TANF

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

The purpose of TANF program is to provide temporary assistance for the care of dependent children in their own homes or the homes of relatives by furnishing financial, medical, and self-sufficiency services.

Native Employment Works (NEW)

NEW Mission Statement

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is dedicated to the premise that all people wish to be self-sufficient and designers of their own futures. As work is the cornerstone of such a model, the Tribe is committed to creating culturally appropriate work programs that aid the unemployed and to provide support services that assist Native Americans/Native Alaskans in gaining living-wage employment.


TANF and NEW frequently asked questions

What is the service area?

Benewah and Kootenai Counties Within the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Family members must be an Enrolled member of a Federally Recognized Tribe. Income limits apply for 1-2 parent TANF Families. There are no income limits for Child-Only, non-needy caretakers. 

What is the Time Frame

A Life Time Limit for a Family is 60 Months. For Child-Only cases it is until the child is 18 years old but limits do apply.

All Parents in TANF are Required to Participate in Work and/or Educational Activities, With a goal of transition to full-time employment

  1. Barrier removal skills
  2. Training and education
  3. Job skills training
  4. Employment

Single Parent Families:

20 hrs a Week Employment ready Work Activitites.

Two Parent Families:

Complete 40 hours a week employment ready work activities.

To Apply For TANF You Will Need To Provide:

  1. Tribal identification for all tribal members
  2. Proof of residency
  3. Birth certificates for Children 
  4. Social Security cards for all family members 
  5. Child custody paperwork 
  6. Immunization records of children
  7. School registration 
  8. Marriage, divorce, and/or separation papers
  9. Valid Idaho driver’s license
  10. Employment termination verification
  11. Disabilities if claimed, and proof you have applied for SSI benefits
  12. File for unemployment claim and work registration https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Unemployment-Benefits

Office Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Each case is different based on their circumstances. For more information please call the TANF Program Manager at 208-686-5621.