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Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

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The Pennsylvania-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.


The four purposes of the TANF program are to:

  • Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
  • Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
  • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
  • Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families


Note: TANF is sometimes referred to by state specific names.

The Pennsylvania-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.


The four purposes of the TANF program are to:

  • Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
  • Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
  • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
  • Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families


Note: TANF is sometimes referred to by state specific names.

To be eligible for Pennsylvania Family Assistance, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania, and a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien. You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

  • Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Be pregnant, or
  • Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.

To apply online, please visit the COMPASS online application portal.

For additional application information, visit the Apply for Benefits page.

Apply for TANF

To learn more about the program, please visit the PA.GOV, TANF and Moving to Independence page.

You may also use the County Assistance Office and Contact Information to find a service center near you.

You can also visit the federal Office of Family Assistance Help for Families TANF Program Contacts page to find the appropriate state contact(s).

(800) 692-7462

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