TANF Work Requirements: What Activities Count and Who May Be Exempt

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash assistance program for low-income families with children. In most states, adult family members who receive TANF must meet work requirements to keep getting benefits.

This guide explains, in plain language:

• Which activities usually count as “work” for TANF
• Who may be exempt from TANF work requirements
• What happens if you can’t meet the hours
• How to work with your caseworker through official channels

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or an application site. This article is here to help you understand typical rules so you can better navigate TANF with your state or county TANF office.

TANF Work Requirements: The Basics

TANF is designed to provide temporary cash assistance and help parents move toward employment and self-sufficiency. That is why most states require certain adult household members to:

• Participate in approved work activities
• For a minimum number of hours per week
• And report their participation to the TANF agency

The exact rules vary by state, but many follow similar federal guidelines.

Who Usually Has TANF Work Requirements?

In most states, work rules apply to:

• Adults in the TANF household (often ages 18–59)
• Sometimes teens who are heads of household
• Parents or caregivers who are listed on the TANF case

You’ll see phrases like:

• “Work-eligible individual”
• “Mandatory participant”

These are terms your caseworker might use for people who are expected to participate in work activities.

What Counts as “Work” for TANF?

TANF “work” is broader than a regular job. Many types of activities can count, as long as they are approved in advance by your TANF caseworker.

Below is a typical list. Your state’s list may be narrower or broader, so always confirm with your local TANF office.

Common Activities That Often Count

1. Unsubsidized employment

• A regular job with a private employer or business
• Part-time or full-time
• Paid by the employer (not directly by TANF)

2. Subsidized employment

• A job where the employer receives support to hire TANF recipients
• The employer pays you, but the government helps cover wages or training costs

3. Work experience

• Short-term work placements to help you gain skills
• Often at nonprofits, government agencies, or community organizations
• Usually unpaid, but can count toward your required hours

4. On-the-job training (OJT)

• Paid work where you are trained while working
• Counts as both a job and job training

5. Job search and job readiness assistance

• Applying for jobs
• Attending resume workshops
• Interview practice
• Meeting with job counselors

Many states limit how many weeks job search can count in a year.

6. Community service

• Unpaid, structured volunteer work at a government or nonprofit agency
• Must usually be assigned or approved by your TANF program
• Designed to build work habits and experience

7. Vocational educational training

• Short-term training aimed at a specific job (often up to 12 months)
• Examples:
  • Medical assistant program
  • Truck driving school (CDL)
  • Certified nursing assistant (CNA) training
  • Office administration certificate

8. Education directly related to employment (for adults without a high school diploma)

• Adult basic education
• GED or high school equivalency programs
• ESL (English as a Second Language) if tied to better job prospects

9. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school (for teen parents)

• High school, alternative school, or GED classes
• This is often the primary work requirement for teen parents on TANF

10. Providing child care for someone else in a TANF work program

• In some states, caring for the children of another TANF participant who is doing an approved activity can count as a work activity—but usually only if it is part of a structured arrangement through the TANF program.

Typical Hour Requirements for TANF Work Activities

States set their own rules but often follow federal minimums based on the family composition.

A common pattern (may vary by state):

*These are common examples; your state or county TANF office will tell you the exact requirement for your case.

Important points:

• Some states combine hours from multiple activities (for example, 10 hours of work experience + 10 hours of job search).
• Certain activities must fill the “core hours” (like employment, work experience, community service).
• Other activities might count only for additional hours (such as some education or training).

Always ask your caseworker:

• “How many hours do I need each week?”
• “Which activities count toward my core hours?”

Who May Be Exempt from TANF Work Requirements?

Not every adult on TANF has to participate in work activities. Many states have exemptions and good cause reasons when work is not possible or appropriate.

Because rules differ, you must confirm with your local TANF office, but common exemptions include:

1. Caring for a Very Young Child

Many states exempt:

• Parents caring for a child under 12 months old (sometimes a shorter period)
• Some limit this exemption to one child per parent’s lifetime

Ask your caseworker:

• “Am I exempt from work requirements because of my baby’s age?”
• “How long does this exemption last?”

