Program Overview
The Morongo Tribal TANF Program (MTTP) is designed to provide opportunities for eligible needy native families to support in the development of native communities.
Four Purposes of TANF:
- To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives
- To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
- To prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies
- To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families
Services
MTTP provides time-limited assistance to eligible Native American families with children through the provision of cash aid and supportive services, including child care, transportation, and work supports. Education and job training is offered to enhance the employability of parents and caretaker relatives. MTTP provides emergency assistance, diversion assistance, prevention, and family formation services designed to support and encourage Native American self-reliance. A key team of professionals is available to provide referrals to community resources, education and activities for youth, and life skills to promote healthy families. It is the intent of the program that assistance and services be provided promptly with due regard for the preservation of Indian family life.
How to Get Support
To qualify for any MTTP service or benefits, families must meet the following requirements:
- Must have at least one minor child in the home (up to age 19 if attending high school, or up to age 22 attending if high school and receiving special education services with an IEP)
- Must be Native or Non-Native parent(s) with an eligible Native American child or be a Caretaker Relative with an eligible Native American child
- Must reside in the MTTP service area
- Must meet income eligibility requirements; countable income must be equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and families must have less than $10,000 in countable resources
- Child-only services are available to “timed-out” families who have reached the 60-month assistance limit and to non-needy caretaker relative cases
- All adult applicants are required to complete a drug and alcohol screening at intake, including caretaker relatives
Families seeking information regarding program eligibility and services should call 1-844-TANF-411 to speak to Morongo Tribal TANF Program Staff.