The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

Changes from January 22, 2019 to January 23, 2019

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

The Temporary Assistance for
January January 2223, 2019 , 2019
Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant:
Gene Falk
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
Specialist in Social Policy Specialist in Social Policy

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds a wide range of The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds a wide range of
benefits and services for low-income families with children. TANF was created in the 1996 benefits and services for low-income families with children. TANF was created in the 1996

welfare reform law (P.L. 104-193). This report responds to some frequently asked questions welfare reform law (P.L. 104-193). This report responds to some frequently asked questions
about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS Report RL32748, about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) Block Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
TANF Funding and Expenditures. TANF provides fixed funding for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the territories, TANF provides fixed funding for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the territories,
and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required in total to contribute, and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required in total to contribute,
from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement. from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement.
Though TANF is best known for funding cash assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and Though TANF is best known for funding cash assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and
MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2017, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $7.1 MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2017, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $7.1
billion—23% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash. In billion—23% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash. In
addition to funding basic assistance, TANF also contributes funds for child care and services for children who have been, or addition to funding basic assistance, TANF also contributes funds for child care and services for children who have been, or
are at risk of being, abused and neglected. Some states also count expenditures in prekindergarten programs toward the MOE are at risk of being, abused and neglected. Some states also count expenditures in prekindergarten programs toward the MOE
requirement. requirement.
The TANF Assistance Caseload. A total of 1.4 million families, composed of 3.4 million recipients, received TANF- or A total of 1.4 million families, composed of 3.4 million recipients, received TANF- or
MOE-funded assistance in September 2017. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.5 million in that month. The MOE-funded assistance in September 2017. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.5 million in that month. The
assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an
unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2016. Additionally, 31% of cash assistance unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2016. Additionally, 31% of cash assistance
families had an employed adult, while 38% of all TANF families were “child-only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only families had an employed adult, while 38% of all TANF families were “child-only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only
families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g., families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g.,
grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents. grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents.
Cash Assistance Benefits. TANF cash benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2016, the maximum monthly benefit for a TANF cash benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2016, the maximum monthly benefit for a
family of three ranged from $923 in Alaska to $170 in Mississippi. In all states, the maximum TANF cash assistance amount family of three ranged from $923 in Alaska to $170 in Mississippi. In all states, the maximum TANF cash assistance amount
for this sized family was less than 50% of poverty-level income. for this sized family was less than 50% of poverty-level income.
Work Requirements. TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the states. TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the states.
States determine the work rules that apply to individual recipients. TANF law requires states to engage 50% of all families States determine the work rules that apply to individual recipients. TANF law requires states to engage 50% of all families
and 90% of two-parent families with work-eligible individuals in work activities, though these standards can be reduced by and 90% of two-parent families with work-eligible individuals in work activities, though these standards can be reduced by
“credits.” Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In “credits.” Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In
FY2017, states achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 53.0% and a two-parent rate of 69.5%. In FY2017, FY2017, states achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 53.0% and a two-parent rate of 69.5%. In FY2017,
two jurisdictions did not meet the all-family participation standard: Nevada and Guam. This is a reduction from FY2012, two jurisdictions did not meet the all-family participation standard: Nevada and Guam. This is a reduction from FY2012,
when 16 states did not meet that standard. In FY2017, nine jurisdictions did not meet the two-parent standard. States that do when 16 states did not meet that standard. In FY2017, nine jurisdictions did not meet the two-parent standard. States that do
not meet work standards are not meet work standards are at risk of being penalized by a reduction in their block grant. of being penalized by a reduction in their block grant.