2. Disability or Serious Health Condition

You may be exempt if:

• You have a physical or mental health condition that prevents work
• You are temporarily or permanently disabled
• You are awaiting a decision on SSI or SSDI (disability benefits), in some states

States often require:

• Medical documentation from a licensed professional
• Forms completed by your doctor
• Periodic review or renewal of the exemption

3. Caring for a Disabled Family Member

You may be exempt or have reduced hours if you are the full-time caregiver for someone who:

• Lives in your household, and
• Has a serious medical, mental health, or developmental condition, and
• Requires care that prevents you from working

Again, usually you must provide proof, such as:

• Doctor’s statement about the person’s condition
• Explanation of why the person needs continual care

4. Pregnancy with Complications (in some states)

Some states treat high-risk pregnancy or serious pregnancy-related complications as a temporary reason to:

• Exempt you from work requirements, or
• Reduce your required hours

This usually requires medical documentation.

5. Older Adults Near Retirement Age

Some states exempt adults who are near retirement age (for example, 60 or older). Others may reduce the required hours.

6. Victims of Domestic Violence or Safety Risks

Many TANF programs have special rules for survivors of:

• Domestic violence
• Stalking
• Sexual assault

You may be able to get:

• A temporary or ongoing exemption from work requirements
• Different work activities that are safer or more flexible
• Help creating a safety plan

Ask your caseworker or a domestic violence advocate at your local social services office about “good cause” or “domestic violence waivers.”

7. Other “Good Cause” Reasons

States sometimes excuse work hours temporarily for reasons like:

• A serious illness in the family
• Natural disasters or emergencies
• Transportation breakdowns when no alternatives exist
• Lack of child care for children under a certain age, if you tried and could not find any

These are usually short-term and must be:

• Reported quickly, and
• Approved by the TANF agency

How to Find Out If You Are Exempt

Because every state and even some counties have their own TANF policies, the only way to be sure is to:

1. Contact your local TANF office or human services department.
2. Ask to speak with your TANF caseworker (or the on-duty worker).
3. Say clearly:
   • “I want to know if I qualify for an exemption or reduced work hours.”
4. Be ready to describe:
   • Your health
   • Your caregiving responsibilities
   • Any safety concerns (violence, threats, stalking)
5. Ask what documents you need to provide.

You cannot usually claim an exemption on your own; it must be formally granted by the agency.

Documents You May Need for Work Requirements or Exemptions

It helps to gather paperwork early so you can respond quickly when your caseworker asks.

Typical documents include:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or other official ID)
• Social Security cards for adults and children
• Proof of income (pay stubs, employer letter)
• School or training schedules (if you’re in education or vocational training)
• Child care proof (if you claim lack of child care as “good cause”)
• Medical documentation (for exemptions), such as:
  • Doctor’s note describing:
    • Diagnosis (if appropriate)
    • Physical/mental limitations
    • How long the condition is expected to last
  • Hospital discharge paperwork
  • Disability decision letters (if you have them)
• Proof of caregiving responsibilities, such as:
  • Letter from a doctor stating you are needed as a caregiver
  • Documentation of the family member’s condition

When you talk to your caseworker, ask:

• “Exactly what documents do you need from me, and by what date?”

How to Get Assigned TANF Work Activities

You do not usually choose activities entirely on your own. Most TANF programs follow a structured process:

1. Orientation or intake appointment
   • Explains TANF rules
   • Reviews your rights and responsibilities
2. Assessment
   • Your caseworker asks about:
     • Work history
     • Education level
     • Skills and interests
     • Health or disability issues
     • Child care and transportation
3. Employment or Self-Sufficiency Plan
   • Often called an “Employment Plan,” “Work Participation Plan,” or “Family Self-Sufficiency Plan”
   • Lists:
     • Which activities you will do
     • How many hours per week
     • Start dates and locations
4. Assignment to activities
   • Examples:
     • Local job center workshops
     • Community service site
     • Short-term training program
     • Work experience placement
5. Ongoing reporting
   • You may need to:
     • Turn in timesheets
     • Have supervisors sign off on hours
     • Attend check-in meetings

You usually must sign your plan, and the TANF program expects you to follow it. If something changes, contact your caseworker right away to adjust the plan.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet TANF Work Requirements?

If the TANF agency believes you did not follow your work plan and you don’t have an approved reason, they may take action. This is often called a sanction.

