Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Oregon Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Benefit Categories >

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to low income families with children while they strive to become self-sufficient. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of families living in poverty, through employment services and community resources. To qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets and little or no income. The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $503. Benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which allows clients to obtain benefits through grocery store card-scanning devices and ATM machines, using an "Oregon Trail Card." Many families in the TANF program must participate in the JOBS employment and training program, which helps them prepare for and find work. They may also receive help with problems around housing, childcare, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic-violence and other factors that affect family stability. In addition, DHS helps clients obtain child support from absent parents. The Children, Adults and Families group of the Department of Human Services (DHS) administer the TANF program. Services to clients are provided through DHS offices across the state, which are operated by the DHS Community Human Services group.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to low income families with children while they strive to become self-sufficient. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of families living in poverty, through employment services and community resources. To qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets and little or no income. The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $503. Benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which allows clients to obtain benefits through grocery store card-scanning devices and ATM machines, using an "Oregon Trail Card." Many families in the TANF program must participate in the JOBS employment and training program, which helps them prepare for and find work. They may also receive help with problems around housing, childcare, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic-violence and other factors that affect family stability. In addition, DHS helps clients obtain child support from absent parents. The Children, Adults and Families group of the Department of Human Services (DHS) administer the TANF program. Services to clients are provided through DHS offices across the state, which are operated by the DHS Community Human Services group.

To be eligible for Oregon Family Assistance, you must be a resident of Oregon, 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.

The TANF application process starts with a request. The request may be in the form of a phone call, visit, or written request by you or another person or agency acting on your behalf. The date of request is the date the request for benefits is received by the Division. You must apply at the branch serving the area in which your family lives or works. The application process is completed when you fill out, sign the application form, have a face-to-face interview and provide the necessary information and verification within 45 days.

For an application, contact the Oregon Department of Human Services at 503-945-5651 or contact your local DHS Self-sufficiency office.

Apply for TANF

See also Oregon Helps, a website that can help you find out if you might be eligible for several programs that serve families and children.

503-945-5651

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to view a list of benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Start Benefit Finder

Benefits.gov

Benefit Resources

Federal Government

Stay Connected

  • Follow us