477-TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
477 comes from Public Law 102-477, which allows tribes to consolidate federal programs. The federal programs that are under Tulalip 477-TANF are: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Workforce Innovations Opportunities Act (WIOA), Job Placement & Training (JPT), and Native Employment Works (NEW).
Mission
Guided by a cultural focus on values, accountability, and education, we strive to inspire and serve individuals and families by delivering self-sufficiency tools to our clients.
477 Programs:
General Eligibility
- Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
- Fall below the 200% Federal Poverty Level (TANF, JPT, and NEW only)
-
Live within the service area
- The 477 Program will provide services for eligible clients in the following zip codes: 98271, 98270, 98252, 98258, 98259, 98206, 98201, 98287, 98292, 98223, 98205, 98207, 98203, 98291, 98204, 98208, 98290, 98296, and 98272.
- TANF only: Applicants must have dependent children living in the home (biological or court-ordered placement)
- JPT, NEW, WIOA only: May be a single adult or family and must meet the income requirement
Support Services
- Support services vary depending on the 477 programs being accessed and are based on need. All other available resources to the client must be utilized first. Clients may also be asked to provide proof of denial of other services. Examples include:
- Food
- Gas / bus passes
- Hygiene products
- Car repair
- Work clothes or clothing for placement children
- Rental assistance
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF is a short-term, non-recurring benefit to assist needy families and placement children.
Cash assistance: Maximum grant of $1,500 per month, maximum support service limit of $1,500 annually.
TANF Child Only Grant:
Monthly cash assistance for court-ordered placement children. The first line, blood-related descendants of Tulalip Tribal members must be referred by bədaʔchəlh. No other descendants are permitted.
TANF Family Grant:
- One / single parent households with dependent children
- Two parent households (married or unmarried) with dependent children. Only one parent needs to be the biological parent. At least one family member must be an enrolled tribal member of a federally recognized tribe (does not have to be Tulalip)
WIOA (Workforce Innovations Opportunities Act)
Offered to adults and youth seeking assistance with work experience, on-the-job training, enhancing or specializing job skills, job placement, and/or job preparedness education.
Services
- Work experience
- On-the-job training
- Job placement
- Support services
- Training
- Job preparedness education
Diversion
Maximum:
$1,500 every 60 months. Diversion services or diversion benefits are considered support services. Provided to prevent families from becoming TANF clients. Applicants must be eligible for TANF, not a current TANF recipient, and in need of one-time assistance. A Diversion recipient will not be eligible for TANF benefits for 12 months after receiving Diversion.
Diversion Services
- Food
- Hygiene products
- Utilities (water)
- Gas
- Other support services available to TANF clients that help the applicant
Job Placement & Training (JPT)
Employment-related services for applicants that have accepted new, full-time positions. Maximum limit per year: $500.
Applicants can be single adults or families.
Services
- Support services
- Training
- Job placement
Native Employment Works (NEW)
NEW are employment-related services for applicants who are preparing for interviews or have accepted new part-time, seasonal, or temporary employment. Maximum limit per year: $300.
Applicants can be single adults or families.
Services
- Support services
- Training
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply?
You can pick up applications at the 477-TANF office, located at 6406 Marine Drive Tulalip, WA 98271. Complete the application and return it to the 477-TANF office. Applications must have all supporting documents attached.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
The best way to know your eligibility for Tulalip 477 programs is to complete an application and submit it to the 477-TANF Department. If you’re unsure of what application you need, please call the mainline at 360-716-4719.
After you apply, 477-TANF staff will review it and contact you via phone and mail, letting you know if your application was approved, denied, or pending. Staff will also reach out if you’re missing documents.
How long before I know if I’m approved?
You will receive a phone call within 24–48 hours and a mailed letter within seven business days. If you’re asked to submit further documentation, please provide it as soon as possible, as applications are only valid for 30 calendar days.
Does 477-TANF help with food?
The 477-TANF Program offers food vouchers to eligible clients. Community members are also welcome to apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) with the Tribal Liaison by contacting 477-TANF and setting up an appointment.
Does 477-TANF help with rent/eviction?
To receive assistance with rent/eviction, you must be a current Family Grant TANF client OR not be a current TANF client and be eligible for Diversion Services. Both types of clients must utilize all other available resources before receiving assistance.
Note: To be eligible for Diversion, you must meet all TANF eligibility requirements.
Does 477-TANF help with PUD or energy assistance?
477-TANF may assist with PUD for Diversion clients or if the program receives specific funding for energy assistance. Clients must also show they’ve applied for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) through Snohomish County and have been denied.