Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
Wyoming’s TANF cash assistance program is called POWER, which stands for Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities. POWER can provide temporary cash help to very low-income families with children. It is run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services, also called DFS.
Wyoming has two main POWER paths. The POWER Work program is for parents or caregivers who need cash help and work support. The POWER Caretaker Relative program is for relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles, who are caring for children whose parents are not in the home.
Start with the official DFS cash help page. You can download an application, contact your local DFS office, and ask what documents are needed for your case. If you need other help at the same time, also check Wyoming food help, Wyoming child care, and Wyoming emergency help.
If you need help today
POWER is not usually same-day cash help. If you are out of food, facing a shutoff, worried about shelter, or unsafe at home, use faster help while your POWER case is pending.
- For food, apply for SNAP and ask about expedited service if your household has very little income or cash. Start with Wyoming SNAP.
- For local rent, utility, food, diaper, and transportation referrals, call 211 or use Wyoming 211.
- For emergency food, use the Food Bank network or ask 211 for pantries near your town.
- For domestic violence or stalking concerns, contact a local advocate through Wyoming DVSA. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Where to start
If you are a single mother in Wyoming and need cash help, do these steps first.
1. Apply even if you are missing papers
Do not wait until every document is perfect. Ask DFS how to submit what you have and how to send missing proof later. Your application date can matter.
2. Contact the right office
Use the DFS offices page to find your local office. Ask if your interview can be by phone, in person, or rescheduled.
3. Apply for more than cash
POWER may help, but it may not cover everything. Also apply for food, child care, health coverage, and energy help if you need them.
Quick reference: Wyoming POWER
| Question | What to know | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | POWER is Wyoming’s TANF cash assistance program. | DFS cash help |
| Who runs it | Wyoming Department of Family Services. | DFS programs |
| Main paths | POWER Work and POWER Caretaker Relative. | POWER eligibility |
| Resources | DFS says the assistance unit must have $5,000 or less in resources. Two duly registered and licensed motor vehicles may be excluded under the POWER income table. | POWER table |
| Application | Download the application and contact a local DFS office for an appointment. | DFS offices |
Who may qualify for POWER in Wyoming
DFS decides eligibility. In general, you must live in Wyoming, be responsible for the daily care of a child under age 18, meet citizenship or eligible immigration status rules, and meet income and resource rules. The official POWER eligibility page also says that the Caretaker Relative program counts only the child’s income and resources, not the caretaker relative’s income and resources.
For single mothers, this usually means DFS will ask who lives with you, which children are in your care, what income comes into the home, and what resources are available. DFS may also ask about child support, work participation, school or training, transportation, child care, and any health or safety barriers.
Reality check
Do not rely on an old chart from a blog or social media post. Wyoming updates policy tables. The current official POWER income table covers July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and the rules can change again after that.
How much POWER pays
Your POWER amount depends on your family size, income, and case type. DFS says that a POWER Work family of three with no income could receive $781 per month. DFS also says a POWER Caretaker Relative case for one child with no income or resources could receive $259 per month. Check the official benefit page before you quote any amount.
Many families receive less than an example amount because they have countable income or a different household situation. A change in pay, child support, household members, housing help, or other benefits can change the budget.
| Case type | Official example | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| POWER Work | Family of three with no income: $781 per month. | Actual amount can be lower if income counts. |
| POWER Caretaker Relative | One child with no income or resources: $259 per month. | Ask how the child’s income and resources are counted. |
| Support services | POWER may help with work-related needs such as transportation, work clothing, tools, vehicle repair, or relocation costs. | Support depends on approval, case plan, and available funding. |
How to apply for TANF/POWER in Wyoming
Wyoming’s official process starts with the application and your local DFS office. The DFS cash assistance page says you can apply by downloading and completing the application, then contacting your local DFS office for an appointment.
- Download the application from the state page.
- Fill in as much as you can. Ask for help if you do not understand a question.
- Submit the application and keep proof that you sent it.
- Complete the interview or appointment.
- Send proof documents by the deadline on your notice.
