What Government Cash information Actually Pays For
Government cash information programs send money directly to your bank account or debit card to cover bills and basic living costs. The money is yours to spend — you decide whether it goes to utilities, groceries, rent, or medical bills. Unlike housing vouchers or food stamps, which are tied to one expense, cash information is flexible.
The largest programs are Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), which states run with federal funding, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which the federal government runs for people over 65, blind, or disabled. Some states also run their own programs. The amount you receive, how long you can receive it, and what you have to do to keep it all depend on which program and which state you live in.
Money arrives on a debit card (called an EBT card in most states) or by direct deposit. You can withdraw cash at ATMs or use the card like a regular debit card at stores. There are no restrictions on what you buy — the card works the same way whether you're paying a bill or buying groceries.
Key Takeaways
- TANF is the main cash information program for families and individuals, but each state sets its own income limits, monthly amounts, and time limits.
- SSI is a separate federal program for people 65 and older, blind, or disabled, with the same income and resource limits nationwide.
- You must report changes in income, household size, or living situation within 10 days or risk losing benefits or owing money back.
- Most programs require you to work, look for work, or participate in training, though exceptions exist for people who are disabled, caring for young children, or over 60.
- The money arrives on a debit card you can use anywhere, with no restrictions on what you purchase.
TANF: The Main Cash information Program for Families
TANF is run by your state, not the federal government, so the rules change depending on where you live. Your state decides the monthly payment amount (ranging from roughly $200 to $1,000 per month for a family of three, depending on the state), the income limit to start receiving it, and how long you can receive it. Most states have a 60-month lifetime limit, meaning you cannot receive TANF for more than five years total in your life, though some states allow extensions for people who are disabled or over 60.
To receive TANF, your household income must be below your state's limit — usually between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, which varies by family size. You must also have less than a certain amount in savings or other resources (typically $2,000 to $3,000 for an individual, higher for families). If you own a car, most states do not count it. If you own a home, most states do not count it either.
Most states require you to work at least 20 to 30 hours per week, or participate in work training or job search activities. If you are caring for a child under age 6, you may be exempt from this requirement. If you are disabled or over 60, you may also be exempt. If you do not meet the work requirement, your benefits stop.
SSI: Cash information for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays cash to people 65 and older, people who are blind, or people with disabilities that prevent them from working. Unlike TANF, SSI has the same rules in every state, though some states add a small amount on top of the federal payment.
The federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple (as of 2024; these amounts increase each year). To receive SSI, your household income must be below $1,943 per month for an individual or $2,915 for a couple, and you can own no more than $2,000 in resources (or $3,000 for a couple). A car and a home do not count toward this limit.
You must prove your disability or age. For disability, you need medical records showing your condition and how it limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration reviews your case and decides whether you meet their definition of disabled. This process can take several months. If you are 65 or older, you only need to prove your age with a birth certificate or passport.
Unlike TANF, SSI has no work requirement. You can work and still receive SSI, though your payment will be reduced if you earn over a certain amount ($65 per month, plus half of anything above that).
How to Report Changes and Keep Your Benefits
Both TANF and SSI require you to report changes in your situation within 10 days. Changes that matter include: a new job or job loss, a change in income, someone moving into or out of your household, a change in your address, or a change in your marital status. If you do not report a change and the program finds out later, you may lose your benefits when ready and be asked to repay money you received while ineligible.
You report changes by phone, mail, or in person at your local TANF or Social Security office. Some states allow you to report online. Keep records of what you reported and when — a confirmation number, a dated letter, or a screenshot of an online submission. If there is ever a dispute about whether you reported something, this record protects you.
You will also be asked to recertify your case every 6 to 12 months, depending on your program and state. Recertification means you submit new proof of income, household size, and resources. If you miss the recertification important date, your benefits stop until you complete it. Some programs send you a notice and give you 10 days to respond; others require you to come in for an appointment.
Work Requirements and Exemptions
TANF requires most recipients to work or participate in work activities. The specific requirement depends on your state, but typically you must work at least 20 to 30 hours per week, or participate in job training, community service, or job search activities for that many hours. If you do not meet the requirement, your benefits are reduced or stopped.
Exemptions exist for certain situations. If you are caring for a child under age 6, you are usually exempt. If you are pregnant, you may be exempt. If you are disabled and have medical proof, you may be exempt. If you are over 60, you may be exempt. If you are a full-time student, you may be exempt (though rules vary by state). If you cannot work because you are caring for a family member with a disability, you may be exempt.
To claim an exemption, you must report it to your TANF caseworker and provide proof — a birth certificate for a young child, a doctor's note for a disability, or a school enrollment letter for a student. Without proof, the work requirement applies.
Income and Resource Limits by Program
| Program | Monthly Income Limit (Individual) | Resource Limit | Monthly Payment Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANF | Varies by state (130–200% of poverty line) | $2,000–$3,000 | $200–$1,000+ per month |
| SSI | $1,943 (federal, same nationwide) | $2,000 | $943 per month (federal) |
These limits change each year. TANF limits are set by each state and may increase with inflation. SSI limits are set by the federal government and increase each January. Contact your state TANF office or the Social Security Administration to confirm the current limits where you live.
Your state's TANF office can tell you the exact income and resource limits that explore to your household size. You can find your state office by searching "[your state] TANF" or by calling 211, which connects you to local benefits programs.
What Happens If You Lose Your Job or Income Drops
If you lose your job or your income drops, you should report it to your TANF or SSI caseworker right away. For TANF, a drop in income may increase your monthly payment, since the payment is based on how much you earn. For SSI, a drop in income does not change your payment, but it may help you stay under the income limit if you were close to it.
If you lose your job and cannot find new work quickly, TANF may help you with job training or education. Some states offer programs that pay for community college, vocational training, or job search information. Ask your caseworker what is available in your state.
If you are receiving TANF and lose your job, you still have to meet the work requirement — either by finding a new job or by participating in work activities like job training or community service. If you cannot do either, your benefits will be reduced or stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both TANF and SSI at the same time?
No. If you are receiving SSI, you cannot also receive TANF. However, some states have programs that provide small cash payments to SSI recipients to supplement their income. Ask your Social Security caseworker whether your state offers this.
What if I work part-time and earn some income?
For TANF, your payment is reduced based on how much you earn. Most states allow you to keep the first $90 to $120 of monthly earnings without a reduction, then reduce your payment by 30% to 50% of anything above that. For SSI, you can earn up to $65 per month without any reduction, then your payment is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above that.
How long does it take to get approved for TANF or SSI?
TANF approval usually takes 7 to 30 days from the date you submit a complete process. SSI approval can take 3 to 6 months for disability cases, since the Social Security Administration must review medical records and may request additional information. For people 65 and older, approval is usually faster — typically 2 to 4 weeks.
What if I disagree with a decision to deny or reduce my benefits?
You have the right to request a hearing before a judge. For TANF, you must request a hearing within 10 to 30 days of the decision (the important date varies by state). For SSI, you must request a hearing within 60 days. Contact your caseworker or your state's appeals office for instructions on how to request a hearing.
Can I move to a different state and keep my benefits?
For TANF, your benefits stop when you move, and you must explore in your new state. The new state's rules, payment amounts, and time limits explore. For SSI, your benefits continue when you move, since SSI is federal. However, some states add money on top of the federal SSI payment, so your total payment may change.