Apply For Maryland TANF Benefits

Learn how to apply for Maryland TANF. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, called Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), may help you become self-supportive while receiving monthly cash benefits to meet your everyday needs such as rent, utilities, clothes, transportation, or additional expenses.

Sometimes you may not be eligible to receive TANF for yourself, but a child or children in your household may. The TANF program is administered by the Department of Human Resources. In most cases, in order to qualify for TANF you must meet both types of eligibility, categorical and financial.

Additionally, to qualify for TANF there are work requirements. The MD TANF program requires most adults be employed or participate in certain work-related activities, which you will be assigned for a certain number of hours on a weekly basis in order to continue receiving TANF benefits.

The total number of hours needed to fulfill your work activity requirement depends on your family composition. Qualified state residents are required to produce information including household income, age, citizenship and resources.

Only household members who are eligible for Maryland TANF can receive welfare benefits. For more information about applying for MD TANF benefits, view the information below. If you still have questions or issues, then contact TANF Maryland.

Maryland TANF eligibility

Below are the eligibility requirements for Maryland TANF:

  • Family must cooperate with child support
  • Participate in work activities
  • Comply with substance abuse provisions
  • Must meet financial and technical eligibility requirements
  • Earned and unearned income cannot exceed the benefit level paid for the assistance unit size

Sanctions may be imposed for not complying with program requirements. Families may also file an application for assistance with child care costs.

Apply for Maryland TANF

You can apply for the Maryland TANF program online at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. Or if you prefer, you can apply in-person at a local DSS (Department of Social Services) office. To view a list of locations, find a DSS office near you.

You may also file an application by mail, fax or other electronic means or someone may drop an application off for you. To download a copy of the TANF application form, click here. You will be required to do an interview. They will need you to bring the following information with you to your interview:

  • Proof of identity (driver’s license, Maryland identification card, or employment identification)
  • Social Security numbers for everyone in the household
  • Proof of address (lease, utility, water, or phone bill, rent or mortgage statement)
  • Proof of income (most recent pay stubs or benefit letter for government checks: Social Security - Supplemental
    Security Income, Supplemental Security Disability Income, Veterans Benefit, Social Security, or any others)
  • Proof of child care expenses if you are employed
How much cash assistance will I get?

Maryland's TCA pays up to a maximum of $636 per month for eligible families of three, up to a lifetime limit of 60 months.

Maryland TANF asset eligibility

TCA does not consider assets/resources when determining eligibility for most applicants. The asset/resource cap for sponsored immigrants is $2000. If you have any questions or issues about the application process, they recommend you contact your local DSS office.

I was denied TANF benefits. What can I do?

State and local agencies are responsible for establishing the eligibility criteria and procedures that apply in their programs, not the Federal government. If you disagree with a decision regarding welfare benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. For more information about your state's appeals procedures, contact the MD TANF office.