Every state has a dedicated Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) customer service phone number for cash assistance recipients to check case status, report changes, request benefits, and get application help. This directory lists the correct contact number for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with each state’s TANF agency headquarters and official website.
Important distinction: TANF phone lines handle cash assistance questions — including benefit amounts, case status, work requirement compliance, and application help. If your question is about SNAP food stamps, use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator or check SNAP income limits by state. If you need Medicaid, see our Medicaid Eligibility Calculator.
Most TANF lines are available Monday through Friday during business hours via live agent, with some states offering 24/7 automated options. Before calling, have your case number, Social Security number, and any recent correspondence from your state agency ready.
What Is TANF?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal block grant program administered by states to provide short-term cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. Unlike SNAP food stamps, TANF cash benefits can be used for any basic need — rent, utilities, clothing, transportation, or childcare.
TANF is jointly funded by the federal government and states, but each state has wide latitude to design its own program — which is why benefit amounts, time limits, work requirements, and income thresholds vary significantly from state to state. Most states cap TANF assistance at 60 months (5 years) over a lifetime, though some states impose shorter limits.
Many TANF households also qualify for SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, and the Free and Reduced School Lunch Program.
TANF Customer Service Number — Quick Reference Table
| State | TANF Phone Number | Program Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1-800-382-0499 | Family Assistance | Apply online or in person at county DHR office |
| Alaska | 1-800-478-7778 | Alaska Temporary Assistance (ATA) | Contact local DPA office for case management |
| Arizona | 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587) | Cash Assistance (CA) | Online portal: healthearizonaplus.gov |
| Arkansas | 1-800-482-8988 | TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) | Apply through DHS county office |
| California | 1-877-847-3663 | CalWORKs | Multiple languages; benefits.ca.gov |
| Colorado | 1-800-536-5298 | Colorado Works | Apply through county DSS office |
| Connecticut | 1-855-626-6632 | TFA (Temporary Family Assistance) | Apply at local DSS office or online |
| Delaware | 1-302-255-9500 | TANF | Contact local DFS office |
| District of Columbia | 1-202-727-5355 | TANF | dc.gov/service/tanf |
| Florida | 1-866-762-2237 | Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) | myflorida.com/accessflorida |
| Georgia | 1-877-423-4746 | TANF | gateway.ga.gov |
| Hawaii | 1-808-586-5734 | TANF | humanservices.hawaii.gov |
| Idaho | 1-208-334-5500 | Idaho Child Care Assistance / TAFI | healthandwelfare.idaho.gov |
| Illinois | 1-800-843-6154 | TANF | dhs.state.il.us |
| Indiana | 1-800-403-0864 | TANF | in.gov/fssa |
| Iowa | 1-515-256-3099 | Family Investment Program (FIP) | hhs.iowa.gov |
| Kansas | 1-888-369-4777 | Kansas Works TANF | dcf.ks.gov |
| Kentucky | 1-855-306-8959 | Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) | kynect.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | 1-888-524-3578 | Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP) | dcfs.louisiana.gov |
| Maine | 1-207-287-3707 | TANF | maine.gov/dhhs |
| Maryland | 1-800-332-6347 | TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance) | marylandsail.org |
| Massachusetts | 1-877-382-2363 | Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) | mass.gov/eohhs |
| Michigan | 1-855-275-6424 | Family Independence Program (FIP) | michigan.gov/mdhhs |
| Minnesota | 1-651-431-3801 | Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) | mn.gov/dhs |
| Mississippi | 1-800-948-4060 | TANF | mdhs.ms.gov |
| Missouri | 1-855-373-4636 | Temporary Assistance (TA) | dss.mo.gov |
| Montana | 1-888-706-1535 | TANF | dphhs.mt.gov |
| Nebraska | 1-800-383-4278 | ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) | dhhs.ne.gov |
| Nevada | 1-800-992-0900 | TANF | dwss.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | 1-603-271-4238 | FAP (Family Assistance Program) | dhhs.nh.gov |
| New Jersey | 1-800-792-9773 | WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ/TANF) | nj.gov/humanservices |
