Maui Relief TANF Program | Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. - Community Services Administration

(MRTP) The Maui Relief TANF Program is separate from the ongoing TANF cash assistance benefit and has a different application process, eligibility criteria and requirements. The Maui Relief TANF Program is a program that provides benefits to eligible families with dependent children who were directly impacted by the wildfires. The Program benefits are not intended to meet a family’s recurring needs and will not extend beyond four (4) months. Survivors are strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance prior to applying for support through the Maui Relief TANF Program. DHS wants to ensure families maximize available disaster relief efforts. The Program benefits are considered “non-assistance”; therefore, is independent of the DHS’s TANF cash assistance program. The Program benefits are being established solely to address the specific crisis situation and episode of need for families who were directly affected by the wildfire disaster. The Program benefits will be issued as a disaster relief in the form of a lump-sum payment to the family or a direct payment to a vendor such as a landlord, automobile dealership, or a utility company. The Program will help families, with household incomes that do not exceed 350% of the federal poverty level: -secure and pay for short-and long-term housing -make a down payment and pay for a car payment for up to 4 months -secure and pay for utilities for up to 4 months -purchase clothing for eligible family members and school supplies for school-aged children. A family may apply for Maui Relief TANF support based on their current needs and apply later for other remaining support available to the family. This support may be provided in addition to FEMA Individual Assistance if a family has exhausted its FEMA assistance and critical needs still exists. There is no citizenship requirement. Non-federal funds may be available to assist families with dependent children who are not eligible for the federally-funded Program. Applicants will be provided ten (10) days from the date of the request to provide additional information and supporting documents. Applicants must report changes within 10 days of the change occurring. For example, if the support was for a car and the car was sold, then that change must be reported within 10 days.