TANF provides cash assistance to families while they work towards becoming self-sufficient. Once enrolled in TANF you may also be eligible for help receiving job training and education.
Who may be eligible?
- Families with dependent children living in their home
- Pregnant individuals
The My Maine Connection portal also offers a prescreening tool that can help you find out if you may be eligible.
How do I apply?
Option 1: Apply online through My Maine Connection.
Option 2: Download and mail an application.
Office for Family Independence
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, ME 04938
Option 3: E-mail an application to Farmington.DHHS@Maine.gov
Option 4: Fax an application to (207) 778-8429.
Option 5: Visit one of our district offices and apply in person.
Questions?
Call 1-855-797-4357 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm).
Other TANF Programs
Additional Support for People in Retraining and Employment (ASPIRE)
The ASPIRE program helps TANF and PaS participants move towards financial independence through job training, educational supports, work supports, job search, resume writing, interviewing skills, and family well-being workshops.
The Office for Family Independence refers participants to Fedcap Families to complete a program Orientation and a Welcome Meeting. Fedcap will discuss the individual's employment goals and complete assessments to determine their interests, skills, and the supports - including education or training needed to reach their goals.
The Fedcap team also works to create a customized Career Plan, which is also known as the Family Contract Amendment (FCA). The Career Plan will include short and long-term goals that can be checked off as they are completed. ASPIRE provides support services that are needed to meet an individual's employment goals and take the steps listed in their Career Plan. The supports may include childcare, gas money, car repairs, auto insurance, school bills and fees, books, and supplies, and other needs to help achieve your goals. More in depth information about ASPIRE Support Services and a brief explanation of support can be reviewed here.
Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE)
HOPE helps Maine parents enroll in and complete training and education beyond high school by providing financial support for costs related to training and education. Learn more about the HOPE program.
Parents as Scholars (PaS)
A monthly benefit through TANF that helps parents working through a two- or four-year degree-granting education program.
Alternative Aid Assistance
Alternative Aid Assistance assists TANF eligible parents who need short term help to find or maintain employment. Voucher payments, equal to up to three months of TANF benefits, are made available to families to help them with employment related expenses and avoid the need for TANF benefits.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance (EA) is a program for Maine families with children under the age of 21 or pregnant individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy. EA can potentially help a family with recent damage or loss of property from a natural disaster, the repair/replacement of essential home systems, eviction (not due to the misuse of property), utility shut off, or special equipment due to disability which is not covered by the Office of MaineCare Services or the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. There are payment maximums for each emergency category and payments are issued directly to vendors.
TANF Transitional Benefits
Transitional Child Care (TCC) can help former TANF recipients pay for work related child care. Transitional Transportation (TT) can help working families pay for transportation related expenses for a period of time. Learn more about the TT program.