find this by:

• Looking at the TANF approval or denial letter you received. It usually lists:
  • The agency name (for example, Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, etc.)
  • A local office address
  • A phone number or toll-free hotline
• Searching for your state name plus:
  • “TANF”
  • “cash assistance”
  • “Department of Human Services” or “Health and Human Services”
• Calling 211 (where available) and asking for the TANF or cash assistance office in your county.

When you call or visit, you can say you want to:

• Ask about a TANF sanction
• Understand why your benefits were reduced
• Learn how to cure the sanction
• Request information about appeal or hearing rights

Common Misunderstandings About TANF Sanctions

Understanding what sanctions are — and what they are not — can help you navigate the system more confidently.

• “A sanction means I’m permanently banned.”
  Not always. Many sanctions are temporary and can be cured by meeting program requirements again. However, some states do set longer-term penalties for repeated non-compliance.

• “My TANF case closed, so I can never reapply.”
  Often you can reapply later, as long as you still meet eligibility rules and have not hit the lifetime limit. Sanction history can still affect your case, so ask how it applies.

• “If I missed one appointment, they will automatically cut me off.”
  In some places, one missed appointment may lead to a sanction, but often the agency must send written notice and give a chance to reschedule or show good cause.

• “I can ignore letters because I’m busy with work and kids.”
  Ignoring letters usually hurts your case. Letters often contain deadlines that can decide whether a sanction is applied, continued, or lifted.

Alternatives and Additional Help If TANF Is Reduced or Stopped

If your TANF cash assistance is sanctioned or ends, you may still qualify for other help:

• SNAP (food stamps) – Food assistance has its own rules; in many states children can still receive SNAP even if TANF is sanctioned.
• Medicaid or CHIP – Health coverage for adults and children may follow different rules than TANF cash.
• WIC – For pregnant/postpartum people and children under 5, helps with specific foods and nutrition support.
• Childcare assistance – Some states provide childcare subsidies even if TANF is limited or ended.
• Housing help – Local housing authorities, emergency shelters, or rent/utility assistance through community organizations.
• Local charities and nonprofits – Churches, community action agencies, and nonprofits sometimes offer one-time help with food, clothing, or utilities.

To find these, you can:

• Call 211 (where available)
• Ask your TANF caseworker or local office about other programs
• Contact your county human services or social services department

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official TANF Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Since TANF is a government program, applications and sanctions are handled only through official agencies, not private websites.

To verify you are on an official channel:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address when using an online portal.
• Check that mailed letters show:
  • A state seal or official logo
  • A department name like “Department of Human Services” or “Department of Social Services”
• Be cautious if:
  • A website or person charges a fee to “guarantee approval”
  • You are asked to send money, gift cards, or bank passwords
  • Communication comes only through social media messages without any official phone or mailing address

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call your local TANF office using a phone number listed on a government website or in an official letter.
• Ask a caseworker or 211 operator to confirm the correct TANF contact information.

Understanding how TANF sanctions work — and what you can do about them — can make a difficult situation more manageable. If your benefits are reduced or stopped, the most important steps are to read your notice, contact your TANF office promptly, and use your rights to explain, appeal, or cure the sanction through your state’s official channels.