| New Mexico | 1-800-283-4465 | NM Works | hsd.state.nm.us |
| New York | 1-800-342-3009 | Family Assistance (FA) | mybenefits.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | 1-800-662-7030 | Work First Family Assistance | ncdhhs.gov |
| North Dakota | 1-701-328-4685 | TANF | hhs.nd.gov |
| Ohio | 1-866-244-0071 | Ohio Works First (OWF) | jfs.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | 1-866-411-1877 | TANF | okdhs.org |
| Oregon | 1-800-699-9075 | Oregon TANF / JOBS | oregon.gov/odhs |
| Pennsylvania | 1-800-692-7462 | TANF | dhs.pa.gov |
| Rhode Island | 1-855-697-4347 | RI Works | dhs.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | 1-800-768-5700 | Family Independence Program (FI) | dss.sc.gov |
| South Dakota | 1-877-999-5612 | TANF | dss.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | 1-866-311-4287 | Families First | tn.gov/humanservices |
| Texas | 1-877-541-7905 | Choices / TANF | yourtexasbenefits.com |
| Utah | 1-866-435-7414 | Family Employment Program (FEP) | jobs.utah.gov |
| Vermont | 1-800-479-6151 | Reach Up | dcf.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | 1-804-726-7000 | VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment, not Welfare) | dss.virginia.gov |
| Washington | 1-877-501-2233 | WorkFirst | dshs.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | 1-800-642-8589 | WORKS | dhhr.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | 1-888-794-5556 | Wisconsin Works (W-2) | dhs.wisconsin.gov |
| Wyoming | 1-307-777-6312 | POWER (Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities) | dfs.wyo.gov |
Source: Adapted from state TANF agency websites. Accurate as of 2026 — verify with your state’s official website before calling, as numbers and program names occasionally change.
What Can You Do by Calling the TANF Phone Number?
State TANF lines can help with a wide range of case management and benefits questions. Here is what you can typically do by calling:
Check your case status: Find out whether your application has been approved, denied, or is still under review. You can also check benefit amounts and payment schedules.
Report changes: TANF recipients are required to report changes in income, household size, address, or employment status promptly. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and potential fraud charges. Learn how to report changes to SNAP — the same principle applies to TANF.
Get application help: If you are unsure how to complete your TANF application or what documents you need, the phone line can guide you through the process. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our how to apply for SNAP benefits guide — many of the same document requirements apply to TANF.
Ask about work requirements: TANF has federally mandated work participation requirements. Call to understand what activities count, how many hours are required in your state, and what exemptions may apply.
Understand time limits: Most states cap TANF benefits at 60 months over a lifetime. Call to find out how many months you have used and how many remain.
Request a fair hearing: If your application was denied or your benefits were reduced, you have the right to appeal. A fair hearing request can typically be initiated over the phone.
Get referrals to support services: Many TANF offices can connect you with childcare assistance, job training programs, transportation support, and domestic violence resources.
Not handled by most TANF lines: SNAP food stamp balances, EBT card issues, or Medicaid case status. For those, use the EBT phone numbers directory or the Medicaid phone number directory.
Complete State-by-State TANF Directory
Each entry below includes the TANF phone number, program name, state agency headquarters, official website, and key notes about the program in that state.
Alabama TANF
Phone: 1-800-382-0499 Program Name: Family Assistance Agency: Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36130 Website: dhr.alabama.gov Note: Alabama’s TANF program has a 60-month lifetime limit. Recipients must participate in work activities after 24 months. Also check Alabama SNAP benefits if you need food assistance alongside cash assistance.
Alaska TANF
Phone: 1-800-478-7778 Program Name: Alaska Temporary Assistance (ATA) Agency: Division of Public Assistance, 3901 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99503 Website: health.alaska.gov/dpa Note: Alaska has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state provides a supplemental benefit called Adult Public Assistance (APA) for some recipients. Alaska has higher FPL thresholds — see the FPL Calculator for Alaska-specific figures.
