Examples: Non-Recurrent Short-Term Benefits
The following is a list of non-recurrent, short-term benefits in approved State applications for TANF emergency funds. This list is by no means exhaustive and will be updated on an ongoing basis.
The definition of a non-recurrent, short-term benefit (found at found at 45 CFR 260.31(b)(1)) states that such a benefit: (1) is designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need; (2) is not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and (3) will not extend beyond four months. When applying, a State should describe how each benefit or service in this category meets each of the three criteria.
Links to each State's TANF program can be found at /programs/ofa/help
Utilities and Energy Assistance
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
Housing Assistance (mortgage and/or rent arrears)
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
Emergency Housing Assistance
- Maryland (Emergency and Transitional Housing, Service Linked Housing, Homeless Women Crisis Shelter Program, Homeless Counselors program)
- Massachusetts (emergency shelter services)
- New Jersey (Social Services for the Homeless)
- Oregon (Housing and Community Services – Housing Stabilization Program)
Domestic Violence Services
- Maryland
Diversion and Welfare Avoidance
- Colorado
- Maryland
- New York
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
Job Support and Readiness
- Colorado
- Maine
- Minnesota
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
Burial Assistance
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
Vehicle Support
- New York (insurance, car repairs)
Vehicle Payments
- New York (Wheels for Work)
Earned Income Tax Credit
- Michigan
Transportation Assistance
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
Child Care
- Colorado
Family Support Services
- Oregon (short-term respite childcare and parenting support)
- Texas (Strengthening Families through Enhanced In-Home Support Program)
- Massachusetts (crib and layette allowance)
Kinship Care
- Maryland (Kinship Care Flex Funds)
- New Jersey (Kinship Wraparound Program)
- Texas (TANF One-time Grandparents Grant, Relative Caregiver Reimbursement Program)
Clothing Allowance
- Massachusetts
- New York (fall allowance for clothing, books, and school supplies)
- Texas (Annual Subsidy for Children on Cash Assistance—back-to-school)
Educational Assistance
- Oregon (scholarship assistance for families with lack of education)
Emergency Assistance (broadly-defined, one-time payments)
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New York
- Utah