Welfare may be able to access depends on your household income, family size, and citizenship status
Welfare programs—primarily Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—have different rules, but they all start with income. Your household's monthly earnings must fall below a threshold that changes by state and family size. You also need to be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant. Beyond that, the specific requirements shift depending on which program you're looking at and where you live.
The income limits are not secret, but they are not uniform either. A family of three in one state might may have access to at $1,500 per month while the same family in another state qualifies at $1,200. Your state welfare office publishes these numbers, and you can find them by searching "[your state] TANF income limits" or calling your local department of social services.
Key Takeaways
- TANF and SSI are the two main welfare programs, and they have separate income limits, asset limits, and work requirements that vary by state.
- You must provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and household composition—usually a birth certificate, Social Security card, lease or mortgage statement, and recent pay stubs or tax returns.
- Most states require adults on TANF to work or participate in work-related activities within a set timeframe, typically 24 months.
- Asset limits (savings, vehicles, property) exist for both programs and vary by state; some states count a car differently than others.
Income and asset limits for TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is the main cash welfare program for families with children. Your household income must be below your state's limit, which typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per month depending on family size and state policy. Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, and some types of support from other people in your household.
TANF also has an asset limit—the total value of things you own, not counting your home. Most states set this at $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a family, though some states have raised or eliminated the limit. A vehicle is usually not counted if it is your only car and you use it for work or medical appointments. Money in a savings account counts toward the limit, so having more than $2,000 in the bank can disqualify you even if your monthly income is low.
Income and asset limits for SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very low income. The federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple as of 2024, though some states add money on top and may have slightly higher limits. Unlike TANF, SSI counts almost all income, including gifts and help from family members.
SSI has a strict asset limit of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. This includes cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home and one vehicle do not count. If you receive an inheritance or a lump-sum payment, you can exceed the limit for only nine months before you lose benefits; after that, you must spend down to the limit or your payments stop.
Citizenship and immigration status requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a may have access to immigrant to receive TANF or SSI. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other categories defined by federal law. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for these programs in most states.
When you apply, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. For citizens, a birth certificate, passport, or state ID works. For immigrants, you will need your green card, refugee or asylee documentation, or other immigration papers. If you do not have these documents yet, your state welfare office can tell you what to do next; some states have programs for people whose status is pending.
Work requirements and time limits for TANF
TANF is not permanent. Most states limit you to 60 months (five years) of benefits in your lifetime, though some states have shorter or longer limits. More immediately, most states require you to work or participate in work-related activities—job training, community service, or education—within 24 months of starting benefits. If you do not comply, your benefits can be reduced or stopped.
Work requirements have exceptions. You may be exempt if you are caring for a child under age 6, if you are pregnant, if you have a disability, or if you are over 60. Your state welfare office determines whether you meet an exemption. If you are working but still have low income, you can usually stay on TANF while you earn money, though your benefit amount will be reduced.
Documents you need to bring when you apply
Bring originals or certified copies of these documents to your local welfare office or have them ready if you apply by mail or online:
- Proof of identity: driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status: birth certificate, passport, green card, or refugee papers
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card or tax return
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your wages
- Proof of household composition: birth certificates for all children, custody papers if applicable
- Proof of residence: lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or letter from a landlord
- Proof of assets: bank statements, car registration, or deed to property
If you do not have all these documents, ask your welfare office which ones are required to start the process. Some offices will help you obtain missing documents or accept a signed statement from you in the meantime.
How state rules differ and where to find your state's limits
Every state runs its own TANF and SSI program within federal guidelines, which means the income limit in California is different from the limit in Texas, and the work requirement in one state may not exist in another. Some states have eliminated asset limits entirely. Some states allow you to keep more of your earnings before your benefit is reduced. Some states have shorter time limits or stricter work rules.
To find your state's specific rules, search "[your state name] TANF income limits" or "[your state name] SSI limits" online, or call your local department of social services. You can also use the Benefits.gov website to see which programs you may be able to explore based on your state and situation, though you will still need to contact your state office to learn the exact numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be unemployed to get welfare?
No. Many people on TANF work part-time or full-time but earn too little to support their family. Your income must be below your state's limit, but you can have a job. Some states reduce your benefit by a certain amount for every dollar you earn, so working may lower your payment but not eliminate it.
What happens if I get married or move in with a partner?
Your household income limit changes because your household size changes. If your partner's income pushes your total household income above the limit, you may lose benefits or see them reduced. You must report changes in household composition to your welfare office within a set timeframe, usually 10 days.
Can I get welfare if I own a car?
Yes, in most states. One vehicle is usually not counted as an asset if you use it for work, medical appointments, or other essential purposes. If you own a second car or a vehicle worth more than a certain amount (varies by state), it may count toward your asset limit and disqualify you.
What if I receive child support or alimony?
Child support and alimony are counted as income for welfare purposes. The full amount counts toward your income limit. If you are owed child support but not receiving it, your state welfare office may help you pursue it, and some of what you collect may go to repay the state for benefits you received.
Do I lose welfare if I inherit money or receive a tax refund?
An inheritance or large lump sum will count toward your asset limit. If it pushes you over the limit, you have a grace period (usually nine months for SSI) to spend it down before you lose benefits. Tax refunds are treated as income in the month you receive them and may affect your benefit for that month.