Apply for Benefits

How to Apply

To apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) you need to submit an Application for Assistance. There are several ways to do this:

• Online at ACCESS Nevada
• Contacting your local Division of Social Services (DSS) office, or
• Downloading an application, filling it out, and then faxing it or taking it to your local Division of Social Services (DSS) office

No matter which way you apply, you can use this same application to apply for both TANF (sometimes called Cash Assistance) and SNAP (formerly Food Stamps). You need to fill out separate applications for Medicaid and other benefit programs.

What You Need to Apply

When you apply for TANF, you might need:

• Your identification and proof of citizenship (or of your legal immigration status), such as your driver's license, ID card, resident card, or U.S. Passport.
• Full names and dates of birth for everyone who is applying for benefits and for any other people living in the household.
• Social Security numbers for you and everyone in your household who has a Social Security number.
• Documents showing all income for anyone 18 or older in your household, like pay stubs or a letter from the employer.
• Documents showing any unearned income, such as unemployment benefits, child support payments, etc.
• Proof of your relationship to everyone included on your application, like a birth certificate for your child or other documents.
• Documents showing any child or spousal support paid and the names of absent parents.

You may need to provide copies of other documents, depending on your situation. If you have trouble finding all the required documents and need help, contact your local Division of Social Services (DSS) office.

After You Apply

After you submit your application, the next step is an interview with a caseworker (sometimes called a case manager or a family services specialist). The interview is typically done in person. The caseworker will usually ask you about your:

• Family and living situation
• Income
• Transportation
• Work history and future plans
• Skills
• Education

The caseworker needs enough details to know if you and your family qualify for benefits, and what type of services you need. The caseworker will also check to be sure you have turned in all the needed documents.

Note: Most parents and needy relative-caregivers are considered "work-eligible" by TANF. If you are work-eligible then before you can be approved for TANF you must go to two pre-eligibilty classes, on topics like resume writing and interview skills. The caseworker will give you a pamphlet listing the dates and times of the in-person classes, and you can choose which two you want to attend.

TANF usually makes a decision about your case within 45 days, then sends you a letter telling you if you qualify for benefits. If you do, your benefits will be paid starting from the date of approval or 30 days from the date of your application, whichever is sooner. There is no back payment for those first days.

If your application for TANF benefits is denied, you can file an appeal. The appeal form should be included with the denial letter. Learn more about the appeals process.

Learn more about who can get TANF benefits and understanding your TANF benefits.