Arizona TANF
Phone: 1-855-432-7587 (1-855-HEA-PLUS) Program Name: Cash Assistance (CA) Agency: DES, 1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 Website: healthearizonaplus.gov Note: Arizona imposes a strict 24-month lifetime limit — among the shortest in the nation. Work requirements are enforced from the first month. Residents can apply online through the HEAplus portal.
Arkansas TANF
Phone: 1-800-482-8988 Program Name: TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) Agency: DHS, 700 Main St., Little Rock, AR 72203 Website: humanservices.arkansas.gov Note: Arkansas has a 24-month lifetime limit for adults, with a possible extension for children. Work requirements apply immediately upon enrollment.
California TANF
Phone: 1-877-847-3663 Program Name: CalWORKs Agency: CDSS, 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Website: cdss.ca.gov Note: California calls its TANF program CalWORKs. The state has a 60-month federal limit but extends state-funded benefits beyond that for children in need. California also has no asset limit for CalFresh (SNAP) and supports the WIC program — many CalWORKs families qualify for all three.
Colorado TANF
Phone: 1-800-536-5298 Program Name: Colorado Works Agency: CDHS, 1575 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 Website: cdhs.colorado.gov Note: Colorado Works has a 60-month federal limit but provides state-funded extensions in some cases. Applications are handled at the county level. Also check Colorado SNAP benefits.
Connecticut TANF
Phone: 1-855-626-6632 Program Name: TFA (Temporary Family Assistance) Agency: DSS, 55 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105 Website: portal.ct.gov/dss Note: Connecticut has a 21-month lifetime limit for TFA — significantly shorter than the federal 60-month limit. Extensions may be available for families meeting hardship criteria.
Delaware TANF
Phone: 1-302-255-9500 Program Name: TANF Agency: DHSS, 1901 N. Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 Website: dhss.delaware.gov Note: Delaware follows the federal 60-month lifetime limit. Work requirements apply after 24 months of receipt.
District of Columbia TANF
Phone: 1-202-727-5355 Program Name: TANF Agency: DHS, 64 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 Website: dhs.dc.gov Note: D.C. TANF has a 60-month federal limit. The District also offers a locally funded program for families who have exhausted federal TANF. D.C. has some of the highest SNAP income thresholds in the country — see D.C. Medicaid income limits for reference.
Florida TANF
Phone: 1-866-762-2237 Program Name: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Agency: DCF, 2415 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303 Website: myflorida.com/accessflorida Note: Florida imposes a 48-month lifetime limit — stricter than the federal 60-month standard. Work requirements apply from the first month. Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so many TCA families may lack health coverage — see Florida Medicaid income limits and Florida SNAP benefits.
Georgia TANF
Phone: 1-877-423-4746 Program Name: TANF Agency: DFCS, 2 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Website: gateway.ga.gov Note: Georgia imposes a 48-month lifetime limit and enforces strict work requirements. Also check Georgia SNAP benefits for food assistance.
Hawaii TANF
Phone: 1-808-586-5734 Program Name: TANF Agency: DHS BESSD, 1010 Richards St., Honolulu, HI 96813 Website: humanservices.hawaii.gov Note: Hawaii has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state has higher FPL thresholds — use the FPL Calculator for Hawaii-specific income figures.
Idaho TANF
Phone: 1-208-334-5500 Program Name: TAFI (Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho) Agency: Idaho DHW, 450 W. State St., Boise, ID 83720 Website: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov Note: Idaho has a 24-month lifetime limit — one of the shortest in the country. Work requirements apply immediately.
Illinois TANF
Phone: 1-800-843-6154 Program Name: TANF Agency: IDHS, 401 S. Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60607 Website: dhs.state.il.us Note: Illinois has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state uses BBCE for SNAP, raising the income limit to 200% FPL — see Illinois SNAP benefits.
Indiana TANF
Phone: 1-800-403-0864 Program Name: TANF Agency: FSSA, 402 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Website: in.gov/fssa Note: Indiana has a 24-month lifetime limit for adults with a possible 24-month extension. Work requirements apply after 90 days.
Iowa TANF
Phone: 1-515-256-3099 Program Name: FIP (Family Investment Program) Agency: Iowa HHS, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319 Website: hhs.iowa.gov Note: Iowa’s FIP has a 60-month lifetime limit. Iowa also has one of the highest income limits for pregnant women’s Medicaid — see Iowa Medicaid income limits.
