TANF Support Services: How Child Care, Transportation, and Training Help Families Move Forward

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is best known for providing monthly cash help to low‑income families with children. But in many states, the most powerful part of TANF is actually the support services that come with it—especially child care, transportation, and job training.

These services are designed to help parents work, look for work, or attend training so they can become more self‑sufficient over time.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, does not accept applications, and does not handle benefits. This guide explains how TANF support services typically work and how you can move forward through official state and local offices.

TANF Support Services in Plain English

Most state TANF programs offer some combination of:

• Child care assistance so parents can work, attend school, or participate in required activities.
• Transportation help so they can get to jobs, interviews, child care, or training.
• Training and employment services to build skills and find better jobs.

These services are often called:

• “Supportive services”
• “Work support services”
• “Employment-related services”

They usually go along with a TANF work plan or employment plan that you create with a caseworker.

Because TANF is run by each state (and sometimes by counties or tribes), specific benefits, eligibility rules, and processes can be very different depending on where you live. The best way to get exact details is to contact your state TANF agency or local human services office.

Who Typically Qualifies for TANF Support Services?

In many places, support services are available to:

• Current TANF cash assistance recipients
• Parents or caregivers in TANF work programs (even if they get a small or no cash grant)
• People transitioning off TANF (for a limited time, such as a few months after benefits end)

You may be more likely to qualify if:

• You are caring for a child under 18 (or under 19 if still in school).
• Your household income and assets are below your state’s TANF limits.
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen, as defined by your state.
• You are willing and able to participate in employment-related activities (unless you have an approved exemption).

Some states also offer limited TANF-funded services (like job search help) to low-income parents who do not get TANF cash, but those programs are often smaller and may have waiting lists.

Because rules differ, contact:

• Your local TANF or human services office
• Or call your state’s official TANF/benefits hotline

Ask specifically about: “TANF support services for work activities, including child care, transportation, and training.”

TANF Child Care Assistance

What TANF Child Care Support Usually Covers

TANF-funded child care support is meant to make it possible for parents to:

• Work (full-time or part-time)
• Look for a job
• Attend job training, education, or work activities required by TANF

Depending on your state, TANF child care support might include:

• Full or partial payment of child care costs
• Help paying:
  • Licensed child care centers
  • Licensed family child care homes
  • Sometimes approved relatives or in‑home providers (if allowed by state rules)
• Coverage for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children during approved hours

You may still have to pay a copayment or fee based on your income.

Typical Eligibility Clues for TANF Child Care

You may qualify if:

• You are approved for TANF or in a TANF work program.
• You need child care so you can do an approved activity (work, job search, training, education).
• Your child is within the age range covered by state rules (often under 13, older if the child has a disability and the program allows it).
• Your chosen provider meets state child care rules (unless your state allows informal providers).

In some states, families who leave TANF because of increased income can keep child care help for a certain number of months (sometimes called “transitional child care”).

Documents Often Requested for TANF Child Care

Requirements vary by state, but you are often asked to provide:

• Identification: photo ID for the parent/caregiver
• Proof of relationship/custody:
  • Birth certificate for each child
  • Court papers, if applicable
• Proof of residence:
  • Lease, utility bill, or official letter
• Proof of income:
  • Pay stubs, employer letter, or self-employment records
• Work or training details:
  • Work schedule or employer letter
  • School or training enrollment and schedule
• Provider information:
  • Name, address, phone number
  • Provider ID or license number, if applicable

Having these documents ready can help avoid delays.

TANF Transportation Assistance

Transportation can be a major barrier to work. Many TANF programs offer transportation-related support to help parents get to:

• Jobs
• Job interviews
• Child care locations
• Required meetings with TANF staff
• Training or education programs

Types of Transportation Help You May See

Depending on your state and local policies, transportation help may include:

• Bus passes or transit cards
• Gas vouchers or fuel cards
• Mileage reimbursement for using your own car
• Assistance with minor car repairs (if needed for work and approved by the program)
• Help with driver’s license or ID fees (when work-related)
• Van or shuttle services in areas without good public transit

These supports are normally limited to TANF participants with an active work plan. They are usually not open-ended; they are tied to specific activities and time periods approved by your caseworker.

