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How much cash assistance is available

Updated October 21, 2025 • 5 min read • 907 words
Focus Immediate Financial Assistance

Maximum amount of much cash assistance

The maximum amount of cash assistance available in each state, which are listed below, varies based on many factor including family size. While the federal government does fund the program each state sets their own application process, income qualifications and payment amount among other criteria. Find details below on maximum TANF benefits available, per state, for a family of 3. Note the cash assistance is called TANF, however states do have the ability to rename it for their residents and many states have done so. California and New York tend to pay beneficiaries more than other states, such as Texas or Florida. In general, residents in the southern part of the country will not have as many benefits available to them as individuals that live in the northeast or western states.

Max amount of cash provided can change yearly

It is important to note that the maximum dollar amounts will often change from year to year based on the federal and state budgets. Your state’s cash assistance calculator will be updated with the information. In fact most states, such as Georgia, Wisconsin, and Ohio, are continuing to focus on putting more requirements into place around the recipient needs to work to continue to benefit from a program. So these government benefits are always evolving with more details on the USA.gov “welfare” site on local government cash programs. The process of applying for TANF (or your state’s equivalent) will vary as well and can change . Generally it will take multiple weeks (or even longer) before an application has been reviewed and approved. In addition (depending on which cash assistance program has been applied too) many applications are denied one or more times. This is particularly true for SSI disability grants or TANF. So it is always recommended to apply far enough in advance to account for all of this, or families can look into emergency cash programs .

Maximum amount of cash assistance

It varies and is determined based on each individual’s financial situation. When all criteria have been met to their fullest, the maximum amount of cash assistance from the government is listed below . This is based on a family size (household) of 3 people. Note this is per size of the entire household. It factors in children, elderly parents or grandparents, and anyone that is currently residing at that same address. Also this is the most money that will be paid out if all the income and other criteria are met. Only a small number of families may receive this. For the latest information on a state as well as free calculators , find phone numbers for cash aid offices by state . Most state websites also have free calculator that people can use to find out how much cash assistance from programs such as TANF or welfare may be available in your community. Or find your state below. Alabama $344​ Alaska $1,208​ Arizona $278 Arkansas $204 California $1,179​ Colorado $506​ Connecticut $836 Delaware $338

  • C. $923​

Florida $303 Georgia $280 Hawaii $763 Idaho $309 Illinois $589​ Indiana $288 Iowa $426 Kansas $429 Kentucky $262 Louisiana $484​ Maine $865​ Maryland $863​ Massachusetts $862​ Michigan $492 Minnesota $1,370 Mississippi $260 Missouri $386​ Montana $725 Nebraska $585​ Nevada $418 New Hampshire $1,291

New Jersey

$559

New Mexico

$550 New York $823

North Carolina

$272 North Dakota 880 Ohio $587 Oklahoma $292 Oregon $550 Pennsylvania $421 Rhode Island $872​

South Carolina

$347​ South Dakota $701 Tennessee $387​ Texas $347​ Utah $587 Vermont $880 Virginia $653 Washington $725

West Virginia

$542 Wisconsin $653 Wyoming $833 Note the above information is only in regards to temporary cash assistance (TANF), which goes by different names in certain states. It may be called Work First, CalWorks, or any one of dozens of other names. Generally any family that is benefiting from cash assistance from the government can also apply for other benefits. Two of those main ones will be SNAP food stamps and of course Medicaid. But there are others. They also have maximum dollar values in what those benefits may be. As an example, cash assistance can be combined with food assistance programs , including SNAP benefits. The federal government also sets the maximum benefit that can be paid out on an EBT card too, and this will be based on household size. Yet another common benefit combined with TANF for millions of disabled people is SSI disability . This is also a cash assistance program that is generally short term in nature and some states allow the two benefits to be combined. As with any form of public aid, there are maximum amounts that can be paid out as well. Find how to apply for disability .