Kansas TANF
Phone: 1-888-369-4777 Program Name: Kansas Works TANF Agency: DCF, 555 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603 Website: dcf.ks.gov Note: Kansas has a 24-month lifetime limit within a 60-month period — among the strictest in the nation. Work requirements apply from day one.
Kentucky TANF
Phone: 1-855-306-8959 Program Name: KTAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program) Agency: CHFS, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621 Website: kynect.ky.gov Note: Kentucky has a 60-month lifetime limit. Apply online through the kynect benefits portal. Also see Kentucky Medicaid income limits.
Louisiana TANF
Phone: 1-888-524-3578 Program Name: FITAP (Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program) Agency: DCFS, 627 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Website: dcfs.louisiana.gov Note: Louisiana has a 24-month lifetime limit within any 60-month period. A second program, STEP, provides employment and training services to FITAP recipients.
Maine TANF
Phone: 1-207-287-3707 Program Name: TANF Agency: DHHS, 109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333 Website: maine.gov/dhhs Note: Maine has a 60-month lifetime limit and offers transitional childcare and Medicaid for families leaving TANF. See Maine Medicaid income limits.
Maryland TANF
Phone: 1-800-332-6347 Program Name: TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance) Agency: Maryland DHS, 311 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Website: dhs.maryland.gov Note: Maryland has a 60-month lifetime limit with strict work requirements after 24 months. Also check Maryland Medicaid income limits.
Massachusetts TANF
Phone: 1-877-382-2363 Program Name: TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) Agency: DTA, 600 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111 Website: mass.gov/eohhs Note: Massachusetts has a 24-month lifetime limit within a 60-month period for adults, though children can continue to receive benefits. The state provides an Employment Services Program (ESP) for TAFDC recipients.
Michigan TANF
Phone: 1-855-275-6424 Program Name: FIP (Family Independence Program) Agency: MDHHS, 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 Website: michigan.gov/mdhhs Note: Michigan has a 48-month lifetime limit. Michigan also uses BBCE for SNAP — see Michigan SNAP benefits.
Minnesota TANF
Phone: 1-651-431-3801 Program Name: MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) Agency: Minnesota DHS, 540 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101 Website: mn.gov/dhs Note: Minnesota has a 60-month lifetime limit and provides extended benefits through a state-funded Diversionary Work Program (DWP). See Minnesota Medicaid income limits.
Mississippi TANF
Phone: 1-800-948-4060 Program Name: TANF Agency: MDHS, 200 S. Lamar St., Jackson, MS 39201 Website: mdhs.ms.gov Note: Mississippi has a 60-month lifetime limit but one of the lowest cash benefit amounts in the nation. Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid — see Mississippi Medicaid income limits.
Missouri TANF
Phone: 1-855-373-4636 Program Name: Temporary Assistance (TA) Agency: DSS, 221 W. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 Website: dss.mo.gov Note: Missouri has a 45-month lifetime limit — below the federal maximum. Work requirements apply from the first month of receipt.
Montana TANF
Phone: 1-888-706-1535 Program Name: TANF Agency: DPHHS, 111 N. Sanders St., Helena, MT 59601 Website: dphhs.mt.gov Note: Montana has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state participates in Medicaid expansion — see Montana Medicaid income limits.
Nebraska TANF
Phone: 1-800-383-4278 Program Name: ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) Agency: Nebraska DHHS, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509 Website: dhhs.ne.gov Note: Nebraska has a 24-month time limit within any 48-month period. Nebraska calls its program ADC, one of the few states not using the “TANF” brand name publicly.
Nevada TANF
Phone: 1-800-992-0900 Program Name: TANF Agency: DWSS, 4126 Technology Way, Carson City, NV 89706 Website: dwss.nv.gov Note: Nevada has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state participates in Medicaid expansion — see Nevada Medicaid income limits.