Sanctions can include:

• Reducing your cash benefit
• Suspending your cash benefit
• In some states, closing your TANF case after repeated non-compliance

Typical reasons for sanctions:

• Not attending assigned work or training activities
• Missing appointments without good cause
• Refusing suitable job offers
• Not turning in required timesheets or verification

Good Cause and Avoiding Sanctions

If there is a legitimate reason you could not participate, you may be able to claim good cause. Examples often include:

• You or your child were seriously ill
• You had a verified emergency (accident, hospitalization, etc.)
• You had no access to safe or affordable child care (especially for younger children)
• Public transportation failed and no alternatives existed
• You faced domestic violence or safety risks if you attended

To protect your benefits:

1. Contact your TANF caseworker as soon as possible.
2. Explain what happened and ask how to claim good cause.
3. Provide proof if you can (doctor’s note, police report, mechanic’s bill, etc.).
4. Ask:
   • “Can we reschedule this activity?”
   • “Do I need to complete a good cause form?”

If You Receive a Sanction Notice

If you get a letter saying your TANF benefits will be reduced or stopped:

1. Read the notice carefully.
   • Look for the reason, effective date, and appeal rights.
2. Contact your TANF office immediately.
   • Ask if you can resolve the issue by:
     • Completing missing activities, or
     • Providing additional documents
3. Ask about your right to:
   • Request a hearing or appeal the decision
   • Have someone help you at the hearing (legal aid, advocate, etc.)
4. Keep copies of:
   • All letters
   • Forms you submit
   • Notes of phone calls (dates, names, what was discussed)

In many states, you must appeal by a specific deadline (for example, 10 or 30 days). Acting quickly can make a big difference.

How to Verify You’re Using Official TANF Channels

Because TANF is a government program, make sure you are dealing with official agencies, not private websites claiming to process your benefits.

Ways to double-check:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses when searching for your state’s TANF agency.
• Call:
  • Your state or county human services department
  • The number listed on your TANF approval or recertification letters
• Dial 211 (in many areas) and ask for the number of your local TANF or human services office.
• Visit a known county welfare office, department of social services, or human services center in person.

Remember:

• TANF applications and work participation are handled by government agencies, not by HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Be cautious of anyone who:
  • Demands upfront fees to “guarantee” TANF approval
  • Asks for your full Social Security number or EBT card PIN through email, text, or social media
  • Claims to be a “TANF agent” but cannot prove they work for a state or county office

Alternatives and Additional Help If TANF Work Rules Don’t Fit Your Situation

If you do not qualify for TANF or you cannot meet TANF work requirements, there may be other supports to explore through official channels:

• SNAP (food stamps) – For help buying food; usually separate from TANF work rules, though some adults may have their own work expectations.
• Medicaid or CHIP – Health coverage for low-income families and children.
• Child care assistance – State child care subsidy programs can help with care costs while you work or attend training.
• Housing assistance – Local housing authorities may offer public housing or vouchers (often waitlists).
• WIC – For pregnant people, new parents, and young children who need help with food and nutrition.
• Local nonprofits and community agencies – Some provide emergency help with food, clothing, or limited bills.

You can:

• Call 211 to ask about programs in your area.
• Contact your local social services or human services department and ask to speak with an intake worker or benefits screener.
• Ask your TANF caseworker if they can refer you to other programs if TANF is not a fit.

Key Takeaways

• TANF work requirements usually involve 20–30+ hours per week of approved activities like employment, work experience, job search, community service, or certain education and training.
• Exemptions are often available for:
  • Parents caring for a very young child
  • People with serious health conditions or disabilities
  • Caregivers of disabled family members
  • Survivors of domestic violence or serious safety concerns
  • Other good cause reasons, depending on the state
• Exemptions and good cause are not automatic. You usually need:
  • To speak with your TANF caseworker
  • To provide supporting documents
  • To get formal approval from the agency
• If you receive a sanction notice, you typically have the right to:
  • Explain your situation
  • Provide evidence
  • Appeal or request a hearing by a set deadline
• For accurate, up-to-date information about your specific situation, always contact:
  • Your state or county TANF office
  • The official benefits portal
  • Or the phone number listed on your TANF paperwork.

Understanding how TANF work requirements and exemptions usually work can help you ask the right questions, gather the right documents, and work more effectively with your official TANF agency.