What You May Need to Show

To receive transportation help, your TANF caseworker may ask for:

• A copy of your work or training schedule
• Interview notices (for interview-related support)
• Proof of mileage (log, map printout, or app screenshot, depending on local policy)
• Receipts for certain expenses, if you are reimbursed

Because each area handles this differently, you’ll want to ask your local TANF office:

• Which transportation supports exist
• How often you can receive them
• What proof you need to submit, and when

TANF Training, Education, and Employment Services

TANF is not just about immediate cash help; it’s also about preparing parents to find and keep work.

Common Work Activities Covered Under TANF

Your state may recognize some or all of these as approved activities:

• Job search and job readiness classes
• Work experience or community service placements
• Vocational training (for example, medical assistant, welding, certified nursing assistant)
• Short-term education directly related to employment
• Adult basic education, GED preparation, or English language classes (if allowed)
• On-the-job training or subsidized employment
• Apprenticeships, internships, or work-study (state-specific)

You usually create an Individual Responsibility Plan or Employment Plan with a TANF worker, listing:

• The activities you’ll participate in
• How many hours per week
• How long each activity will last
• What support services you qualify for (child care, transportation, etc.)

Support Services Connected to Training

When you are approved for training or education as a TANF activity, you may also be able to receive:

• Child care coverage during class, study, and commute time (if allowed)
• Transportation help to and from training
• Sometimes help with:
  • Books or required supplies
  • Uniforms or tools for vocational programs
  • Required testing or certification fees

Not all states cover all of these, and some supports have strict limits. Check with your TANF caseworker about what is specifically available in your area.

Comparing TANF Child Care, Transportation, and Training Supports

Below is a simple comparison to help you see how these supports are typically used together. Exact details vary by state.

In practice, these supports are often combined. For example, a parent may:

• Attend a job training program,
• Receive child care assistance for the hours in class and commuting,
• And get bus passes to travel to and from training and child care.

How to Start the Process Through Official Channels

You cannot apply for TANF or its support services through HowToGetAssistance.org. To pursue TANF services, you must work with official government offices.

1. Identify the Correct TANF Office

TANF is normally managed by:

• The state Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or similar agency
• In some areas, by county social services or human services departments
• In certain tribal areas, by tribal TANF programs

To find your correct office:

• Call 211 (if available in your area) and ask for the TANF office.
• Look up your state’s official government website and search for “TANF” or “cash assistance.”
• Call your county human services or social services department.

Verify that the office or website is .gov, a clearly labeled state/tribal program, or a known county department before sharing personal information.

2. Ask About Both Cash and Support Services

When you speak with the official office, consider asking:

• “How do I apply for TANF cash assistance in this state?”
• “What support services are available for child care, transportation, and training?”
• “Are any services offered to families who do not receive TANF cash?”

They can explain:

• Application options (online portal, in-person, mail, or phone)
• Required documents
• Any deadlines or interview requirements

Documents to Gather Before Applying

Having documents ready can make the TANF process smoother and may help you access support services more quickly once approved.

Commonly requested items include:

Identity and Household

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID)
• Social Security numbers (or documentation) for each household member, if available and required by your state
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of residence (lease, utility bill, official letter)

Income and Expenses

• Recent pay stubs
• Employer letters showing hours and wages
• Information on unemployment benefits, child support, or other income
• Proof of rent or mortgage payments
• Utility bills, if asked for

Child Care and Work/Training

• Names and contact details for your current or preferred child care provider
• Work schedule or employer contact information
• Training or school enrollment papers and class schedule

Your local TANF office or state benefits portal can give you a checklist tailored to your area.

What Happens After You Apply for TANF

While each state has its own process, you can usually expect:

1. Application Submission
   You submit an application through:

   • The official online benefits portal, or
   • Your local office (in person, by mail, or sometimes by phone)

2. Interview or Eligibility Appointment
   Many states require an interview (phone or in person) where:

   • A worker reviews your information
   • You discuss your work history, child care needs, and transportation issues
   • You may start talking about your employment plan

3. Eligibility Decision
   The agency will decide whether you qualify for:

   • TANF cash assistance
   • Related support services
   • Other programs (like SNAP or Medicaid), depending on your application

4. Work or Employment Plan
   If approved, you will likely:

   • Meet with a caseworker to build a plan that may include job search, training, or work experience
   • Discuss what child care and transportation you need for your assigned activities

5. Accessing Support Services
   Once your plan is set:

   • Your caseworker may authorize child care for specific hours and providers
   • You may receive bus passes, gas vouchers, or other support tied to your schedule

Always ask your worker to explain what is covered, for how long, and what you must do to keep receiving these supports.