New Hampshire TANF
Phone: 1-603-271-4238 Program Name: FAP (Family Assistance Program) Agency: DHHS, 129 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301 Website: dhhs.nh.gov Note: New Hampshire has a 60-month lifetime limit. Work requirements apply from month one, with exemptions for caregivers of children under age 1.
New Jersey TANF
Phone: 1-800-792-9773 Program Name: WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ/TANF) Agency: NJDHS, 222 South Warren St., Trenton, NJ 08608 Website: nj.gov/humanservices Note: New Jersey has a 60-month lifetime limit. The WorkFirst NJ program emphasizes rapid job placement. See New Jersey Medicaid income limits and New Jersey SNAP benefits.
New Mexico TANF
Phone: 1-800-283-4465 Program Name: NM Works Agency: NM Human Services Department, 2009 S. Pacheco St., Santa Fe, NM 87505 Website: hsd.state.nm.us Note: New Mexico has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state participates in Medicaid expansion — see New Mexico Medicaid income limits.
New York TANF
Phone: 1-800-342-3009 Program Name: Family Assistance (FA) Agency: OTDA, 40 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12243 Website: mybenefits.ny.gov Note: New York has a 60-month federal TANF limit for adults but provides state-funded Safety Net Assistance (SNA) for families who exhaust TANF. Apply online through the myBenefits portal. Also see New York SNAP benefits and New York Medicaid income limits.
North Carolina TANF
Phone: 1-800-662-7030 Program Name: Work First Family Assistance Agency: NCDHHS, 2001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 Website: ncdhhs.gov Note: North Carolina has a 24-month lifetime limit within any 60-month period for adults. Work requirements apply immediately. See North Carolina Medicaid income limits.
North Dakota TANF
Phone: 1-701-328-4685 Program Name: TANF Agency: ND Health & Human Services, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505 Website: hhs.nd.gov Note: North Dakota has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state participates in Medicaid expansion — see North Dakota Medicaid income limits.
Ohio TANF
Phone: 1-866-244-0071 Program Name: OWF (Ohio Works First) Agency: ODJFS, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215 Website: jfs.ohio.gov Note: Ohio has a 36-month lifetime limit — well below the federal 60-month standard. Work requirements apply from day one. See Ohio SNAP benefits and Ohio Medicaid income limits.
Oklahoma TANF
Phone: 1-866-411-1877 Program Name: TANF Agency: OKDHS, 2400 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Website: okdhs.org Note: Oklahoma has a 60-month lifetime limit with strict work participation requirements. See Oklahoma SNAP benefits.
Oregon TANF
Phone: 1-800-699-9075 Program Name: Oregon TANF / JOBS Agency: ODHS, 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 Website: oregon.gov/odhs Note: Oregon has a 60-month lifetime limit and a strong JOBS program providing employment services to recipients. See Oregon Medicaid income limits.
Pennsylvania TANF
Phone: 1-800-692-7462 Program Name: TANF Agency: PA DHS, 625 Forster St., Harrisburg, PA 17120 Website: dhs.pa.gov Note: Pennsylvania has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state also offers the RESET (Removing Employment Support Barriers for Employment Today) program. See Pennsylvania SNAP benefits and Pennsylvania Medicaid income limits.
Rhode Island TANF
Phone: 1-855-697-4347 Program Name: RI Works Agency: RI DHS, 1 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 Website: dhs.ri.gov Note: Rhode Island has a 24-month time limit within any 60-month period, with possible 12-month extensions. The state also supports the Restaurant Meals Program for EBT — see restaurants that accept EBT.
South Carolina TANF
Phone: 1-800-768-5700 Program Name: Family Independence Program (FI) Agency: SC DSS, 1535 Confederate Ave, Columbia, SC 29201 Website: dss.sc.gov Note: South Carolina has a 24-month consecutive limit and a 36-month lifetime limit — one of the strictest in the country. Work requirements apply from month one.
South Dakota TANF
Phone: 1-877-999-5612 Program Name: TANF Agency: SD DSS, 700 Governors Dr., Pierre, SD 57501 Website: dss.sd.gov Note: South Dakota has a 60-month lifetime limit. See South Dakota Medicaid income limits.
