TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

MCN TANF Plan Review

The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), Section 412, authorized Indian tribes to operate Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, in accordance with such authority, implemented a TANF program effective January 1, 2008. This document, in its entirety, constitutes the MCN TANF plan, a three (3) year plan effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. This plan is being submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, for review and approval.

Public Review: May 16–July 15, 2025. Email comments to GNAS@ZhfpbtrrAngvba.pbz.

2026-2028 MCN-TFAP | Tribal Family Assistance Plan | pdf

TANF@MuscogeeNation.com

Together, Advancing Native Families…

The MCN Tribal TANF Program empowers Muscogee families with financial assistance, work experience opportunities, and career coaching in a consultative manner that educates, encourages, and promotes self-reliance.

TANF Workshop Calendar and Registration Instructions

Weekly Schedule | 2024-25 | pdf

Weekly Deadlines | 2024-25 | pdf

MER | Monthly Eligibility Report | pdf

MER | Child Only | pdf

Notice of Change Form | pdf

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 and ask to speak to an Intake Specialist.

Call (918) 549-2880

Toll Free 1 (800) 482-1979; Ext. 7985

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

Eligibility Form

TANF@MuscogeeNation.com

1. Eligibility Form: May be completed in the office during intake appointment or emailed to GNAS@ZhfpbtrrAngvba.pbz
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

Displaced Employer Due to Tribal TANF Participant

According the CFR 286.110:

1. An adult or minor head-of-household taking part in a work activity cannot fill a vacant employment position if:
   1. Any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or
   2. The employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction in its work force in order to fill the vacancy with the TANF participant.

The MCN Tribal TANF Program will visit with a work site to ensure all positions are open and have the employer sign an agreement stating the above actions have not taken place.

If an alleged violation has taken place you may file a grievance with the Tribal TANF Program, provide a complete detail of the complaint with documentation.

You may mail the grievance to:

Attention: Tribal TANF
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447