Common Reasons TANF Support Services Get Delayed or Denied

Delays or denials can be frustrating, but many are caused by fixable issues. Typical reasons include:

• Missing documents
  For example, not providing proof of income or identity on time.

• Unclear activity plans
  If your work or training activity isn’t approved in your TANF plan, support services might not be authorized.

• Provider or expense not allowed
  Some states only pay for certain types of child care providers or limit which transportation costs qualify.

• Not meeting reporting requirements
  Missing required check-ins, not turning in timesheets, or not updating changes (like a new job or schedule) can cause problems.

If you’re unsure why something was denied or delayed, you can ask your caseworker:

• Which rule or policy they are using
• Whether you can submit additional information
• Whether there is a written notice explaining the decision

How Reviews, Redeterminations, and Appeals Usually Work

Periodic Reviews (Redeterminations)

TANF benefits and support services are usually time-limited and reviewed regularly. You may have to:

• Complete review forms every few months (the time frame depends on your state)
• Show updated income, expenses, and activity records
• Renew approvals for child care and transportation

Missing a review deadline can cause your TANF case and related support services to close, so it’s important to:

• Watch for mail or portal messages from your TANF office
• Keep your address, phone, and email updated

Appeals and Fair Hearings

If you disagree with a decision (for example, your child care support was denied or your benefits were reduced), you usually have the right to:

• File an appeal or request a fair hearing
• Do this within a specific deadline listed on your notice (often 10–90 days, depending on state)

To start this process, follow the instructions on the official notice you received, such as:

• Returning an appeal form
• Calling a designated appeals office or hotline
• Submitting a written request

You may be allowed to:

• Present evidence
• Explain your situation
• Bring someone with you for support or representation

Ask your local TANF office to explain how appeals work in your state if the notice is unclear.

If You Don’t Qualify for TANF Support Services

Not everyone will qualify for TANF. If you are over income, do not meet TANF rules, or have timed out of the program, there may still be options.

Here are places to check:

• State Child Care Assistance
  Many states have separate child care subsidy programs funded by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Some families who do not qualify for TANF cash may still qualify for subsidized child care through these programs.

• Local Workforce Development Centers (American Job Centers)
  These centers often provide:

  • Job search assistance
  • Resume help
  • Some training programs
  • Limited support services (like bus passes or help with work clothing)

• Community and Nonprofit Programs
  Local organizations may offer:

  • Sliding-scale or free child care
  • Transportation assistance for work or medical needs
  • Training or GED classes

• 211 Information Line
  In many areas, dialing 211 connects you with a referral service that can help you locate:

  • Child care resources
  • Transportation programs
  • Job training and employment services
  • Emergency assistance

When contacting any non-government organization, ask:

• Whether they are a nonprofit or community agency
• What documentation they require
• Whether their services affect your eligibility for other benefits (they often do not, but it is wise to ask)

How to Avoid Scams and Verify You Are Using Official Channels

Because TANF involves money and personal information, it can be a target for scams. To protect yourself:

• Check the web address
  Official state TANF sites typically use .gov or are clearly hosted by a state agency. Avoid entering personal data on unofficial-looking sites or those that ask for payment to “guarantee approval.”

• Never pay to apply
  TANF applications and support services are free. If someone asks for a fee to apply or to speed up your approval, that is a warning sign.

• Verify phone calls and texts
  If someone contacts you claiming to be from “TANF” and asks for personal details:

  • Hang up or ignore the message.
  • Call your local TANF or human services office using the number on the official government site or on a notice you already received.
  • Ask if the contact was legitimate.

• Protect personal information
  Share your Social Security number, bank details, or ID copies only with:

  • Official state or county agencies
  • Verified tribal TANF programs

If you are unsure whether a website or caller is legitimate, you can:

• Contact your state human services agency directly using a verified phone number.
• Call 211 and ask how to reach your official TANF office.

Understanding how TANF support services work—especially child care, transportation, and training—can help you make a realistic plan to move forward. The next step is to reach out to your state or local TANF agency through its official phone lines, offices, or benefits portal and ask what specific options are available where you live.