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TANF Educational Awards Program (TEAP)

What is it?

The new TEAP program will provide a direct educational incentive award to eligible low-income students. The new TEAP program is designed to encourage TANF-eligible students to achieve success in higher education by persisting and increasing their level of educational attainment. The program originated from a May 10, 2006, Governor's Executive Order and is based on a collaborative effort by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Board of Regents.

What does TANF stand for?

TANF is the acronym for the federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. That program provides cash assistance and work opportunities to needy families as authorized under the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Who is Eligible?

A TANF-eligible student must be an enrolled student in an undergraduate program during the 2006-2007 academic year, a United States citizen, an Ohio resident (as defined by the Regents) and enrolled at an Ohio higher education institution which has elected to participate with the Regents in this program. The student may not be currently serving a term of imprisonment or be a qualified alien.

The TANF-eligible student must be one of the following:

1. A parent of a minor child that is an Ohio resident. (Minor child is defined as: has not attained 18 years of age; OR has not attained 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training.)
2. A legal guardian, or specified relative of a minor child that is an Ohio resident (must verify relationship).
3. A woman who is pregnant (self-declaration).
4. A non-custodial parent of a minor child that is an Ohio resident (must verify relationship and child support requirement).

Download the EZ TEAP Eligibility Checklist

How much is an educational incentive award?

Upon successful completion of coursework, up to $ 1,200 per academic year for a full-time student (> 12 credit hours) and up to $ 600 per academic year for a part-time student (> 6 credit hours) is available.

How will the award be paid?

Two cash payments per term are planned. The first one will be awarded near the beginning of the term and a second, larger payment will be awarded after the student has successfully completed the coursework. See Sample Table for payment information.

How do I apply?

Students will need to complete a FAFSA form for the campus's financial aid personnel to review. Each participating college campus will designate a TANF coordinator who will inform eligible students of the availability of the educational incentive awards and assist them in applying for the award. See Frequently Asked Questions.