Yes, you can get TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a monthly cash program for families with children) while you get SNAP, and many families get both from one application. SSI works differently. In many states, the person who gets SSI can't also get TANF, but the rest of the family can often still qualify.
If you're already on SNAP or SSI and money still isn't covering the month, asking about TANF is a reasonable step. The rules for getting TANF with SNAP or SSI are clearer once you see them side by side. Some parts vary by state, and we'll flag those as we go.
Can you get TANF with SNAP or SSI? A quick comparison
It helps to start with what each program does. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps you buy food. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is monthly cash from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 and older. TANF is funded by the federal government, but each state runs its own TANF program and sets many of its own rules.
Each program has its own rules, but they're built to work together.
If your household has... | Can you also get TANF? | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
SNAP | Yes, often from the same application | TANF counts as income for SNAP, so SNAP may go down |
An adult on SSI | Often not for that adult | Children may get TANF in a "child-only" case |
A child on SSI | Often not for that child | Parents and other children may still get TANF |
SNAP and SSI | Depends on who gets SSI | Your state decides who's in the TANF case |
Can you get TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes, and getting both is common. Many states handle TANF and SNAP through the same agency, and they often use one application for both.
Getting TANF can also help with SNAP. According to the USDA's SNAP eligibility overview, if everyone in your household gets TANF, SSI, or (in some places) general assistance, your household may be "categorically eligible" for SNAP. That means SNAP can skip some of its own income and resource tests because another program already checked. You still have to meet SNAP's other rules.
The two programs cover different needs. SNAP can only be used for food, while TANF is cash. Our guide to what TANF cash can be used for explains how families use it for rent, utilities, and other bills.
Will getting TANF lower my SNAP benefits?
It can, because SNAP counts TANF cash as income. When your income goes up, your SNAP amount usually goes down.
TANF still adds cash you can spend on things SNAP won't cover. How the two amounts balance out depends on your household and your state.
Say you're a parent of two already getting SNAP, and your TANF case gets approved. When the SNAP office adds your TANF cash to your household income, your SNAP amount may drop some. The TANF money can still pay the power bill, which SNAP never could.
Report your new TANF income to your SNAP office. If the same agency handles both programs, it may update your SNAP case on its own. Ask to be sure, since reporting rules vary by state.
TANF also has work rules and time limits that SNAP doesn't have. Our guide to TANF work requirements and time limits explains both.
Can you get TANF if you get SSI?
Usually you can't get TANF for yourself. Many states leave a person who gets SSI out of the TANF "assistance unit," which is the group of people the TANF payment is figured for.
The thinking is that SSI already covers that person's basic needs. States also decide whether the SSI check counts as family income when they figure TANF for everyone else, so check your state's TANF rules.
SSI has its own side of this, too. SSA counts most other income when it figures your SSI payment. Social Security's guide to understanding SSI explains how other income is counted. So even in a state that allows both, TANF paid to you could lower your SSI check.
If you haven't applied for SSI yet, our guide on who can get SSI covers the basics. Turnout also offers help with the SSI application.
What if someone else in my household gets SSI?
Many families in this situation find they still qualify.
If a parent gets SSI: The children can often get TANF in what's called a child-only case. That means the payment is figured only for the kids. Because no adult is on the grant, adult work rules and time limits may apply differently. Our TANF work requirements and time limits guide explains how child-only cases fit in.
If a child gets SSI: That child is usually left out of the TANF case. The parents and any other children can still apply. Whether the child's SSI counts as income for the rest of the family depends on your state.
Child-only payments are often smaller than a full family grant. How your state sets up these cases is one of the rules that changes the most from place to place. Ask your caseworker how your household would be counted before you assume you won't qualify.
What this means for you
You don't have to choose between these programs. What matters is who in your home gets which benefit, and how your state counts them.
- Apply for TANF even if you get SNAP or SSI. Ask whether your state lets you apply for TANF and SNAP together. Application steps vary by state, so start with our guide to applying for TANF in Texas or browse the Turnout blog for other state guides.
- List everyone who gets SSI on your application. This helps your caseworker set up the right kind of case, whether that's a full family case or child-only.
- Report new TANF income. Tell your SNAP office. If anyone in your home gets SSI and receives TANF, tell SSA too.
- Ask about your state's SSI rules in writing. Ask how your state treats household members on SSI, and keep a copy of the answer.
If you'd rather talk it through with a person, get in touch with our team. We'll help you figure out where to start.
FAQ
Does SNAP count as income when I apply for TANF?
In most cases, SNAP isn't counted as cash income, but each state sets its own TANF income rules. Ask your caseworker which income your state counts. They'll usually focus on wages and other cash income.
Do I have to apply for TANF and SNAP separately?
In many states, one application covers both. Each program may still have its own interview or paperwork. SSI is always separate, and you apply through SSA.
If I get approved for SSI later, does my family lose TANF?
Your family doesn't necessarily lose TANF. You would likely come off the TANF case, but your children may keep getting TANF as a child-only case. Tell your TANF office about your SSI approval right away so your payments are set correctly.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
It's your turn
TANF, SNAP, and SSI can work together, and your household may qualify for more than one. Run Turnout's free benefits scan to see which programs you may qualify for in your state.