MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a year-round program that provides services to those in need. Dr. Rachael Schafer with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services says that last year, the TANF program supported an average of 615 families per month. She also adds that eighty-one percent of the recipients are children, and 57% of those cases are child-only, meaning the benefits only went to the children. The program provides monthly benefits to help care for the child, as well as supportive services like transportation and child care. Bismarck woman accused of taking $38,000 from church where she worked Schafer says TANF supports finding stable employment that will provide for a family in the long term. "For our jobs program, they receive coaching on how to find employment," Schafer states. "That includes skills training. "They may need help to find education, or obtain a GED. So they are really kind of helpful, and it helps to know that is going to provide financial security." The TANF program has a limit. Once a family gets on it, they have only 60 months to use the program. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW