About TANF
TANF helps families pay for things they need while they work toward supporting themselves. The amount a family gets depends on how much money they make and how many people are in their family. For example, a family of three with no other income can get up to $506 a month.
Clothing allowance: Oregon provides a clothing allowance as part of your TANF benefits. As long as your family stays eligible for TANF, we may send a total of $270 for clothing to your EBT card in May, August and November.
This program is for families that:
- Live in Oregon
- Have little or no income and very few resources (like property, vehicles or bank accounts)
- The person applying must:
- Be the parent or caregiver for a child who is 18 or younger, or
- Be pregnant, or
- Be 18 or younger and head of their household
You can apply
online, by phone or in person at a local office.
When you apply for TANF, you can also apply for other benefits like SNAP food benefits and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).
Apply now
Apply and get approved
- First you need to apply.
- Next we'll reach out to schedule an appointment for an interview to go over your application. You can do this in person or over the phone.
- If you are approved:
Use your EBT card
- You can use your EBT card like a debit card to buy items or withdraw cash.
- We will deposit money onto your EBT card every month. The amount depends on your income and how many people are in your family.
- Visit our EBT card page if you need help with your card.
Renew your benefits
- When it's time for you to renew your benefits, you will get a renewal packet or notice sent to you. This happens 45 days before your renewal is due. You may also get a phone call to remind you to renew.
Report changes if needed
Families who have TANF and need to collect child support can enroll in child support services.
These services can help both parents (the one who pays and the one who gets the support) and caregivers of a child.
Some of these services include:
- Establish paternity and find a parent
- Get a child support order or make changes to an existing one
- Find out how much past child support you can get
- Get and process child support payments
You can enroll in these services through the Oregon Department of Justice.
To learn more and enroll:
Visit the Department of Justice child support services page.
Getting TANF benefits can be counted during an immigrant's public charge test.
However, many immigrants are exempt from the public charge rule, including refugees and people seeking asylum.
- Oregon Legal Aid can give you advice before you apply for TANF.
- You can reach their Public Benefits Hotline at 800-520-5292.
Resources for TANF families
Benefits info (medical, food, cash, child care)Benefits helpEBT card helpFood resourcesJOBS employment program
Other programs you may qualify for
Help paying for child care
Oregon has several programs to help families afford child care. This includes Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC), Head Start, Preschool Promise and more.
Learn about child care assistance programs
Head Start
Head Start offers free preschool and early childhood education for children ages 0 to 5. Families who have TANF are eligible for Head Start.
Find a Head Start program near you
Parenting support
Family Support and Connections is an optional program that provides parenting support for families with low-income. You can choose what support you want for your family.
Family Support and Connections program