SNAP and TANF are different programs that often go together. SNAP gives most low-income households money on an EBT card that can only buy food. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) gives cash to low-income families with children, can be spent on rent, diapers or bills, and is limited to 60 months of federal help over a lifetime. You can get both. TANF counts as income for SNAP, and if everyone in your household gets TANF, you automatically pass SNAP’s income and asset tests.
Side-by-side
| SNAP | TANF | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Food benefits on an EBT card | Cash, often on the same EBT card |
| Who | Most low-income households, with or without children | Families with children (and some pregnant women) |
| Federal agency | USDA Food and Nutrition Administration | HHS Administration for Children and Families |
| Rules set by | Mostly federal (income limits, benefit formula) | Mostly each state (benefit amounts, eligibility) |
| Time limit | 3-month limit only for certain adults without children under 14 | 60 months lifetime for federally funded help (states can extend some) |
| Work rules | Work registration; time limit for some adults | Work participation required for most adults |
| Typical monthly amount | Up to $808 for a family of 3 (from Oct 2026) | $204 to $1,243 for a family of 3, depending on state |
How much TANF pays
TANF amounts vary widely. These are maximum monthly benefits for a family of three (July 2023 data, the latest national comparison we found):
| State | Max TANF for 3 |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $1,243 |
| California | $1,130 |
| New York | $789 |
| Median state | $549 |
| Texas | $327 |
| Mississippi | $260 |
| Arkansas | $204 |
In every state, the maximum TANF grant is at or below 60% of the poverty line. That’s why most TANF families also need SNAP.
How they work together
- TANF counts as income for SNAP. It’s unearned income, so it lowers the SNAP amount somewhat.
- Automatic eligibility. If everyone in the household gets TANF cash, you’re treated as meeting SNAP’s income and asset tests.
- Broad-based categorical eligibility. In 46 states plus Guam and the Virgin Islands, getting even a TANF-funded non-cash service (like a brochure or referral) lets households use higher income limits and often skip the asset test for SNAP.
- One application. Many states let you apply for SNAP, TANF and Medicaid together.
Only about 8% of SNAP households with children also received TANF cash in fiscal 2024.
Example
A single mother with two children in Texas has no earnings. She gets TANF of up to $327 a month. That counts as income for SNAP, but after deductions her SNAP benefit is often close to the $808 maximum for three, depending on her rent. Together, TANF covers some bills; SNAP covers food. For the SNAP math, see SNAP benefit amounts.
Work rules compared
TANF requires most adults to take part in work activities for a set number of hours a week, and states must meet participation targets (50% of all families). SNAP’s rules are lighter for parents: anyone responsible for a child under 14 is exempt from the SNAP time limit. See SNAP work requirements and SNAP Employment and Training.
TANF news in 2025 and 2026
- TANF’s federal block grant has been $16.4 billion a year since 1996, not adjusted for inflation. Current funding runs through December 31, 2026.
- In January 2026, HHS froze some TANF and child care funds for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, citing fraud concerns. Court challenges followed. Families already receiving TANF should watch for notices from their state.
- HHS relaunched a pilot letting up to five states test outcome measures instead of the usual work participation rate.
Which to apply for
| Your situation | Apply for |
|---|---|
| Family with children, very low income | Both TANF and SNAP (and WIC if children under 5) |
| Adults without children | SNAP only |
| Used up TANF’s 60 months | SNAP (no lifetime limit for families) |
| Pregnant | SNAP, WIC, Medicaid; ask about TANF (some states count pregnancy) |
More for parents: SNAP for families with children, WIC vs SNAP. To apply, see how to apply for SNAP. More SNAP help by topic: SNAP and EBT guides.
Sources: Congressional Research Service: TANF (R48413), CBPP: TANF benefit levels, eCFR: 7 CFR 273.9 (income), USDA: SNAP eligibility, USDA: Broad-based categorical eligibility, USDA: SNAP household characteristics FY2024, HHS: funding freeze in five states (Jan 2026).