- Read every notice from DFS. Notices tell you what was approved, denied, missing, or due.
If you already sent your TANF application and need to complete the TANF interview, DFS lists 1-307-777-8550 as the interview line. DFS says that line is for TANF interviews only, not general case questions. For case questions or status updates, call your local office. For general TANF program questions, DFS lists the Program Manager at 307-473-3948.
Tip
When you email a TANF application or verification to DFS, follow the state’s instructions. DFS asks families to include the full name and date of birth in the subject line when sending TANF documents to the state email listed on the cash assistance page.
Documents to gather
DFS may ask for different proof based on your case. Gather what you can now. If you are missing something, ask what alternatives DFS can accept.
| Document type | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, passport, school ID, or other proof. | Shows who is applying. |
| Children | Birth certificates, school records, custody papers, guardianship papers. | Shows which children are in your care. |
| Wyoming residency | Lease, mail, utility bill, shelter letter, or written statement if homeless. | Shows you live in Wyoming. |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer letter, child support, unemployment, benefits letters. | Helps DFS calculate eligibility and payment. |
| Resources | Bank accounts, savings, stocks, bonds, income-producing property. | DFS reviews countable resources. |
| Expenses | Rent, utilities, child care, transportation, medical costs if requested. | May help explain your budget and barriers. |
POWER Work rules
If you are in the POWER Work program, a Wyoming Department of Workforce Services case manager may help you create an Individual Responsibility Plan, often called an IRP. The official POWER Work page says weekly participation is required to get paid, and the required hours depend on family composition.
POWER activities can include assessments, meetings, time sheets, job search, resume help, practice interviews, employment planning, training, budgeting help, parenting activities, and other steps tied to the plan. DFS also says POWER can help with child care and transportation.
Federal TANF work rules use 20 hours per week for a single custodial parent with a child under age 6 and 30 hours for other work-eligible individuals, but Wyoming sets your actual plan through DFS and the case manager. If you cannot meet an activity because your child is sick, your sitter cancels, you lack transportation, or you have a health or safety issue, tell your worker right away and ask what proof is needed. The federal work-hour rule is in TANF work rules.
Child support cooperation and safety
If you are found eligible for TANF/POWER, Wyoming DFS says you will be required to cooperate with Child Support, and the services are provided at no cost. Read the state’s support rule and ask how it applies to your case.
If contacting the other parent could put you or your child in danger, do not handle that alone. Tell DFS that you have a safety concern and ask about good cause or a safety-related exception. A domestic violence advocate can help you think through what to share and how to document danger. You can also read more at Wyoming child support.
Safety caution
Do not use this article as safety, legal, or custody advice. If abuse, stalking, threats, or coercion are involved, contact a trained advocate or legal aid before making child support or address decisions.
Backup help while you wait
POWER is only one piece of help. Many families need food, child care, health coverage, rent help, diapers, or job support at the same time.
| Need | Where to start | ASMOM guide |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Apply for SNAP through DFS. Pregnant parents and children under 5 may also check WIC through the Wyoming Department of Health. | WIC guide |
| Child care | Ask about Wyoming Child Care Assistance if you work, go to school, train, or have an approved activity. | child care guide |
| Health coverage | Use Wyoming Medicaid and Kid Care CHIP for parent, child, and pregnancy coverage questions. | Medicaid guide |
| Rent or housing | Call 211, check local public housing agencies, and ask about local emergency funds. | Wyoming housing |
| Job support | Ask your POWER worker about workforce center help, training, transportation, and work clothing. | Wyoming job training |
| Baby items | Search 211, food pantries, churches, community groups, and local diaper programs. | Wyoming baby items |
Official backup starting points include Wyoming WIC, Medicaid apply, child care help, Wyoming LIEAP, and Wyoming PHAs.
If your case is denied, delayed, reduced, or sanctioned
Read the notice first. The notice should explain what happened, the reason, and how to appeal. The Wyoming SNAP and POWER policy manual says POWER applicants and recipients have the right to request an administrative hearing within 30 days from the date of a notice of adverse action. Check the official policy manual and follow the deadline on your own notice.
