Will my criminal record prevent me from receiving Tribal TANF benefits?

Maybe. There are some convictions and criminal history information that may make you ineligible for Tribal TANF, depending on the particular Tribal TANF program. You can contact your local Tribal TANF office to learn more about their specific eligibility requirements.

The following may make you ineligible for Tribal TANF:

    You are fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement for committing, or attempting to commit a felony.
    You have commtted fraud in order to receive cash assistance or support services in the last two years.
    You were convicted of a drug felony in the last two years, unless you have completed an approved drug rehabilitation program. But note: Even if a felony drug conviction makes you ineligible, your other family members may still be able to receive benefits based off your income. If, for instance, you failed a drug screening test, your child could still benefit from Tribal TANF cash assistance, but an alternate payee will be required until you become eligible to be included.
    You have been convicted of molesting a child.[3416]

Certain criminal convictions will cause you to be ineligible for Tribal TANF in some service areas, but not all. It is important to contact the Tribal TANF office to which you plan to apply for more information on eligibility requirements.

  1. 3416

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