Find Resources for the Maui Wildfire Relief
Financial Assistance Benefits for Families with Children
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal and state funded grant program run by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD). The program was first implemented in 1997 as the result of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF Program is a federal funded block grant program. A primary eligibility requirement to receive TANF funds is U.S. citizenship. TANF funding is limited to U.S. citizens, single or two-parent households with minor dependent children. These program requirements are in accordance with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) (Welfare Reform). Prior to Welfare Reform, the Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) did not distinguish between citizen or non-citizen or single or two-parent households.
There are four (4) TANF purposes:
TANF Purpose 1: “To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.”
• Direct cash assistance payments to families • Self-sufficiency program • Income disregard • Financial counseling
All programs are subject to established eligibility criteria that will be explained to you by a DHS worker.
TANF Purpose 2: “To end the dependence of parents on government assistance benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.”
TANF applicants and recipients are referred to the Department’s First-To-Work (FTW) program to prepare for financial independence. An assigned FTW case manager will help you reach your employment goal with any of the following activities and supportive services:
• Job search and job preparedness • Subsidized / Unsubsidized employment • Preparation for GED or high school equivalency • Job skills training • On-the-job training
• Domestic violence advocacy services • Ongoing counseling and supportt • Supportive services: • Child care subsidies • Transportation assistancet • Work- and education-related expenses
TANF Purpose 3: “To prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.”
DHS has partnered with a variety of community-based agencies to provide Hawaii families with programs designed to help prevent teen and out-of-wedlock pregnancies. These programs include:
• After-school programs • Youth abstinence and pregnancy prevention programs • Positive youth development programs • Youth mentoring services
TANF Purpose 4: “To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.”
Programs provided by DHS and community-based agencies that teach the skills necessary to build strong families. Services include:
• Fatherhood services • Family strengthening programs • Marriage / Couples counseling • Parenting skills • Home-based parenting and family counseling
WHERE TO APPLY?
You may apply for TANF financial assistance benefits at a DHS Processing Center. For a list of centers, please visit the DHS website here. Maui County processing Centers are:
Maui Processing Center
State Building
54 High St. #125
Wailuku, HI 96793
Fax: 808-984-8333
Email: MauiPC@dhs.hawaii.gov
Lunalilo Building – Lobby remains closed until further notice
35 Lunalilo St., Suite 300
Wailuku, HI 96793
Fax: 808-243-5114
Email: MauiPC@dhs.hawaii.gov
To reach our Statewide Branch Support Desk, please dial toll free: 1-855-643-1643. You may also call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You may apply for assistance online through the Public Assistance Information System (PAIS) here.
Maui College students already include the most vulnerable. Now many of those students and their families are being directly impacted by the fires, whether they have lost homes, businesses or jobs. The purpose of this Fund is to provide general support for students at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College (UH Maui College). Funds shall be used but not limited to costs associated with attendance (e.g. tuition, books, fees, etc.) and/or any other urgent financial support students need.
As the new school year starts, please help us keep students, faculty, staff and their families resilient during this unprecedented emergency situation.
Maui Nui Strong is a program of the County of Maui Economic Development that connects our residents, businesses, and visitors to useful information about Maui County, our diverse islands, and a variety of resources that help to promote thriving and vibrant communities.
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