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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataaccess to information and data. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data. This presents a series of tables with state-level data. This
report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF rules, see report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF rules, see
CRS Report RL32748, CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: A
Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What is TANF’s Funding Status?
TANF is a mandatory spending program administered by the Department of Health and Human TANF is a mandatory spending program administered by the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Funding for TANF is not provided through the regular annual appropriations bill Services (HHS). Funding for TANF is not provided through the regular annual appropriations bill
for HHS. Rather, TANF funding is directly appropriated in Section 403(a) of the Social Security for HHS. Rather, TANF funding is directly appropriated in Section 403(a) of the Social Security
Act. Most recently, provisions extending TANF funding through December 21, 2018, were Act. Most recently, provisions extending TANF funding through December 21, 2018, were
contained in the FY2019 continuing resolution (P.L. 115-245, as amended by P.L. 115-298). As of contained in the FY2019 continuing resolution (P.L. 115-245, as amended by P.L. 115-298). As of
the date of this report, no further extension of TANF appropriations has been enacted, resulting in the date of this report, no further extension of TANF appropriations has been enacted, resulting in
a gap in TANF funding. a gap in TANF funding.
States received their first quarter of FY2019 TANF grants under the funding extension provisions States received their first quarter of FY2019 TANF grants under the funding extension provisions
contained in the continuing resolution. However, absent the enactment of law, the federal contained in the continuing resolution. However, absent the enactment of law, the federal
government cannot make its second quarter (beginning on January 1, 2019) or subsequent government cannot make its second quarter (beginning on January 1, 2019) or subsequent
quarterly TANF grant awards to the states. HHS has issued guidance to the states clarifying that quarterly TANF grant awards to the states. HHS has issued guidance to the states clarifying that
they may use unspent, previously awarded federal funds to continue their state TANF programs they may use unspent, previously awarded federal funds to continue their state TANF programs
during the funding lapse. Additionally, a state may spend its own funds within the state TANF during the funding lapse. Additionally, a state may spend its own funds within the state TANF
program, which, absent subsequent enactment of law to the contrary, may be counted toward the program, which, absent subsequent enactment of law to the contrary, may be counted toward the
FY2019 TANF state spending requirement (the maintenance of effort, or MOE, requirement). FY2019 TANF state spending requirement (the maintenance of effort, or MOE, requirement).
Is Legislation Before Congress to Fund TANF for FY2019?
On January On January 1422, 2019, the , 2019, the ~~House passed~~ Senate gave final congressional approval and sent to the President legislation (H.R. 430) that would fund TANF legislation (H.R. 430) that would fund TANF
through June 30, 2019. H.R. 430 is a stand-alone bill that through June 30, 2019. H.R. 430 is a stand-alone bill that ~~only would~~would only extend funding for extend funding for
TANF and certain related programs, such as mandatory child care. The bill would permit TANF and certain related programs, such as mandatory child care. The bill would permit
states to receive their quarterly TANF grants for the 2nd quarter (January through March) states to receive their quarterly TANF grants for the 2nd quarter (January through March)
and 3rd quarter (April through June) of FY2019. Additional legislation would be required and 3rd quarter (April through June) of FY2019. Additional legislation would be required
to pay TANF grants in the final quarter (July through September) of FY2019. to pay TANF grants in the final quarter (July through September) of FY2019.

~~In addition, broader~~ Broader legislation to address federal government activities that had their legislation to address federal government activities that had their
funding lapse in December 2018 would also fund TANF. H.R. 648, the Consolidated funding lapse in December 2018 would also fund TANF. H.R. 648, the Consolidated
Appropriation Act, 2019, expected to be considered on the House floor the week of Appropriation Act, 2019, expected to be considered on the House floor the week of
January 21, 2019, would fund TANF for the remainder of FY2019, as well as FY2020. It January 21, 2019, would fund TANF for the remainder of FY2019, as well as FY2020. It
would also require states to report on employment outcomes of TANF assistance would also require states to report on employment outcomes of TANF assistance
~~recipients. Senate Republican leadership has also said it intends to bring legislation to the~~
~~Senate floor that week to address the funding lapse. The legislation (posted on the Senate~~
~~Appropriations Committee website) would fund TANF through June 2019, the same as~~
~~the House-passed H.R. 430.~~
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~~On January 3, 2019, the House passed legislation (H.R. 21) that would fund TANF for the~~
~~remainder of FY2019, as well as for FY2020. TANF extension language is also included~~
~~in shorter-term funding measures (H.R. 268, H.J.Res 28) that would permit the federal~~
~~government to provide states with TANF grants for the 2nd quarter (January through~~
~~March) of FY2019.~~