Tennessee TANF
Phone: 1-866-311-4287 Program Name: Families First Agency: TDHS, 505 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37243 Website: tn.gov/humanservices Note: Tennessee has a 60-month lifetime limit but enforces strict work requirements from month one. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid — see Tennessee Medicaid income limits.
Texas TANF
Phone: 1-877-541-7905 Program Name: TANF / Choices Agency: Texas HHSC, 4900 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78751 Website: yourtexasbenefits.com Note: Texas has a 60-month lifetime limit and one of the strictest work requirement programs in the country, branded as “Choices.” Texas has not expanded Medicaid — see Texas Medicaid income limits and Texas SNAP benefits.
Utah TANF
Phone: 1-866-435-7414 Program Name: FEP (Family Employment Program) Agency: DWS, 140 E. 300 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Website: jobs.utah.gov Note: Utah has a 36-month lifetime limit — below the federal maximum. Work requirements apply from day one and are strictly enforced.
Vermont TANF
Phone: 1-800-479-6151 Program Name: Reach Up Agency: DCF, 280 State Dr., Waterbury, VT 05671 Website: dcf.vermont.gov Note: Vermont calls its TANF program Reach Up. The state also calls SNAP 3SquaresVT — see Vermont SNAP benefits and Vermont Medicaid income limits.
Virginia TANF
Phone: 1-804-726-7000 Program Name: VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment, not Welfare) Agency: VDSS, 801 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219 Website: dss.virginia.gov Note: Virginia has a 60-month lifetime limit with a 24-month consecutive limit before mandatory work participation. The program name emphasizes employment first. See Virginia SNAP benefits and Virginia Medicaid income limits.
Washington TANF
Phone: 1-877-501-2233 Program Name: WorkFirst Agency: DSHS, 1115 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504 Website: dshs.wa.gov Note: Washington has a 60-month lifetime limit and a strong WorkFirst program emphasizing job placement. Washington uses BBCE for SNAP — see Washington SNAP benefits and Washington Medicaid income limits.
West Virginia TANF
Phone: 1-800-642-8589 Program Name: WORKS Agency: WV DoHS, 1 Davis Square, Charleston, WV 25301 Website: dhhr.wv.gov Note: West Virginia has a 60-month lifetime limit. The state participates in Medicaid expansion — see West Virginia Medicaid income limits.
Wisconsin TANF
Phone: 1-888-794-5556 Program Name: Wisconsin Works (W-2) Agency: Wisconsin DHS, 1 W. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703 Website: dhs.wisconsin.gov Note: Wisconsin operates one of the most employment-focused TANF programs in the country, with no traditional time limit but very strict work participation requirements from day one. Wisconsin calls its SNAP program FoodShare — see Wisconsin SNAP benefits.
Wyoming TANF
Phone: 1-307-777-6312 Program Name: POWER (Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities) Agency: Wyoming DFS, 2300 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82002 Website: dfs.wyo.gov Note: Wyoming has a 60-month lifetime limit with work requirements enforced immediately. Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid — see Wyoming Medicaid income limits.
TANF vs. SNAP: Key Differences
Many people confuse TANF and SNAP because both serve low-income households and are often received simultaneously. Here is how they differ:
| Feature | TANF | SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit type | Cash (use for anything) | Food only (via EBT card) |
| Federal time limit | 60 months lifetime | No lifetime limit |
| Work requirements | Required from enrollment | Required only for ABAWDs |
| Asset test | Varies by state | $2,750 (most states) |
| Income threshold | Very low (varies by state) | 130% FPL gross |
| Who administers | State with federal block grant | Federal USDA + state |
| Who can apply | Families with children (primarily) | Any low-income household |
Many TANF families also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC. Use our free tools to check eligibility for all programs:
Tips for Getting Through Faster
Call mid-week: Monday and Friday tend to have the highest call volumes. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are typically faster.
Call early: Most TANF offices open at 8 AM local time — call within the first 30 minutes for the shortest wait times.
Use online portals first: Many states allow you to check case status, submit documents, and report changes online — often faster than calling. Look for your state’s benefits portal (e.g., myBenefits NY, YourTexasBenefits, HEAplus AZ).
