September 22,2005
Cash Assistance for Low-Income Montanans to Increase Oct. 1
Beginning Oct. 1, all Montanans who get cash assistance from the state through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will see an increase in their monthly benefits.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer proposed the increase shortly after taking office in January, and the 2005 Legislature approved it as part of the state budget bill, House Bill 2.
The governor said the increase is needed to help offset rising housing and utility costs.
Currently, the monthly TANF benefit is calculated at 30 percent of the 2002 Federal Poverty Level Index. After Oct. 1, the payment will equal 33 percent of the 2005 Federal Poverty Level Index based on household size. As a result:
- A family of two will see its benefit rise from $328 to $353 a month;
- A family of three will see its benefit rise from $405 to $442 a month; and
- A family of four will see its benefit rise from $482 to $532 a month.
TANF provides temporary financial assistance to needy families. A household may receive TANF benefits for no more than 60 months, and participants must spend a specific number of hours each week working or participating in job training.
Among other requirements, applicants must meet income and asset criteria,
be citizens or legal aliens intending to live in Montana, and furnish a
Social Security number.
Those eligible for TANF benefits are:
- Minor children;
- Certain relatives with whom minor children are living, including siblings;
- Women in their last trimester of pregnancy who have no other eligible children; and
- Refugees with minor dependent children.
Individuals currently living in Montana who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina may also be eligible for TANF.
To apply for TANF, contact your county Office of Public Assistance.
Page last updated: 06/15/2006