recipients. Those provisions were also passed by the House on January 3, 2019 in H.R. 21. How Are State TANF Programs Funded?
TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds. In FY2018, TANF TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds. In FY2018, TANF
has two federal grants to states. The bulk of the TANF funding is in a basic block grant to the has two federal grants to states. The bulk of the TANF funding is in a basic block grant to the
Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 1 link to page 6 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs states, totaling $16.5 billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the states, totaling $16.5 billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Virgin Islands, and American Indian tribes. There is also a contingency fund available that Virgin Islands, and American Indian tribes. There is also a contingency fund available that
provides extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions. provides extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions.
Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and
TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
States are required to spend at least 75% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor States are required to spend at least 75% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor
programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 billion per year for the 50 states, the programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 billion per year for the 50 states, the
District of Columbia, and the territories. District of Columbia, and the territories.
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed
Over Time?
TANF was created in the 1996 welfare reform law, the Personal Responsibility and Work TANF was created in the 1996 welfare reform law, the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant
amount—both nationally and for each state—was established in the 1996 welfare reform law. The amount—both nationally and for each state—was established in the 1996 welfare reform law. The
amount established in that law for the 50 states, District of Columbia, territories, and tribes was amount established in that law for the 50 states, District of Columbia, territories, and tribes was
$16.6 billion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount remained the same. It was not $16.6 billion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount remained the same. It was not
adjusted for changes that occur over time, such as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance adjusted for changes that occur over time, such as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance
caseload, or changes in the poverty population. During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted) caseload, or changes in the poverty population. During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted)
value of the block grant declined by one-third (33.1%). Beginning with FY2017, the state family value of the block grant declined by one-third (33.1%). Beginning with FY2017, the state family
assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from its historical levels to finance TANF-related research assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from its historical levels to finance TANF-related research
and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 billion. and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 billion.
Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-
adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2018. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2018. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the
FY2018 block grant was 36% below its value in FY1997. FY2018 block grant was 36% below its value in FY1997.
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
(In billions of $) (In billions of $)
State Family
Assistance Grant: 50
State Family
States, DC, Tribes, and
Assistance Grant
Cumulative Percentage
Fiscal Year
Territories
Constant 1997 Dollars
Change
1997 1997
$16.567 $16.567
$16.567 $16.567
1998 1998
16.567 16.567
16.306 16.306
-1.6% -1.6%
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~~State Family~~
~~Assistance Grant: 50~~
~~State Family~~
~~States, DC, Tribes, and~~
~~Assistance Grant~~
~~Cumulative Percentage~~
~~Fiscal Year~~
~~Territories~~
~~Constant 1997 Dollars~~
~~Change~~
1999 1999
16.567 16.567
15.991 15.991
-3.5 -3.5
2000 2000
16.567 16.567
15.498 15.498
-6.5 -6.5
2001 2001
16.567 16.567
15.020 15.020
-9.3 -9.3
2002 2002
16.567 16.567
14.792 14.792
-10.7 -10.7
2003 2003
16.567 16.567
14.456 14.456
-12.7 -12.7
2004 2004
16.567 16.567
14.124 14.124
-14.7 -14.7
2005 2005
16.567 16.567
13.680 13.680
-17.4 -17.4
2006 2006
16.567 16.567
13.190 13.190
-20.4 -20.4
2007 2007
16.567 16.567
12.893 12.893
-22.2 -22.2
2008 2008
16.567 16.567
12.345 12.345
-25.5 -25.5
Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 2 link to page 8 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs State Family Assistance Grant: 50 State Family States, DC, Tribes, and Assistance Grant Cumulative Percentage Fiscal Year Territories Constant 1997 Dollars Change 2009 2009
16.567 16.567
12.382 12.382
-25.3 -25.3
2010 2010
16.567 16.567
12.182 12.182
-26.5 -26.5
2011 2011
16.567 16.567
11.859 11.859
-28.4 -28.4
2012 2012
16.567 16.567
11.585 11.585
-30.1 -30.1
2013 2013
16.567 16.567
11.394 11.394
-31.2 -31.2
2014 2014
16.567 16.567
11.217 11.217
-32.3 -32.3
2015 2015
16.567 16.567
11.179 11.179
-32.5 -32.5
2016 2016
16.567 16.567
11.082 11.082
-33.1 -33.1
2017 2017
16.512 16.512
10.820 10.820
-34.7 -34.7
2018 2018
16.512 16.512
10.564 10.564
-36.2 -36.2
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Notes: Constant dollars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Constant dollars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
How Have States Used TANF Funds?
Figure 1 shows the uses of federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2017. In shows the uses of federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2017. In
FY2017, a total of $31.1 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either FY2017, a total of $31.1 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 23% ($7.1 billion) of total FY2017 TANF and MOE families to meet basic needs—represented 23% ($7.1 billion) of total FY2017 TANF and MOE
dollars. dollars.
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2017, $5 billion (16% of all TANF and TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2017, $5 billion (16% of all TANF and
MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the
Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education
and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.3 billion, or 11% of and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.3 billion, or 11% of
total TANF and MOE funds. TANF also helps low-wage parents by helping to finance state total TANF and MOE funds. TANF also helps low-wage parents by helping to finance state
refundable tax credits, such as state add-ons to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). TANF and refundable tax credits, such as state add-ons to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). TANF and
MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2017 totaled $2.8 billion, or 9% of total TANF MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2017 totaled $2.8 billion, or 9% of total TANF
and MOE spending. and MOE spending.
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~~The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs~~

