How to Apply for TANF in Alabama
Alabama's cash assistance program, the Family Assistance Program, is applied for through OneAlabama, a combined online portal and mobile app that also handles document uploads for the related JOBS work program — or the old-fashioned way, by mailing or dropping off a paper application at your county DHR office. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, and the state is explicit that EBT funds cannot be spent at liquor stores, casinos, tattoo parlors, or psychic services. The program is limited to low-income families with children under 18 (or under 19 if the child is a full-time secondary student).
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In Alabama, you apply for TANF through Alabama Department of Human Resources, online or by phone. Alabama's DHR must decide Family Assistance eligibility and either make benefits available or mail a denial notice within 30 calendar days of the date you apply, under the state's Standard of Promptness rule.
What You'll Need
- Proof of identity for each applicant
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of income
- Proof of Alabama residency
- Information on household composition (children under 18, or under 19 if a full-time secondary student)
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1
Confirm you meet eligibility rules
Review the Family Assistance Program eligibility requirements, which cover income, resource, and residency rules for households with children under 18 (or under 19 for a full-time secondary student).
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2
Get the application form
Download the "Application for Family Assistance" form from the DHR Family Assistance page, or pick one up in person at your local county DHR office.
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3
Gather your supporting documents
Collect proof of identity, income, household composition, and residency before you apply so your application isn't delayed for missing verification.
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4
Submit your application
Apply online and submit documents through OneAlabama (one.alabama.gov), or mail or deliver your completed paper application to the DHR office in the county where you live.
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5
Find your county DHR office if applying in person
Use the county office locator on the DHR website to find the address and hours for the office serving your county.
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6
Follow up with Family Assistance
For questions about your application status, call the Family Assistance Division at (334) 242-1773 or (334) 242-1950, or email dhr_fad@dhr.alabama.gov.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
Alabama's DHR must decide Family Assistance eligibility and either make benefits available or mail a denial notice within 30 calendar days of the date you apply, under the state's Standard of Promptness rule. If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share Alabama's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →