SNAP and TANF are separate federal programs with different rules, funding, and what they pay for

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) pays for food only. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is a cash assistance program that helps with rent, utilities, childcare, and other living costs. They are run by different agencies, have different income limits, and you can receive both at the same time.

SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. TANF is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each state runs its own version of both programs, so the income thresholds, benefit amounts, and how long you can receive them vary by where you live.

The confusion happens because both programs serve low-income households and both require you to report your income. But they answer different needs: SNAP keeps you fed, and TANF helps you pay bills and stay housed.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP pays for groceries and food; TANF pays cash for rent, utilities, childcare, and other expenses.
  • You can receive both SNAP and TANF at the same time if you meet each program's income and household requirements.
  • SNAP is federal and works the same way in every state; TANF rules, benefit amounts, and time limits vary significantly by state.
  • TANF has a 60-month lifetime limit in most states; SNAP has no time limit.
  • You report income to both programs, but the income thresholds are different and are set by your state.

What SNAP covers versus what TANF covers

SNAP is a food benefit only. Your SNAP card (called an EBT card in most states) works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other food items. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared food, hot food, alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items like soap or diapers.

TANF is cash assistance. The money goes into your bank account or onto a debit card, and you decide how to spend it. Most people use TANF for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, childcare, transportation, or medical costs. Some states let you use TANF to pay for job training or education. The rules about what you can spend TANF on vary by state.

Because they cover different things, many households receive both. You might get SNAP to cover groceries and TANF to cover your rent. The programs do not compete with each other — receiving one does not reduce the other.

Income limits and how they differ by state

Both SNAP and TANF have income limits, but they are not the same. SNAP income limits are set by federal law and are the same in every state. TANF income limits are set by each state and can be much lower than SNAP limits.

For example, a single person with no dependents might have a SNAP income limit of around $1,400 per month in 2024, but a TANF income limit of $600 per month in the same state. A family of three might may have access to for SNAP but not TANF, or vice versa. You need to check your state's specific limits because they change yearly and vary widely.

Both programs count your household income the same way: they look at wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, and some other sources. They typically do not count child support you receive, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or certain other benefits. But the threshold where you stop receiving money is different for each program.

Time limits: how long you can receive each benefit

SNAP has no time limit. You can receive SNAP for as long as you meet the income and household requirements. There is no maximum number of months or years.

TANF has a 60-month lifetime limit in most states. That means you can receive TANF cash assistance for a total of 60 months (five years) in your lifetime, though some states allow extensions or have shorter limits. Once you hit 60 months, you stop receiving TANF unless your state has a hardship exemption or other exception.

Some states have stricter rules. A few states have time limits shorter than 60 months, and some have work requirements that can end your TANF before you reach the time limit. Check your state's TANF rules to understand how long you can receive benefits and what conditions might end them early.

Work requirements and other conditions

SNAP has minimal work requirements. Most adults without dependents must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP. Parents caring for young children are usually exempt. The rules vary slightly by state.

TANF has stricter work requirements. Most states require you to work, look for work, or participate in a job training or education program as a condition of receiving cash assistance. The number of hours required and what counts as work activity varies by state. If you do not meet the work requirement, your TANF benefit can be reduced or stopped.

Both programs may require you to attend appointments, report your income regularly, and notify the program if your situation changes. Missing appointments or failing to report changes can result in losing benefits.

How to learn about you can receive each program

The best way to learn whether you meet the requirements for SNAP or TANF in your state is to contact your local SNAP or TANF office directly. You can find the office through your state's website or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services).

When you contact the office, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) ready. They will tell you the current income limits, what documents you need, and how to proceed. Many states also allow you to submit information online or by mail.

Do not assume you do not may have access to based on income alone. Some households with income above the normal limit can still receive TANF or SNAP if they have high expenses like childcare or medical costs. The office will calculate your actual need based on your household's specific situation.

Receiving both SNAP and TANF at the same time

You can receive both SNAP and TANF simultaneously. Many households do. You will have two separate applications and two separate benefit amounts. Your SNAP benefit is based on your household size and income. Your TANF benefit is based on your state's TANF payment standard and your household composition.

Receiving TANF does not reduce your SNAP benefit, and receiving SNAP does not reduce your TANF benefit. However, if your income is high enough to disqualify you from one program, you might still receive the other. For example, you might be over the TANF income limit but still may have access to for SNAP.

If you receive both, you will need to report changes in income or household size to both programs. Some states have combined offices where you can report to both at once. Others require separate reports. Ask your caseworker how to report changes to avoid losing either benefit by mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive TANF if I am working?

Yes. TANF is designed for working families and non-working families. Your income limit is based on your household's total income, including wages. Many people receive TANF while working part-time or full-time jobs that do not pay enough to cover all expenses. Your state may also count work-related expenses (like childcare or transportation) when calculating whether you may have access to.

What happens to my TANF when I reach the 60-month limit?

In most states, your TANF benefit stops. Some states have hardship exemptions that allow a small percentage of people to continue receiving benefits beyond 60 months if they face severe barriers to work. Contact your TANF office to ask whether your state has an exemption and whether you might may have access to. You can still receive SNAP after TANF ends if you meet SNAP income requirements.

Do I have to report my SNAP and TANF income separately?

You report your income to each program, but the income is the same. You do not report different amounts to SNAP and TANF. However, each program may count certain deductions or expenses differently, so your benefit amount from each program will be different. When your income changes, report it to both programs to keep both benefits accurate.

Can I use my TANF card to buy food instead of using SNAP?

Yes, TANF is cash, so you can spend it however you need to, including on food. However, SNAP is specifically designed for food and usually provides more money for groceries than TANF does. If you receive both, using your SNAP card for food and your TANF for other bills is usually the most efficient way to stretch both benefits.

What if I was denied TANF but think I should may have access to?

You have the right to request a hearing to appeal the denial. Your denial letter should explain how to request a hearing and the deadline to do so. Contact your state's TANF office or your local legal aid organization for help understanding the reason for the denial and preparing an appeal. The appeal process and timeline vary by state.