TANF is also a major contributor to the child welfare system, which provides foster care, TANF is also a major contributor to the child welfare system, which provides foster care,
adoption assistance, and services to families with children who either have experienced or are at adoption assistance, and services to families with children who either have experienced or are at
risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect, spending about $2.2 billion on such activities. TANF risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect, spending about $2.2 billion on such activities. TANF
and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2017 and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2017
expenditures for that category also at $2.5 billion. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-expenditures for that category also at $2.5 billion. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-
term and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social services. term and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social services.
Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 3 link to page 23 link to page 26 link to page 29 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2017
(Dollars in billions) (Dollars in billions)

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Detail may not add to totals because of rounding.
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see Table B-1 andand Table B-2.
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent?
TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in
timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected
occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters). occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters).
At the end of FY2017 (September 30, 2017, the most recent data currently available), a total of At the end of FY2017 (September 30, 2017, the most recent data currently available), a total of
$5.1 billion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of $5.1 billion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of
these unspent funds represent monies that states had already committed to spend later. At the end these unspent funds represent monies that states had already committed to spend later. At the end
of FY2017, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.8 of FY2017, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.8
billion. At the end of FY2017, states had $3.3 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are billion. At the end of FY2017, states had $3.3 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are
available to states to make available to states to make new spending spending ~~commitment~~scommitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state. by state.
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The Caseload
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits and
Services?
This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving
only ongoing only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF . There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services. benefits and services.
Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 4 link to page 9 link to page 30 link to page 10 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Assistance is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.1 It is most Assistance is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.1 It is most
often paid in cash. However, some states use TANF or MOE funds to provide an “earnings often paid in cash. However, some states use TANF or MOE funds to provide an “earnings
supplement” to working parents added to monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program supplement” to working parents added to monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) allotments. These “earnings supplements” are paid separately from the regular TANF (SNAP) allotments. These “earnings supplements” are paid separately from the regular TANF
cash assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for cash assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for
immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet
an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance. an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance.
As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 24% As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 24%
of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families
receiving “assistance” are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-receiving “assistance” are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-
funded benefit or service. funded benefit or service.
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-
Funded “Assistance”?
Table 2 provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.4 million families, composed of 3.4 provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.4 million families, composed of 3.4
million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September 2017. The bulk of million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September 2017. The bulk of
the “recipients” were children—2.5 million in that month. (The September 2017 data exclude the “recipients” were children—2.5 million in that month. (The September 2017 data exclude
Puerto Rico.) For state-by-state assistance caseloads, sPuerto Rico.) For state-by-state assistance caseloads, see Table B-4.
Table 2. TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2017
Families Families
1,354,901 1,354,901
Recipients Recipients
3,410,086 3,410,086
Child Recipients Child Recipients
2,481,584 2,481,584
Adult Recipients Adult Recipients
928,502 928,502
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

