Health & Benefits

TANF clients or applicants can get assistance for rent, food, clothes, household supplies, and essential furniture. In crisis means they are: 

• Homeless or in danger of becoming homeless because of fire, flood, or another natural disaster,
• Evicted from their home for any reason,
• Deprived of food or clothing because of a fire, flood, or natural disaster or lost or stolen cash,
• Deprived of food, clothing, furniture, or household supplies due to domestic or sexual violence. For example, leaving must leave home because someone was abusing them there, or
• Because the wage earner of the house abused their family members and was forced to leave because they were being abused.

Food: The household can receive $5 per person per day until their next TANF or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP or food stamps) arrive, or when regular income becomes available. But assistance for food cannot be authorized to replace lost or stolen SNAP benefits, only lost or stolen cash. 

Rent: If they are without housing or are being evicted, a maximum allowance of $250 for rent is available.

Household furnishings: Money for essential household furnishings is also available. It can cover items such as beds, a kitchen table, and kitchen chairs for each household member. 

Non-medical needs related to essential medical care: Food, lodging, and transportation related to essential medical care may qualify for crisis assistance. WWhen it cannot be provided by the Medical Assistance Program, transportation expenses can be approved. However, the least expensive mode of transportation must be used. If driving, the mileage rate is 14 cents per mile. A household can get $9 a day or $3 per meal per person for food related to essential medical care. They can also get help with a place to stay while essential medical care is provided. The lodging must be adequate and available to meet the person's medical needs.

Clothing and household supplies: How much money a household can get for clothing and household supplies depends on the size of the family.

Applicants must visit a Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) to apply. A written request is required. IDHS must make a decision within two business days. Use the office locator site to find the closest FCRC to you.