Are you a parent or caretaker of a minor child? You may be eligible for TANF. To get TANF you must be the parent or guardian of a minor child who is living with you at least 50% of the time and have a very low income.
Most people who get TANF must participate in a work training and education program, called ASPIRE, for a minimum of 20 hours/week (or more). In Maine, the ASPIRE program is run by a company called Fedcap.
If you are disabled, you have a family member who is disabled, you are a victim of domestic violence, or you have another good reason, you may not be required to participate in ASPIRE.
Think you might be eligible for TANF? You can enter your household and income information into this eligibility screening tool at Pine Tree Legal Assistance to see if you might be. (You do not have to enter any identifying information like your name or address to use this screening tool.)
If you believe you are eligible for TANF but you have been denied by DHHS, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205, or leave us a message.
TANF and ASPIRE: Program Guide (Understanding your Rights)
Information about applying for TANF and information about ASPIRE. Most TANF recipients must work with the ASPIRE program to meet job-readiness and educational goals.
- PART I: What is TANF and how can I get it?
- PART II: I’ve been approved for TANF. What next?
- PART III: Troubleshooting TANF/ASPIRE
- PART IV: Special Circumstances
In 2019 changes were made to the law to provide more assistance to families transitioning from TANF to work. DHHS is currently writing rules. This section will be updated when the rules are available. If you are leaving TANF for work please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205 for more information.
- PART V: Transitioning from TANF to Work
This section is under construction. Information about how these circumstances affect your TANF benefits is included elsewhere in this document.
- PART VI: Fraud and Overpayments (coming soon)
This section is under construction. If you have questions about these issues, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205 for more information.
Other DHHS programs may provide financial help low-income families with children.
Alternative Aid: You must be eligible for TANF, but not getting TANF, to receive Alternative Aid. You can apply for Alternative Aid for expenses that will help you get or keep a job. It is often used for car repairs that will allow you to continue working, but Alternative Aid can also help with security deposits or other large expenses.
Emergency Assistance: Whether or not you are receiving TANF, you can apply to DHHS for Emergency Assistance in one month in a 12-month period. You can get help with emergency housing, home repairs, utilities, special medical needs or disaster relief.
If you believe you are eligible for Alternative Aid or Emergency Assistance but you have been denied, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205, or leave us a message.
Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 