Cash Assistance - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Promotes Career Development & Financial Independence

The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides states and territories with flexibility in operating programs designed to help low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency.

In Louisiana, DCFS issues TANF benefits through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) and Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP). These programs, intended to be used to meet families’ basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing, are fully funded by federal dollars.

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

FITAP decreases long-term dependence on welfare assistance by promoting job preparation and work. Recipients are introduced to a career path, where they can become more financially independent through employment, training and education.

Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP)

All work-eligible FITAP participants are required to participate in the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) program. Under STEP, participants must complete work activity hours, which could include education, on-the-job training, job readiness or work hours. The program provides support services for employment-related activities such as transportation and child care to assist participants on their pathway to becoming self-sufficient.

Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)

KCSP provides relatives caregivers critical financial support they need to care for children on a long-term basis. A foster caregiver who receives a foster care board rate is not eligible for KCSP.