Cash Assistance
There are two types of temporary assistance Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Safety Net Assistance.
TANF
This program provides financial assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their homes or in the homes of relatives. This program is also centered around the health and safety of children while being cared for. Children that have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACE's) likely need further support. Visit the link below to connect to services.
The Family Assistance allowance consists of a basic grant allowance, plus a home energy allowance, plus a supplemental energy allowance, plus a shelter allowance, plus a fuel allowance if heat is not included in the rent. Each allowance category has a maximum and varies according to family size.
Examples
A household consisting of one parent and three children would receive:
- Basic allowance: 433
- Energy allowance: 38.70
- Special energy allowance: 30
- Shelter allowance: 319
- Fuel allowance: 60
- For a total budget of: 880 per month - It is always rounded down
Family Assistance parents, unless otherwise exempt, must be involved in work or a work-related activity for 40 hours each week. For the employed Family Assistance parent, there are income disregards applied in calculating eligibility and the amount of assistance.
Parents are also responsible for cooperating with the local Department of Social Services in locating any absent parent and are required to pursue child support. Non-cooperation without good cause could result in lower benefits.
Safety Net Assistance
Safety Net assistance is the New York State category of temporary assistance provided to needy individuals (single individuals or childless couples) in which either the lack of income or wages received is insufficient to keep the households income and resources above the State determined standard of need.
The Safety Net assistance allowances and work requirements are the same as Family Assistance but do not have the disregards that are available to Family Assistance participants.
Currently Chemung County has a total of 731 active Temporary Assistance cases. 421 are TANF and 310 are Safety Net. 47% of the 731 cases are child only cases which means they live with a parent that is in receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or with someone other than a parent. 34% of the remaining cases have at least one adult member of the household that is disabled and 19% are considered employable and must participate in mandated work requirements such as Job Search, Job Readiness Training and Work Experience.
It is necessary for applicants of all our programs to provide documentation to determine program eligibility. These documents are required for everyone, in the household, applying for services. This documentation may include but is not limited to:
Required Documentation
- Bank Accounts
- Citizenship
- Date of Birth
- Fuel Provider
- Household composition
- Identity
- Income
- Rent expense
- Residency
- Social Security Number
- Vehicles