Economic Assistance

State and local government agencies can provide economic assistance to eligible families or individuals in need to help improve their financial stability.

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) — which has replaced the traditional welfare system — helps families achieve self-sufficiency. The federal government provides states with block grants to develop and implement TANF programs that assist eligible families. TANF participants receive cash assistance and access to employment services, such as skills training, or work experience.
• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax benefit for working individuals with low to moderate incomes that reduces the amount of federal taxes owed by eligible individuals. Adults that qualify for the EITC can increase their disposable incomes and ability to support their families.
• Job Centers connect people to local resources to help them identify jobs, locate job training, and acquire new skills in growing industries. Resources are available online and in more than 3,000 American Job Center locations in the U.S.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides supplemental income to help individuals meet their basic needs. Generally, eligible individuals have a disability, are 65 years of age or older, and/or blind, in addition to having a limited income and resources.