Have documents ready before calling: Have your case number, Social Security number, and any recent correspondence from your agency ready before you dial.
Know which line to call: TANF lines handle cash assistance. For SNAP, use the EBT phone numbers directory. For Medicaid, see the Medicaid phone numbers directory.
If you can’t get through: Call 211.org to reach a local benefits navigator. The USDA SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689 can also help direct you to the right state agency for TANF questions.
TANF Work Requirements: What You Need to Know
One of the most common reasons people call their TANF phone line is to ask about work requirements. Here is a brief overview:
Federal law requires most adult TANF recipients to participate in work activities for 30–35 hours per week (20 hours if caring for a child under age 6). Work activities can include employment, vocational training, job search, community service, and in some cases childcare for other TANF recipients.
States can grant exemptions for recipients who are disabled, caring for a young infant, pregnant, or experiencing domestic violence. Failure to meet work requirements typically results in reduced or terminated benefits — with a 30-day notice period in most states.
New requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025): The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced expanded work requirements for SNAP recipients that parallel existing TANF rules. Many TANF households also receive SNAP, so understanding both sets of requirements is important. Read our guide on SNAP work requirements and who is exempt from SNAP work requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About TANF Phone Numbers
What is the TANF phone number for my state?
Find your state’s number in the quick reference table above or in the detailed state-by-state directory. The most frequently searched numbers are: California (CalWORKs) 1-877-847-3663, Texas 1-877-541-7905, New York 1-800-342-3009, and Florida 1-866-762-2237.
What is the difference between the TANF phone number and the EBT phone number?
The TANF phone number handles your cash assistance case — including benefit amounts, application status, work requirements, and eligibility. The EBT phone number handles your EBT card only — balance checks, PIN changes, and lost or stolen cards. In most states, these are different numbers and different agencies.
Can I apply for TANF over the phone?
In most states, yes — you can start an application by phone, though you will typically need to follow up with a written application and documentation. Many states also allow online applications through their benefits portal. See our how to apply for SNAP benefits guide — the documentation requirements are similar for TANF.
How long does TANF take to approve?
Most TANF applications are processed within 30 days. If you have an emergency need for cash assistance, ask your caseworker about emergency or expedited processing — some states can approve assistance within 72 hours in urgent situations.
What if my TANF benefits were denied?
You have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial notice. Call your state’s TANF number and ask to initiate a fair hearing appeal. Free legal assistance is available through 211.org or your local legal aid society.
Can I receive both TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes — many families receive both. TANF households are often categorically eligible for SNAP, and SNAP eligibility does not affect TANF benefits. Use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check whether your household also qualifies for food assistance.
How do I report income changes to TANF?
Call your state’s TANF phone number or log into your state’s online portal as soon as your income or household situation changes. Prompt reporting is required by law and helps you avoid overpayments. The same principle applies to SNAP — see how to report changes to SNAP.
Related Benefits Resources
- EBT Phone Numbers — All States — For SNAP card issues, balance checks, and PIN changes
- Medicaid Phone Numbers — All States — For health coverage questions
- SNAP Eligibility Calculator — Check SNAP eligibility instantly
- SNAP Income Limits by State — 2026 gross and net income limits
- How to Apply for SNAP Benefits — Step-by-step guide for all 50 states
- Medicaid Eligibility Calculator — Check health coverage eligibility
- Medicaid Income Limits by State — 2026 state-by-state Medicaid thresholds
- WIC Eligibility Calculator — Nutrition assistance for families with children
- FPL Calculator — Find your Federal Poverty Level percentage
- SNAP Work Requirements — Who must work to receive benefits
- One Big Beautiful Bill — SNAP & Medicaid Changes — How the 2025 law affects your benefits
- Can Seniors on Social Security Get Food Stamps?
- Food Stamps for Veterans
- How to Check Your SNAP Balance
Phone numbers and agency information accurate as of 2026. Program names, time limits, and phone numbers change periodically — always verify with your state’s official website before calling. For federal benefits support, call 1-800-221-5689 or visit benefits.gov.