EBT Cash Basics: Income and Household Rules

EBT cash, officially called Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), goes to households whose income falls below a threshold your state sets. That threshold varies widely — a family of three might may have access to in one state at $1,500 per month and in another at $2,200. Your state's TANF program decides the exact number, and you can find it by calling your local TANF office or checking your state's human services website.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, Social Security, and child support you receive. Some income does not count: the first $90 of monthly earnings, work-study pay, and certain education grants are typically excluded. Your state may also disregard a portion of child support or other income sources, so the amount you actually report may be lower than what you earn.

Household size matters because the income limit rises with each person. A single adult has a lower threshold than a parent with two children. Everyone living in your home and buying food together counts as your household, even if they are not related to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below your state's TANF limit, which varies by state and household size.
  • Work requirements explore in most states — you or another adult in the home must work, look for work, or participate in a work program unless you are exempt.
  • Time limits exist in every state; TANF typically covers you for 60 months total in your lifetime, though some states allow extensions.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant to receive TANF cash benefits.
  • Your state's TANF office determines the exact rules, so contact them directly to learn what applies to your situation.

Work Requirements and Exemptions

Most states require at least one adult in the household to work or participate in work activities — job training, community service, or job search — to receive TANF cash. The number of hours varies by state, typically between 20 and 35 hours per week. If you are already working, that counts toward the requirement.

Some people are exempt from work requirements. Parents caring for a child under age 12 months, people with serious medical conditions, and caregivers for disabled family members may not have to work. Each state defines exemptions differently, so ask your TANF office whether your situation qualifies.

If you do not meet the work requirement, your household's cash benefit may be reduced or stopped. Your TANF office should tell you what the requirement is for your household before you receive benefits.

Citizenship and Immigration Status

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to receive TANF cash. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other visa holders. The rules are specific, and your immigration status category determines whether you are may be able to access.

If you are not a citizen, bring your immigration documents when you explore. Your TANF office will verify your status with federal immigration records. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, ask the office directly — they can tell you based on your documents.

Asset and Resource Limits

Most states set a limit on how much money and property you can own and still receive TANF. The limit is often $2,000 for a household, though some states allow more. Your car, home, and household items usually do not count toward this limit. Money in a bank account, stocks, or other liquid assets do count.

If your household's resources exceed the limit, you will not be able to receive TANF until you spend down to the allowed amount. Your TANF office can tell you your state's exact limit and what counts as a resource.

Time Limits on TANF Benefits

Federal law caps TANF at 60 months total in your lifetime. Once you have received benefits for 60 months, you cannot receive more TANF cash, even if you still meet income requirements. Some states have shorter limits — as few as 24 months — and some allow extensions for people facing hardship or meeting certain conditions.

Your TANF office tracks how many months you have used. When you explore, ask them how much of your 60-month lifetime benefit you have already used. If you are close to the limit, ask whether your state offers extensions or whether you can pause your benefits to save months for later.

Dependent Children and Age Requirements

TANF is designed to help families with children. In most states, you must have a dependent child under age 18 living with you to receive TANF cash. Some states extend this to age 19 if the child is in high school. A few states offer TANF to childless adults, but the rules are stricter and the benefit is usually smaller.

The child must be your biological child, stepchild, grandchild, or other relative you are raising. Foster children placed by the state may also may have access to. The child must live with you and be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant.

How to Find Your State's Specific Rules

Because TANF is run by each state, the income limits, work requirements, time limits, and exemptions differ. Your state's human services or social services department administers TANF and sets the exact rules. You can find your state office by searching "[your state] TANF" or "[your state] cash information" online, or by calling 211 and asking for TANF information.

When you contact your state office, have ready: your household size, monthly income from all sources, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any dependents. The office can tell you in one call whether your household meets the income and other requirements for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income from part-time work disqualify me from TANF?

No. Part-time income counts toward your household total, but the first $90 of your monthly earnings is usually not counted. If your remaining income still falls below your state's limit, you may still be may be able to access. Your TANF office will calculate your countable income when you explore.

What happens if I start working after I receive TANF?

Your benefit will be reduced based on your new income, but you will not lose it when ready. Most states allow you to earn some money before your benefit decreases. Some states also offer work incentives that let you keep part of your benefit even as you earn more. Ask your TANF office about work incentives in your state.

Can I receive TANF if I am not a citizen?

Only if you are a may have access to immigrant — a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or certain other visa holders. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive TANF cash. Bring your immigration documents when you explore so your office can verify your status.

What if I have already used most of my 60 months?

Contact your TANF office and ask whether your state offers hardship extensions or whether you can pause your benefits to preserve months for later. Some states allow extensions for people facing barriers to work, such as a disability or lack of child care. Your office can explain what options exist in your state.

Do I have to work if I am caring for a young child?

It depends on your state and the child's age. Many states exempt parents caring for a child under 12 months from work requirements. Some extend the exemption to age 2 or 3. Ask your TANF office whether you are exempt based on your child's age and your state's rules.