~~1 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF~~
~~requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)~~
~~regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31.~~
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How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with
Historical Levels?
Figure 2 provides a long-term historical perspective on the number of families receiving provides a long-term historical perspective on the number of families receiving
assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to September 2017. The assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to September 2017. The
shaded areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though shaded areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though
the health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-the health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-
term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a
pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods
of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy
changes) also have influenced the caseload trend. changes) also have influenced the caseload trend.
The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to
the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving
1 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31. Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 5 link to page 20 link to page 32 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in
the late 1990s (after the 1996 welfare reform law) before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the the late 1990s (after the 1996 welfare reform law) before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the
caseload began another decline, albeit at a slower pace than in the late 1990s. During the recent caseload began another decline, albeit at a slower pace than in the late 1990s. During the recent
2007-2009 recession and its aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7 million families in 2007-2009 recession and its aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7 million families in
August 2008, peaking in December 2010 at close to 2.0 million families. By September 2017, the August 2008, peaking in December 2010 at close to 2.0 million families. By September 2017, the
assistance caseload had declined to 1.4 million families. assistance caseload had declined to 1.4 million families.
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2017

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Shaded areas denote months when the national economy was in recession. Information represents Shaded areas denote months when the national economy was in recession. Information represents
families receiving cash assistance from Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent families receiving cash assistance from Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent
Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through September 2017, includes families receiving assistance Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through September 2017, includes families receiving assistance
from Separate State Programs (SSPs) with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort from Separate State Programs (SSPs) with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort
requirement. Serequirement. See Table A-1 for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child recipients for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child recipients
of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2016. of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2016.
Table B-5 shows recent trends in the number of cash assistance families by state. shows recent trends in the number of cash assistance families by state.
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What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF
Assistance?
Before PRWORA, the “typical” family receiving assistance has been headed by a single parent Before PRWORA, the “typical” family receiving assistance has been headed by a single parent
(usually the mother) with one or two children. That single parent has also typically been (usually the mother) with one or two children. That single parent has also typically been
unemployed. However, over the past 20 years the assistance caseload decline has occurred unemployed. However, over the past 20 years the assistance caseload decline has occurred
together with a major shift in the composition of thtogether with a major shift in the composition of the rolls. Figure 3 shows the change in the size shows the change in the size
and composition of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In and composition of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In
FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed by an unemployed adult recipient. In FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed by an unemployed adult recipient. In
FY2016, families with an unemployed adult recipient represented 32% of all cash assistance FY2016, families with an unemployed adult recipient represented 32% of all cash assistance
families. This decline occurred, in large part, as the number of families headed by unemployed families. This decline occurred, in large part, as the number of families headed by unemployed
adult recipients declined more rapidly than other components of the assistance caseload. In adult recipients declined more rapidly than other components of the assistance caseload. In
FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8 million families per month who received AFDC cash FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8 million families per month who received AFDC cash
assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In FY2016, a monthly average of 485,000 assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In FY2016, a monthly average of 485,000
families per month had adult recipients or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or families per month had adult recipients or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or
work-eligible individual working. work-eligible individual working.
With the decline in families headed by unemployed adults, the share of the caseload represented With the decline in families headed by unemployed adults, the share of the caseload represented
by families with employed adults and “child only” families has increased. In FY2016, families by families with employed adults and “child only” families has increased. In FY2016, families
with employed adult recipients represented 31% of all assistance families. This category includes with employed adult recipients represented 31% of all assistance families. This category includes
families in “earnings supplement” programs separate from the regular TANF cash assistance families in “earnings supplement” programs separate from the regular TANF cash assistance
program. “Child-only” families are those where no adult recipient receives benefits in their own program. “Child-only” families are those where no adult recipient receives benefits in their own
right; the family receives benefits on behalf of its children. The share of the caseload that was right; the family receives benefits on behalf of its children. The share of the caseload that was
child-only in FY2016 was 38%. In FY2016, families with a nonrecipient, nonparent relative child-only in FY2016 was 38%. In FY2016, families with a nonrecipient, nonparent relative
(grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 14% of all assistance families. Families with ineligible, (grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 14% of all assistance families. Families with ineligible,
noncitizen adults or adults who have not reported their citizenship status made up 11% of the noncitizen adults or adults who have not reported their citizenship status made up 11% of the
assistance caseload in that year. Families where the parent received Supplemental Security assistance caseload in that year. Families where the parent received Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) and the children received TANF made up 9% of all assistance families in FY2016. Income (SSI) and the children received TANF made up 9% of all assistance families in FY2016.
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Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families,
Selected Years FY1988 to FY2016