Common reasons for problems include missing proof, missed interviews, unreported changes, child support cooperation issues, work activity problems, or income that was counted differently than you expected. Ask for a copy of what is missing and how to fix it. If you disagree, appeal before the deadline.
Federal rules say applications must be acted on promptly under state time standards not longer than 45 days for AFDC-related assistance, with exceptions for unusual circumstances. The rule also says standards of promptness cannot be used as a waiting period. The current text is at 45 CFR 206.10.
Plan B while you appeal
Apply for SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, child care help, LIEAP, and local 211 resources if you need them. For legal help with benefits, housing, family safety, or related civil issues, contact Legal Aid. You can also use local resources to build a backup list.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to apply until you have every paper.
- Ignoring DFS mail, texts, phone calls, or appointment notices.
- Not reporting a new job, new hours, child support, or someone moving in or out.
- Missing a work activity without asking about good cause.
- Using an old benefit amount from a non-official site.
- Throwing away proof that you submitted documents.
- Not asking for help with transportation, child care, or health barriers.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling DFS to start
“Hi, I am a Wyoming parent and I want to apply for TANF/POWER. Can you tell me how to submit the application, how to schedule the appointment, and what documents I should send first?”
Calling about a missing document
“I received a notice asking for proof. I cannot get that document before the deadline. What other proof can you accept, and can you note my case that I called today?”
Calling about work barriers
“I want to follow my POWER plan, but I have a child care or transportation problem. What support services or schedule changes can I ask for, and what proof do you need?”
Calling after a denial
“I received a denial or sanction notice. Can you explain the reason, what I can do to fix it, and the deadline to request a hearing?”
Wyoming resources that may help
- DFS local offices: use the state office page to find your county office for POWER, SNAP, child care, and verification questions.
- Wyoming 211: ask about rent help, food pantries, diapers, transportation, and local charities.
- Food Bank of Wyoming: look for pantry and food distribution options in your area.
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: ask about civil legal help if a benefit problem affects housing, child support, safety, or your rights.
- Wyoming DVSA: ask for confidential domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy before taking steps that may affect safety.
For broader next steps, see Wyoming assistance, Wyoming community help, and Wyoming health care.
Resumen en español
En Wyoming, TANF se llama POWER. Puede ayudar con dinero temporal a familias con niños que tienen ingresos muy bajos. Debe vivir en Wyoming, cuidar a un niño menor de 18 años, cumplir reglas de ciudadanía o estatus migratorio, y cumplir reglas de ingresos y recursos.
Para empezar, llene la solicitud de DFS y contacte a su oficina local. Si necesita comida, vivienda, cuidado infantil, calefacción, o ayuda de seguridad, no espere. También puede llamar al 211 para recursos locales.
FAQ: Wyoming TANF/POWER
What is TANF called in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s TANF cash assistance program is called POWER, or Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities. It is run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services.
Can a single mother apply for POWER?
Yes, a single mother may apply if she lives in Wyoming, cares for a child under 18, and meets the program’s income, resource, citizenship or immigration status, and other rules.
How much does Wyoming POWER pay?
The amount depends on the case. DFS says a POWER Work family of three with no income could receive $781 per month, and a Caretaker Relative case for one child with no income or resources could receive $259 per month.
Do I have to work to get POWER?
Many POWER Work participants must follow an Individual Responsibility Plan and complete weekly participation. The required hours and activities depend on the family’s situation. Ask DFS about exemptions, good cause, and supports if you have barriers.
What if child support cooperation is unsafe?
Tell DFS that there is a safety concern and ask about good cause or safety-related options. Contact a domestic violence advocate or legal aid if abuse, stalking, or threats are involved.
Can I appeal a POWER denial or sanction?
Yes. Read your notice and follow the deadline. Wyoming’s SNAP and POWER policy manual says POWER applicants and recipients may request an administrative hearing within 30 days from the date of a notice of adverse action.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.