TANF

About

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a government assistance program that provides cash assistance for low-income families. The assistance is limited to 60 months, with some exceptions that allow for extension. Each state has their own individual TANF program, where they decide the financial eligibility criteria and cash assistance benefit amounts. Iowa's program is Family Independence Program (FIP).

Where to Apply

To apply for FIP, you would have to visit your city’s Department of Human Service office, or you can send in an application through the mail, fax, or electronically. Here is the address for Dubuque’s Department of Human Service:

205 Bluff St.

Dubuque, IA 52001

Before applying, please look at the eligible survey to see if you would qualify for FIP or other government assistance programs:

Other: https://hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal

FIP: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1387

If you want to fill out the application by mail or fax, here is the electronic version of the application: https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/4531/download?inline

If you have any questions for the application, please call (563) – 557 – 8251.

What do you need?

Here are some of the items or information you would need to order to apply for FIP:

• SSN

• Household’s income

• Expenses (Personal and Medical)

• Resources (car, truck, houses, etc.)

• Child Support information

• Information about both partners

FAQ

What happens when my 60 months are up?

Once you have accumulated 60 months of TANF, you will no longer receive their benefits. The cap is 5 years no matter where you live, if you leave then come back on cash assistance the clock picks off where it left off. It does not restart.

Am I eligible for other assistance programs?

Yes, you can be on TANF while also qualifying for other programs. You will need to fill out the other desired program's application, which can be found on the website https://benefits.gov.

Extensions/Exemptions

Any month that a parent receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while also on FIP, will not be counted towards the 60-month limit. If there is another parent in the household not receiving SSI, then the FIP benefits will still end at 60 months.

For example, if you are the only parent in your household and have been on FIP for 35 months but then begin to receive SSI, you will remain at 35 months until you are no longer receiving those additional benefits.

If the children do not live with their parents, only the adult relative will be ineligible after the 60 months.

For example, if you are receiving FIP for you and your two grandchildren, once the 60 months hit, only you will be removed from the grant. You can continue to receive FIP for your grandchildren.

In addition, you can apply for an exemption to the 60-month limit for the 2 following reasons:

• Hardships: Domestic violence, Lack of employ-ability, Lack of suitable childcare, medical or mental health issues, Housing situations that make it difficult to work, Substance abuse issues, and having a child whose circumstances require a parent to be in the home.

• Other circumstances which prevent the family from becoming self-supporting: This can be used if a family does not fit into hardships, but believe that benefits should be continued.

TANF/FIP ATM Free Cash Withdrawal

Besides using the FIP access card in stores, some people may need cash within the card due some payments may only accept cash. Here is some information about accessing FIP funding. One way you can access your FIP funding in cash is by going to a teller in a bank or credit union. You would have to give the teller your FIP access card and tell them how much cash you wish to have. There is no charge when going to a teller.

Another way is going to an ATM. Unfortunately, most ATM’S will have a $1.35 fee after your first free withdrawal of the month. If you go to an Alliance One, Money Pass, or Wells Fargo ATM, they have no fee on FIP transactions. Map of all the no cash withdrawal fee in Dubuque, IA above and addresses below.

• 2600 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003

• 2600 Saratoga Rd, Asbury, IA 52002

• 5900 Saratoga Rd, Asbury, IA 52002

• 805 Wacker Dr, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 1175 Century Dr, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 555 John F Kennedy RD, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 2685 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 500 N Grandview Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 62 E 7th St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 895 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 913 Locust St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 2196 Holliday Dr, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 4730 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 2035 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002

• 1450 Alta Vista St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 50 Loras Blvd, Dubuque, IA 52001

• 250 Mercy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001

• E 14th St & White St, Dubuque, IA 52001