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files. Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files.
Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family
Receive in TANF Cash Per Month?
There are There are no federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family. federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family.
(There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all (There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all
states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states. states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states.
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash
benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned
income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid
a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program
requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit. requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit.
Figure 4 shows the maximum monthly TANF cash benefit by state for a single mother caring for shows the maximum monthly TANF cash benefit by state for a single mother caring for
two children (family of three) in July 2016.2 The benefit amounts shown are those for a single-two children (family of three) in July 2016.2 The benefit amounts shown are those for a single-
parent family with two children.3 For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit paid in July parent family with two children.3 For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit paid in July
2016 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $923 per month in Alaska. The map shows a 2016 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $923 per month in Alaska. The map shows a

2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF 2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF
state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute
and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
3 Some states vary their benefit amounts for other family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States 3 Some states vary their benefit amounts for other family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States
also vary their benefits by other factors such as housing costs and substate geography. also vary their benefits by other factors such as housing costs and substate geography.
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regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts in the South regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts in the South
than in other regions. In all states, the maximum TANF cash assistance amount for this sized than in other regions. In all states, the maximum TANF cash assistance amount for this sized
family was less than 50% of poverty-level income.4 family was less than 50% of poverty-level income.4

Figure 4. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single
Parent Family with Two Children, 50 States and the District of Columbia, July 2016

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Urban Institute’s Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Urban Institute’s Welfare Rules
Database. The welfare rules database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have . The welfare rules database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have
information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF
programs. programs.
TANF Work Participation Standards
TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the
states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual
recipients. recipients.
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet?
The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum

