Temporary Assistance (to help with living expenses)

If you can't work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, you may qualify for cash to help you pay your expenses. These are Temporary Assistance programs that serve different populations and have some different rules:

• Family Assistance (FA) provides cash to eligible families that include a minor child living with a parent or a caretaker relative. FA follows federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) guidelines. The adult may get FA cash benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime (including months of TANF-funded assistance from other states.)

• Safety Net Assistance (SNA) provides cash to eligible needy individuals and families who are not eligible for FA. Generally, you can get cash SNA for a maximum of two years in a lifetime. After that, it is provided in non-cash form, such as a payment made directly to your landlord. SNA is for:
  • Single adults
  • Childless couples
  • Children living apart from any adult relative
  • Families of persons found to be abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment
  • Non-citizens who are eligible for TA, but who are not eligible for federal reimbursement

• Emergency Assistance helps with an urgent need or situation. Some examples include:

  • You are homeless
  • You have little or no food
  • Your landlord has told you that you must move or has given you eviction papers
  • You do not have fuel for heating in the cold weather period
  • Your utilities are shut-off or are about to be shut-off, or you have a 72-hour disconnect notice
  • You or someone in your family has been physically harmed, or threatened with violence by a partner, ex-partner or other household member