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Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS)

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This program helps families experiencing domestic violence with moving costs and items to stay safe. We can help you and your children with temporary cash assistance so you can leave to stay safe from abuse.

Call your local office to talk about the safest way to apply.

This program​ is for people who:

  • Live in Oregon.
  • Meet income limits for the ​ ​​Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
  • Are a parent or relative taking care of a minor child, or are pregnant.​
  • Are at risk of domestic violence,​ either now or in the future.
    • ODHS defines domestic violence as hurting, threatening or putting someone down or making them afraid. It also includes trying to control them or make them do things they don't want to do.
    • This includes violence done by family members, partners or people who live in the same house.​

You can get up to $3,200 over a 90-day period. 

  • We will directly pay the landlord or service provider for moving costs and items to ​help you stay safe.
  • The amount you get is based on your sit​ua​tion. 
  • You can get help more than once a year. 

This program may help pay for things like:

  • Deposits for rent or utilities
  • Replacing essential ​items left behind, like clothes or furniture
  • New locks
  • Security cameras
  • Post office boxes, and more.

You will also get help and guidance for ​safety planning.​

There are several ways to apply. Call your local office to talk about the safest way to apply.

  • ​ In person or by phone
    • Find your local office
    • Many of our offices have ODHS employees who are experts in helping survivors of domestic violence.
    • Community domestic violence advocates also work in some O​DHS offices. They provide direct onsite safety planning and support. Since they are not State of Oregon employees, ​they don't have to follow mandatory reporting laws and can provide confidential support.
  • ​ ​By email, fax or mail
    • ​​Fill out an applicat​ion form (below) and send i​​t by email, fax or mail.
    • To fax or mail an application: Find your local office​ and cl​​ick "View details" to see their fax number and mailing address.
    • To email an application: Find your local office​ ​and call to request the email address.

How much assistance can I receive?

  • You can access up to $3,200 to get safe from domestic violence (DV). The amount you receive is based on your situation and your available financial resources.

How can I use TA-DVS payments?

  • TA-DVS payments must support the safety plan you have created with your ODHS worker.
  • Examples of how you can use TA-DVS payments:
    • Rental security deposit or first month of utilities
    • Move-in costs like first or last month’s rent
    • Replacing essential items left behind due to DV, such as clothes or furniture, if the items are not available from somewhere else
    • Security needs like new locks, cameras, or alarm system
    • Moving or transportation costs to leave the area
    • One time payment for past due costs, like rent or utilities, if:
      • Paying them would mean you can stay in your home, or
      • You cannot pay them because of the current DV situation
  • Examples of things you cannot use TA-DVS payments for:
    • Costs that you must pay regularly or on an ongoing basis, such as ongoing rent or a phone bill.
    • Things that could benefit the person who hurt you such as housing or auto payments if that person is on the loan or lease.
    • Non-essential household items such as decorative items, small kitchen appliances, a television, or items that go beyond meeting basic household needs
    • Buying a car or RV
    • Any kind of weapon, even if it is for self-defense
    • Legal fees or fines
    • Any pet or pet-related fees
  • If you have questions about what the funds can pay for or if you need to change your safety plan, please talk to your ODHS worker.

How long can I access TA-DVS funds?

  • You can access the funds for up to 90 days from the date you are approved.

How do I request TA-DVS payment for costs related to my safety needs?

  • When you are ready to access TA-DVS payments, submit your request by:
    • Phone
    • Email
    • Going to an ODHS office
  • Please do not submit payment requests or any private (confidential) information through the ONE online account or by text message.
  • After you submit a request for payment, you can expect the following:
    • We will need to verify each payment request.
    • Some examples of verification include:
      • Safe housing
        • Location of the home, owner of the home, move-in date, individuals approved to live in the home, and total move in costs such as rent, deposit, and/or utilities
      • Relocating out of the area
        • Information about the safe housing (see above)
        • Where you are going and how long you can stay there
        • How you plan to get there and the total cost, like fuel, air fare, bus ticket, etc.
        • Costs for other needs while relocating, like hotel, food, baggage, etc.
      • Replacing essential clothing or household items that were left behind when you left an unsafe situation
        • Information about specific items you want to buy, including the cost of each item and where you would buy it, with information such as a screenshot of the website, a price quote, etc.
    • We will tell you when a decision has been made or if we need more information from you.
    • Whenever possible, payments go directly to the business providing services.
    • We may ask you to find a lower cost option, as ODHS can only pay for the lowest cost option. This means looking for a similar but less expensive item if it is available.
    • We process payment requests in order of priority and as quickly as possible. Payments may take time to process.
  • After you are approved, you must request all payments and submit all verification before the end of the 90 days. There are no extensions, but you can re-apply if you continue to have a safety concern.

Find your local office​ and contact them today to access TA-DVS benefits.

This program helps victims of violent crimes with expenses related to the crime. This may include things l​ike counseling expenses​, medical expenses and lost wages​. 

The pr​ogram is available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. Visit the Oregon Department of Justice website​ to learn more.

Is this an emerge​ncy? Call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency.​

Do you need a domestic violence service provider or shelter right away?

Resources

Domestic violence resourcesBenefits questionsReport abuse or neglect