TANF

Eligibility

What is TANF?

The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program is established to increase a family’s ability to attain self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance on a time-limited basis.  Assistance is provided to Family and Non-needy caretaker relatives provided all Program requirements are met.

A new emphasis on work and personal responsibility requires Families to engage in weekly work activities.  A total of 20 hours is required for a 1-parent household with a 2-parent household required to complete 30 hours.

Non-needy caretaker relatives’ assistance is provided to care for a child/ children in a relative’s home.  Participation in weekly work activities is not a requirement for these types of cases.

TANF is able to assist non TANF families with nonrecurring short term benefits provided guidelines are met. These benefits include Housing Expenses, Emergency Shelter Expenses, Utilities and Food.

TANF also assists with Diversion services which are provided to applicants who have accepted employment or are currently employed with a barrier to maintaining said employment if certain criteria is met.

To inquire about the Tribal TANF Program please call:

918-549-2880 or Toll Free: 1 (800) 482-1979 Ext. 7985 and ask to speak to an Intake Specialist.

Eligibility requirements

1. Verification of at least one member of the applicant family who is a citizen (enrolled) of a Federally Recognized Tribe.
2. Services all 11 counties within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal jurisdiction with exceptions.
3. Meet income guidelines
4. Must have dependent children in the home

MUSCOGEE(CREEK) NATION TRIBAL TANF PROGRAM REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Eligibility Form: form may be completed in the office during intake appointment or emailed to tanfsecretary@muscogeenation.com
2. Self-Assessment Survey: survey concerning education level, job skills, hobbies & interests must be completed prior to Planning Visit for each applicant
3. State Certified Birth Certificates: for all household members
4. Tribal Membership: for all household members
5. Social Security Cards: for all household members
6. Guardianship, adoption, or custody documentation: for each child on the grant
7. Child Support Assignment: all third-party resources must be pursued for each child on the grant
8. Residence Verification: must be a current utility bill in the applicant(s) name
9. Collateral Statement: if the applicant(s) does not live in a residence of his/her own, a statement from a non-relative verifying residence must be submitted with a current utility bill in the homeowner’s name
10. Income Verification or Other Assistance: for all household members; includes, but is not limited to, employment, food stamps, social security, veteran’s benefits, per capita payments, etc.
11. Resource Verification: automobile, checking account, savings account, stocks, or bonds; if applicable
12. Car Title & Insurance Verification: must be in applicant(s) name; if applicable
13. School attendance/enrollment verification: for all school-age children is required and updated throughout the year to document attendance as well as custody and residence
14. Immunizations: must be current for all children
15. Marriage License/Divorce Decree: if applicable
16. Medical Documentation/Medical Status Form: completed by applicant(s) physician regarding current medical status; if applicable
17. Valid Driver’s License: for applicant(s); if applicable