Washington TANF for Single Moms - Financial Help for a Divorced Woman

Staff Contributor

Being a single mom comes with unique challenges, especially financially if you live in the Evergreen State. Washington State's WorkFirst program, part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, can offer a helping hand. Let's explore eligibility, benefit details, and the application process.

Washington TANF for Single Moms - Financial Help for a Divorced Woman

Who Qualifies for Washington WorkFirst?

WorkFirst is designed to support low-income families with children. Here's a look at the core requirements:

Washington residency: You and your children must live in Washington State.
Dependent children: You must have a child under 18 living with you, or a child 18-19 enrolled and attending high school.
Income limits: Your family's monthly income must be below a certain level. Limits vary based on family size.
Work requirements: With some exceptions, most parents are expected to participate in work training or job search activities after a certain period of receiving benefits.

Washington TANF Income Level Limits

Similar to Virginia TANF, Washington's income limits are based on family size and gross monthly income. A family of two (one adult, one child) cannot have a monthly gross income exceeding $1,884. Contact your local Community Services Office (CSO) or visit their website to find the exact income limits for your family size.

Washington TANF Monthly Payment Standard

The amount of financial assistance you receive depends on the number of children in your family. Here's a table outlining the standard monthly benefit amounts:

Family Size	Monthly TANF Benefit
1 adult, 1 child	$528
1 adult, 2 children	$631
1 adult, 3 children	$734
Each additional child	$103

Steps to Apply for Washington WorkFirst

There are three ways to apply for Washington WorkFirst:

Online: Apply through the Washington Connection online portal at https://www.washingtonconnection.org/.
Phone: Call the DSHS Assistance Hotline at 1-877-501-2233 to request a paper application.
In-person: Visit your local CSO and apply in person.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources for more information on Washington WorkFirst:

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) WorkFirst program page: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/food-cash-medical
Benefits.gov Washington TANF page: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/tanf-and-support-services

Important Note: Remember, WorkFirst is designed to be a temporary safety net while you work towards self-sufficiency. The DSHS can connect you with programs and resources for job training, employment assistance, and childcare to help you achieve your long-term goals.

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.

Co-parent with confidence