Income Maintenance Unit - Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Provides a financial grant to eligible families in which a child is deprived of parental support due to absence, death or disability/incapacity.  The purpose of the program is to ensure a safety net while providing an array of services directed at promoting self-sufficiency.  Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement in establishing paternity and support orders is required, and eligible caretakers must also participate in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program to obtain work readiness skills, training and employment.  Benefits are issued through an Electronic Payment Debit Card.  

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps)
Provides benefits through the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to assist low-income individuals and families with purchasing food.  Monthly benefits are based on family size, income and shelter costs.

Health Care Coverage
Provides benefits to assist with medical costs for eligible low-income individuals and families.  Eligibility is based on income, assets and qualifying as a member of a coverage group.  Health Care Coverage includes Medicaid, Healthy Steps (Children's Health Insurance Program), and Aid to the Blind.  These programs may provide assistance to children and families, pregnant women, and recipients of SSI or Social Security Disability benefits.  Health Care Coverage also includes Transitional and Extended Medicaid benefits, Medicare Savings Programs, and the Workers with Disabilities Program.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)  
Also referred to as Fuel Assistance, this program provides benefits to low-income individuals and families to assist with the payment of heating costs.  The program is available October through May of each year.  Seasonal benefits are based on household size, income, assets, housing type and size, and fuel used to heat the dwelling.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 
Provides assistance to low-income families to help meet their child care costs.  Most families are responsible for paying a share of the cost based on income and family size. 

Foster Care
A program whereby payment for room, board, supervision, clothing and personal needs can be made for children who cannot live with relatives, but reside in a licensed foster home or residential facility.