Last Updated March 2024
What is the Transitional Transportation Program?
The Transitional Transportation Program helps working parents pay for transportation for up to 18 months out of a 36-month period after they can no longer get TANF because of earnings from a job. It helps fill the gap that can happen when someone is working and making enough money to no longer qualify for TANF benefits but not enough to afford transportation for work.
You must make the request for transitional transportation within twelve months of your TANF benefits ending.
If you get Parents as Scholars (PaS) benefits, instead of TANF, the same rules apply to you.
Who can get Transitional Transportation Benefits?
You can get Transitional Transportation if:
- Your household has a gross monthly income that is equal to or less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level for your family size.
and
- You are working and can’t get TANF any longer because you started earning too much money to qualify for TANF; or
- You are working and requested that your TANF be terminated; or
- You have received TANF/PaS for 60 months and are working during the month your TANF/PaS benefit ends; and
Check the Federal Poverty Level Chart below to see the income limits for your household size.
Can I get this benefit if I go off of TANF before DHHS finds me ineligible?
Yes. If you are working but have requested that your TANF benefits be terminated you may still qualify for transitional transportation benefits.
How do I apply for Transitional Transportation?
When your TANF grant is closed, DHHS should notify you about Transitional Transportation benefits and let you know you have to submit an application if you are interested You must request transitional transportation within 12 months of your TANF/PaS benefits ending.
When applying for transitional transportation, you have to send DHHS a written request using this form. DHHS will send a written decision within 30 days of getting your application.
If you are denied transitional transportation services, you can appeal DHHS’s written decision within 30 days of the date of the written decision.
When will I get Transitional Transportation Benefits?
The Transitional Transportation benefit covers your transportation cost for up to 18 months within a 36-month period after you get your last TANF check. Payment is made monthly on the first day of the month and is for travel costs you will have during the month you got the payment for.
How much help will I get if I qualify?
Payment is determined by how many miles you travel to and from work each day multiplied by the number of days you think you will work in the month.
The rate for transitional transportation as of October 1, 2022 is 46 cents per mile, up to $20.00 per day.
If you have a disability and drive your own wheelchair lift or other specially-equipped vehicle to and from work you may get 56 cents per mile, up to $20.00 per day.
Mileage is measured as the most direct route to and from your job. It includes any extra mileage to your child care provider or to pick up any car-pool passengers.
You don't have to drive your own car to work to get this benefit; you only need to have a travel expense (for example: riding the bus or paying a car-pool driver).
What do I do if I'm denied Transitional Transportation or disagree with the amount DHHS gives me?
You have the right to a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision DHHS makes. You have a right to bring legal counsel to your fair hearing. Call your nearest Pine Tree Legal office if you have questions about your benefit or need help with your fair hearing.