North Carolina TANF for Single Moms - Financial Help for a Divorced Woman
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Single moms whether divorced or widowed women or unmarried mothers can benefit from the Work First Family Assistance program, a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, designed to support low-income families with children. Work First provides temporary financial aid, employment and education resources, and valuable tools to empower you on your path towards stability for yourself and your kids.
What is North Carolina's Work First Program?
North Carolina's Work First program offers temporary financial assistance to families with dependent children. It provides monthly cash benefits to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and food. The program emphasizes helping families achieve self-sufficiency through employment and education resources, with the goal of transitioning off of Work First benefits in the long term.
Who Qualifies for North Carolina Work First?
To be eligible for North Carolina Work First, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have qualified immigration status: This includes legal permanent residents and qualified aliens.
- Be a North Carolina resident: You must live in North Carolina and intend to stay in the state.
- Have dependent children: You must have at least one dependent child under 18 years old living with you (or 19 if attending school full-time).
- Meet income limits: Your family's gross income (including your income and any income received by dependent children) must fall below the program's income thresholds.
- Meet work requirements: There are work participation requirements for most Work First recipients, with some exceptions.
North Carolina Work First Income Level Limits
Here's a breakdown of the income limits for Work First eligibility in North Carolina:
| Family Size |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 person (adult and 1 child) |
$1,813 |
| 2 people (adult and 2 children) |
$2,417 |
| 3 people (adult and 3 children) |
$3,021 |
| 4 people (adult and 4 children) |
$3,625 |
| For families with 5 or more children, add ~$604 per additional child. |
|
Important Note: Income limits are subject to change. Be sure to visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
North Carolina Work First Monthly Payment Standard
The exact amount of your Work First benefit will be determined during your application process and is based on your family size, specific needs, and program category. Here's a table outlining the maximum monthly benefit amounts for North Carolina Work First (based on the Family Assistance Program - FAP):
| Family Size |
Maximum Monthly Benefit (FAP) |
| 1 person (adult and 1 child) |
$445 |
| 2 people (adult and 2 children) |
$533 |
| 3 people (adult and 3 children) |
$621 |
| 4 people (adult and 4 children) |
$709 |
| 5 people (adult and 5 children) |
$797 |
| For families with 6 or more children, add ~$88 per additional child. |
|
Additional Notes:
- The table shows the highest benefit amounts for the FAP category. Benefit amounts for other Work First program categories may vary.
- Your actual benefit amount may be lower depending on your circumstances.
What Does North Carolina Work First Offer Beyond Cash Assistance?
- Job Training and Education: The program connects you with job training or educational opportunities to develop skills and qualifications for better-paying jobs. This can help you achieve long-term financial stability.
- Childcare Assistance: Work First can help cover childcare costs so you can focus on work or training activities without childcare worries.
- Support Services: The DHHS collaborates with community organizations to offer additional support services, such as:
- Food Banks and Pantries
- Housing Assistance (limited availability)
- Health Insurance Assistance
Steps to Get North Carolina Work First
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website: The website provides information about Work First eligibility requirements, the application process, and program details: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
- Contact your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) office: A caseworker can answer your questions about eligibility for the specific Work First program category that might be best suited for your situation, and guide you through the application process. You can find your local DSS office on the DHHS website
- Gather required documents: Some documents you may need include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status for all household members.
- Proof of North Carolina residency (such as a lease agreement or utility bill).
- Birth certificates for your dependent children.
- Proof of income for all household members (recent pay stubs, Social Security statements, etc.).
- Verification of expenses (optional, but may help determine your benefit amount).
- Complete the application: You can apply for North Carolina Work First online, by mail, in person at your local DSS office, or over the phone with a caseworker.
- Attend an interview (if required): A caseworker may schedule an interview to discuss your application and circumstances in more detail.
- Wait for a decision: The DHHS will process your application and notify you of their decision. Processing times can vary, so be patient.
Additional Tips:
- Be prepared to answer questions about your household composition, income, and expenses honestly.
- Dress professionally for your interview (if required).
- Meeting deadlines and following instructions throughout the process is important.
- You have the right to appeal a decision if your application is denied.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local DSS office for assistance on your journey towards stability for yourself and your children.
Financial Help for Single Moms and Divorced Women by State:
Warning:
This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.
