Where To Apply For Texas TANF In Houston | Welfare Office Houston
In this guide I’ll show you the locations where you can apply for Texas TANF in Houston.
In addition to these locations you will also learn the follow upon reading this article:
- What is TANF?
- The difference between TANF and welfare
- The amounts Texas TANF pays families each month
- How to apply for Emergency TANF
- 3 ways to apply for TANF
- Locations to find help applying for Texas TANF
The next section will provide details about the TANF program. If you’d like to skip this section and see the list of TANF offices in Houston click the link below. ↓↓
What Is Texas TANF?
First, off TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It takes far too long to type that out so we’ll just refer to it as plain ole TANF from here on out.
TANF is federally funded program that allows states like Texas to provide assistance to families. The Texas TANF program provides monthly payments to families to keep them out of any crisis situations.
What Do Families Buy With TANF Payments?
Monthly TANF payments typically go toward things like:
- Housing
- Food
- Rent and Utilities
- Clothing
- Transportation
- Medical supplies that are not paid for by Medicaid
- Other basic needs items
What Is The Difference Between TANF And Welfare?
TANF is the new name for welfare.
Welfare is an old school name that gets thrown around from time to time, but if you hear it know that TANF is the new name for that program.
The welfare program provided cash payments, but recipients were not required to work or seek employment.
TANF does provide monthly payments, however you are required to “work towards getting a job”. Whether this means you are employed, searching for a job or taking a training class for employment, you must be doing something “work related”.
Who Qualifies For Texas TANF?
In order to receive Texas TANF you must meet the following requirements:
- Be caring for children 18 or younger
- Have limited income and the inability to generate income
- Parent or relatives (grandparent, aunt, etc) can also receive Texas TANF
What Are The Income Requirements For Texas TANF?
To qualify for TANF in Houston, you must make equal to or less that the amounts on the table below:
| Family Size | Child-Only Cases | Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker | Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $64 | $78 | -------------------------- |
| 2 | $92 | $163 | $125 |
| 3 | $130 | $188 | $206 |
| 4 | $154 | $226 | $231 |
| 5 | $198 | $251 | $268 |
Note: Add $43 for each additional person.
How Much Money Does Texas TANF Pay?
The table below gives you an idea of how much TANF pays per month.
| Family Size | Child-Only Cases | Home with 1 parent or 1 caretaker | Home with 2 parents or 2 caretakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $101 | $123 | -------------------------- |
| 2 | $145 | $255 | $195 |
| 3 | $204 | $295 | $323 |
| 4 | $242 | $354 | $363 |
| 5 | $311 | $394 | $421 |
Note: Add $68 for each additional person.
What Is One Time TANF ?
One Time TANF (OTTANF) is a one time emergency payment of $1,000 to to families who are in a crisis.
A crisis could be:
- Lost of employment
- Evicted from your home
- Expensive medical bills
If you are the parent, to qualify for this benefit you must:
- Meet all TANF eligibility requirements (see this section)
- Not be currently receiving Texas TANF
What Is One Time TANF (OTTANF) For Grandparents?
In this program grandparents also receive a one time payment of $1,000. The different is there are different eligibility requirements and larger income limits for grandparents.
First let’s discuss the requirements:
- Must be 45 years or older
- Meet the TANF relationship requirement
- Be the caretaker or payee of a TANF grandchild
- Have a family income less that or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit
Income Requirements For TANF Grandparents To Receive OTTANF
If the grandparent’s income is equal to or less than the figures in the table below they could qualify for OTTANF.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,0224 |
| 2 | $2,744 |
| 3 | $3,464 |
| 4 | $4,184 |
| 5 | $4,904 |
| For each additional person, add: | $720 |
3 Ways To Apply For Texas TANF
If you are a Texas resident you have 3 ways to apply:
- Online – Visit Your Texas Benefits to complete your TANF application online.
- Phone – To apply via phone contact 2-1-1 or call them toll-free at 1-877-541-7905.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office – Visit any Houston area Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office (HHS) to pick up a Texas TANF application.
If you like the idea of visiting an office to apply for TANF, this next will provide you with multiple locations who can help.
Where To Apply For TANF In Houston (MAP of locations)
The map above pinpoints locations where you can go to apply for TANF in Houston. Each location offers face to face assistance in applying for Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP.
You are advised to call each before visiting as a walk in.
In the sections below I will provide more information about each agency.
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
Texas Health and Human Service Commission (THHS) is the first agency I will tell you about who can help you apply for TANF in Houston.
THHS is the agency who manages TANF, as well as Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP.
Editor’s note: Texas Health and Human Service Commission is the agency who decides if you qualify for welfare in Houston. Other agencies on this list can help you apply (fill out paperwork), but ultimately THHS determines who is eligible for services.
