Who is considered “low-income” for being able to receive TRIBAL TANF?

This varies by Tribe and by the type of TANF benefits you are seeking to receive. In order to receive Tribal TANF benefits, total household income must typically to be between 125-200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, you can receive cash assistance under Tribal TANF in the Yurok Tribe if your family income is below 135% of the federal poverty line, but you can receive transitional benefits under Tribal TANF until your family reaches 200% of poverty.[3412]

The poverty guidelines are based on the number of individuals are in your family or household. If you do not have anyone in your household or family, the federal poverty line is $12,140. For each additional member of your family or household, the guideline increases by $4,320.[3413]

Additionally, there may also be a cap on the amount of resources you own. Resources include cash or property that you own, can convert to cash, or can use to support yourself. Some examples are savings accounts, stocks, and bonds. Some tribes require that your countable resources do not exceed $5,000.00, whereas others set the limit as low as $2,000.00.

  1. 3412

    The Yurok Tribe Social Services, Temporary Assistants for Needy Families, http://www.yuroktribe.org/departments/socialservices/socialservicestanf1.htm. ↑

  2. 3413

    Federal Register, Annual Update of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/01/18/2018-00814/annual-update-of-the-hhs-poverty-guidelines. ↑