Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work Program (VIEW) provide eligible families with monthly cash payments to meet their basic needs.

Virginia Initiative for Education and Work Program (VIEW)

The Virginia Initiative for Education and Work Program (VIEW) emphasizes personal responsibility. The VIEW Program is a program of employment opportunities to assist individuals in attaining the goal of self-sufficiency through services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation, and other work related expenses.

Apply for TANF Benefits Online

Check or Renew Benefits/ Report Changes

Eligibility

For TANF benefits:

• The family must have a child. 
• The child must be under the age of 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19. 
• The child must be regularly attending school if they are between the ages of five and 18. 
• The child must be living with a parent or other relative. 
• The child must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. 

A child will not be eligible if born to or adopted by a TANF recipient more than 10 months after an applicant begins to receive TANF payments.

For VIEW services:

• Adults age 18 and over who are TANF eligible, and able-bodied parents are eligible to participate in employment assistance services.

All information that you provide is confidential. Information will only be given to persons directly connected with administering or enforcing provisions of the programs for which you apply.

Documents You May Need

• Proof of citizenship and identity 
• Proof of residence 
• Proof of income 
• Recent IRS tax return information 
• Proof of shelter expenses 
• Proof of resources 

All of the above items are not required to complete an application but may be required at a later stage in the process to determine eligibility for benefits.

All information that you provide is confidential. Information will only be given to persons directly connected with administering or enforcing provisions of the programs for which you apply.

VIEW Services

Individuals enrolled in VIEW will receive assistance from a caseworker in the Employment Service program to assess and reassess the barriers that keep them from employment. They provide supportive services such as job and skills training, day care assistance, transportation assistance, counseling, education assistance and referrals to help move customers toward self-sufficiency. Staff will also determine a client's continuing need for public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP and TANF.

TANF/VIEW FAQs

I’ve lost my EPPIC Debit Card (Electronic Payment Processing Information Control).  How do I get a new one?

If you lose your card or have another problem accessing your account at an ATM, you must contact Virginia Debit MasterCard® (EPPICard) customer service at (800) 961-8423.

How do I check the balance available on my EPPICard?

You have unlimited online debit card inquiries any time of the day at www.EPPICard.com.  You are allowed five free calls to the Customer Service integrated voice response (IVR) system, (800) 961-8423, each month. After five calls, you will be charged $.50 for each additional call during the month.

Where can I make purchases with my EPPICard?

You cannot use your TANF EPPICard in the following locations: ABC stores, tattoo or body-piercing businesses, businesses that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers appear at least partially nude, or in places in which wagering or gaming such as bingo is conducted. You cannot use your TANF EPPICard to purchase: lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or sexually explicit materials.

How do I make purchases or get cash back using my EPPICard?

More information on managing your account and using your EPPICard can be found at EPPICard Fee Schedule.