IS TANF payment used as monthly income for a custodial parent?
No, TANF is not used as income for the custodial parent. If she receives, say $555 a month from TANF, and child support is set at $600, then TANF will intercept the money the non-custodial parent pays as child support. In other words, as long as the custodial parent is on TANF, she will not receive child support. If the non-custodial parent has to pay $1,000 a month, and TANF is only $555, she will STILL not receive the extra. In California, however, they do send out what is called a “disregard” payment in the amount of $50 a month to the custodial parent if they are on TANF, as long as support from the non-custodial parent is being paid. TANF has rules and the custodial parent will be expected to work. If the custodial parent does not comply with TANF rules (complying in job search, actively looking for a job, and providing proof), she will be cut off TANF and will only receive aid for her child. If she is cut off from TANF, she might only receive about $400 a month for her child only
