Types

• Texas offers three main assistance programs for low-income families: Case Management for Children & Pregnant Women (CPW), the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The CPW offers services to low-income pregnant women who face high-risk pregnancies. The CPW offers medical bill relief and free care for eligible women. The Tax Assistance program helps low-income families find federal tax rebates and deductions come tax season. The TANF helps families with low-incomes to pay for living needs.
  
  

Application Process

• Fill out an application with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to begin the aid process. The application asks for your family's information, including names, ages, school enrollment and social security numbers. You must provide information on any assets that you own such as cash, cars and investments. If you are employed, provide the information about your job in the appropriate field. Select the programs for which you are applying in the boxes provided. Send the application to the address listed.
  
  

Benefit Uses

• The benefits of the Case Management for Children & Pregnant Women (CPW) program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program are specifically used for maternity expenses and tax preparation, respectively. The TANF program, however, covers a wide-range of expenses that are necessary to live. Expenses covered by the TANF include telephone lines, utility connections, housing, food purchases, clothing, medical bills, furniture and money needed for transportation. Texas calculates your monthly living expenses and compares the amount next to your monthly income. Your TANF funds are based on your need.
  
  

Payment Method

• Texas uses the Lone Star Card Program for monthly assistance awards. The state issues a card to you once your application is approved. The card method prevents assistance abuse and allows the state to monitor assistance spending electronically.