Also: If you have questions about the status of your TANF application those should go to Texas Health and Human Services Commission; EVEN if another agency helped you apply. Again they manage TANF benefits so other agencies are simply helping you submit your application to THHS. Call THHS at 877.541.7905.
Texas Health and Human Service Commission Offices in Houston
There are 16 Texas Health and Human Service Offices around the Houston area.
Each THHS is staffed with employees who can assist you or your client with completing a Texas TANF application.
- Beltway 8 & 45 South – 10060 Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77089 – 713.946.6861
- Buffalo Speedway – 13838 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77045 – 713.433.3145
- Conroe – 608 N. Loop 336 E, Conroe, TX 77301 – 936.539.1161
- Dickinson – 215 Tanglewood Dr, Dickinson, TX 77539 – 409.945.0317
- East End – 2110 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77023 – 713.921.5108
- East Houston – 10202 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77029 – 713.673.6347
- East Little York – 1421 Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77093 – 281.372.2540
- Galveston – 123 Rosenberg St, Galveston, TX 77550 – 409.763.0277
- Greenspoint – 220 Meadowfern Dr, Houston, TX 77067 – 281.874.0048
- Highway 6 (West Houston) – 2133 S Texas 6 #100, Houston, TX 77077 – 281.597.5200
- Northline – 3880 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77022 – 713.699.1098
- NW Houston – 8511 N Houston Rosslyn Rd, Houston, TX 77088 – 713.895.6800
- Pasadena – 810 Preston Rd, Pasadena, TX 77502 – 713.947.8130
- Texas City – 2000 Texas Ave #900, Texas City, TX 77590 – 409.948.3481
- Third Ward – 6118 Scott St, Houston, TX 77021 – 713.748.8450
- Tomball – 29250 TX – 249 Business, Tomball, TX 77375 – 281.351.0637
A walk-in visit to a Texas Health and Human Services office will have you waiting for hours, so you are encouraged to contact them at 2-1-1 or 877.541.7905 to arrange an appointment. You can also complete your application over the phone by dialing those same numbers.
If you are tech savvy, avoid the THHS and visit You Texas Benefits. There you can apply for benefits like TANF, Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP online.
City of Houston Health Department
The City of Houston Health Department helps you apply for TANF in Houston at each of its 11 multi-service centers.
City of Houston Multi-service Centers
- Acres Homes MSC – 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77091 – 832.393.4145
- Denver Harbor MSC – 6402 Market Street, Houston, TX 77020 – 832.395.0895
- Fifth Ward MSC – 4014 Market Street, Houston, TX 77020 – 832.393.5427
- Hiram Clarke MSC – 3810 W Fuqua Street, Houston, TX 77045 – 832.393.4240
- Kashmere MSC – 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77026 – 832.393.5503
- Magnolia MSC – 7037 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77011 – 832.395.3380
- Northeast MSC – 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016 – 832.395.0470
- Southwest MSC – 6400 High Star Dr, Houston, TX 77074 – 832.395.9900
- Sunnyside MSC – 9314 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77051 – 832.395.0069
- Third Ward MSC – 3611 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004 – 832.393.4051
- West End MSC – 170 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 – 832.393.5950
Each multi-service center is staffed with a Client Access Specialist who can assist you with completing your Texas TANF application.
Editor’s note: You are encouraged to call the appointment line at 832.393.5427 to schedule a sit down for help applying for Texas TANF benefits. In most cases City of Houston Health Department does not accept walk ins. You are welcome to stop by for questions, but as far as helping you with your application, you will need an appointment.
In addition to the TANF benefits, the health department can assist you with applying for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP and Texas Women’s Health Program.
To schedule an appointment with a City of Houston Client Access Specialist contact the Houston Health Department appointment line at 832.393.5427.
Family Houston (formerly Family Services of Greater Houston)
Family Houston is another option if you need to apply for TANF in Houston. They are partnered with Texas Health and Human Services meaning they can also help with Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP applications.
This Houston FQHC is staffed by knowledgeable case managers who can answer any enrollment related questions you may have about Texas TANF.
- Family Houston – 4625 Lillian St, Houston, TX 77007
Contact them at 713.861.4849to schedule your appointment.
Houston Staffing Agencies: An Alternative To TANF
If you are capable and willing to working you may be able to earn some quick cash by working for a Houston staffing agency.
Our guide titled How To Find A Job With Staffing Agencies In Houston is packed with 100s of staffing agencies.
The allows you to find staffing agencies in Houston using a map or by industry (Medical Staffing, Oil and Gas Staffing, etc).
No matter your location or industry, this give can help you find employment as long as you have a little hustle.
Conclusion
The easiest way to apply for TANF in Houston is definitely by phone (877.541.7905) or online, however there are plenty of agencies to help you in person.
If you lack a computer or simply feel more comfortable speaking with someone face to face visit any of the agencies above for assistance.
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
