TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), formerly known as Family Independence, is South Carolina’s welfare program. TANF benefits provide temporary financial assistance to needy families with dependent children. Low-income families, whether the household has one parent or two parents, may be eligible for these services. Families enrolled in the program are offered employment training and placement, childcare and transportation while in employment training, and a monthly stipend all designed to help parents get back to work and maintain self-sufficiency.  A caseworker is assigned to each family, who will offer assessments to see if additional screenings or services are required and will work with families to design a plan to ensure family stability within 24 months. The use of TANF cash benefits cannot be limited or restricted by policy. Recipients of TANF benefits have the right to make decisions for their families. However, if DSS determines that benefits are not used in the best interest of the child(ren) then a protective payee may be considered. You must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.) or meet certain alien status requirements (qualified aliens - Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. Refugees and Asylees). U.S. citizens include the following people: A person born in the U.S; A naturalized citizen; A person born outside of the U.S. but whose parents (both mother and father) are U.S. citizens; A person born outside of the U.S. who is over 18 years of age, but who has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen; A child born outside of the U.S. who is under 18 years of age and has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen. The child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence; and A person lawfully adopted by U.S. citizens. Low income South Carolina families with a dependent child, to whom they are related, living in the household. Individuals that agree to pursue child support from parent(s) absent from the home. How to Apply