4 In 2016, the HHS poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia for a family of three 4 In 2016, the HHS poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia for a family of three
was $1,680 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,100 per month for a family of three) and Hawaii was $1,680 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,100 per month for a family of three) and Hawaii
($1,933 per month for a family of three). ($1,933 per month for a family of three).
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number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion
of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation
standards. standards.
However, the statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.” However, the statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.”
The caseload reduction credit reduces the participation standard one percentage point for each The caseload reduction credit reduces the participation standard one percentage point for each
percentage point decline in a state’s caseload. Additionally, under a regulatory provision, a state percentage point decline in a state’s caseload. Additionally, under a regulatory provision, a state
may get “extra” credit for caseload reduction if it spends more than required under the TANF may get “extra” credit for caseload reduction if it spends more than required under the TANF
MOE. Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% and 90% targets, MOE. Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% and 90% targets,
and vary by state and by year. and vary by state and by year.
States that do not meet the TANF work participation standard are at States that do not meet the TANF work participation standard are at risk of being penalized of being penalized
through a reduction in their block grant. However, penalties can be forgiven if a state claims, and through a reduction in their block grant. However, penalties can be forgiven if a state claims, and
the Secretary of HHS finds, that it had “reasonable cause” for not meeting the standard. Penalties the Secretary of HHS finds, that it had “reasonable cause” for not meeting the standard. Penalties
can also be forgiven for states that enter into “corrective compliance plans,” and subsequently can also be forgiven for states that enter into “corrective compliance plans,” and subsequently
meet the work standard. meet the work standard.
Have There Been Changes in the Work Participation Rules Enacted
Since the 1996 Welfare Reform Law?
The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as well as the caseload reduction credit, date The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as well as the caseload reduction credit, date
back to the 1996 welfare reform law. However, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA,back to the 1996 welfare reform law. However, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA, P.L.
109-171) made several changes to the work participation rules effective in FY2007 ade several changes to the work participation rules effective in FY2007
 The caseload reduction credit was changed to measure caseload reduction from  The caseload reduction credit was changed to measure caseload reduction from
FY2005, rather than the original law’s FY1995. FY2005, rather than the original law’s FY1995.
 The work participation standards were broadened to include families receiving  The work participation standards were broadened to include families receiving
cash aid in “separate state programs.” Separate state programs are programs run cash aid in “separate state programs.” Separate state programs are programs run
with state funds, distinct from a state’s “TANF program,” but with expenditures with state funds, distinct from a state’s “TANF program,” but with expenditures
countable toward the TANF MOE. countable toward the TANF MOE.
 HHS was instructed to provide definition to the allowable TANF work activities  HHS was instructed to provide definition to the allowable TANF work activities
listed in law. HHS was also required to define what is meant by a “work-eligible” listed in law. HHS was also required to define what is meant by a “work-eligible”
individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work
participation calculation. participation calculation.
 States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.  States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5), a law enacted in a law enacted in
response to the sharp economic downturn of 2007-2009, held states “harmless” for caseload response to the sharp economic downturn of 2007-2009, held states “harmless” for caseload
increases affecting the work participation standards for FY2009 through FY2011. It did so by increases affecting the work participation standards for FY2009 through FY2011. It did so by
allowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011 allowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011
standards. standards.
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?
HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the
effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-

5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families 5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families
where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible
noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who
does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective
standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent
work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the
state’s caseload reduction credit). state’s caseload reduction credit).
Figure 5 shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2017. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work FY2017. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work
participation rate hovering around 30%. The work participation rate increased since then. In participation rate hovering around 30%. The work participation rate increased since then. In
FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important
to note that the increase in the work participation rate has not come from an increase in the to note that the increase in the work participation rate has not come from an increase in the
number of recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job number of recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job
preparation activities. This increase stems mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” preparation activities. This increase stems mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement”
programs that use TANF funds to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programs that use TANF funds to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs
for work.6 for work.6
Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2017

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
How Many Jurisdictions Did Not Meet the All-Families Standard?
Figure 6 shows which states did not meet the TANF all-families work participation standards shows which states did not meet the TANF all-families work participation standards
from FY2006 through FY2017. Before FY2007, the first year that DRA was effective, only a few from FY2006 through FY2017. Before FY2007, the first year that DRA was effective, only a few
jurisdictions did not meet TANF all-families work participation standards. However, in FY2007, jurisdictions did not meet TANF all-families work participation standards. However, in FY2007,
15 jurisdictions did not meet the all-families standard. This number declined to 9 in FY2008 and 15 jurisdictions did not meet the all-families standard. This number declined to 9 in FY2008 and
8 in FY2009. 8 in FY2009.

6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, 6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. .
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In FY2012, despite the uptick in the national average work participation rate, 16 states did not In FY2012, despite the uptick in the national average work participation rate, 16 states did not
meet the all-family standard, the largest number of states that did not meet their participation meet the all-family standard, the largest number of states that did not meet their participation
standards in any one year since the enactment of TANF. FY2012 was the year that ARRA’s standards in any one year since the enactment of TANF. FY2012 was the year that ARRA’s
“freeze” of the caseload reduction credit expired, and states were generally required to meet “freeze” of the caseload reduction credit expired, and states were generally required to meet
higher standards than in previous years. higher standards than in previous years.
The number of jurisdictions that did not meet the all-families standard declined over the FY2012 The number of jurisdictions that did not meet the all-families standard declined over the FY2012
to FY2017 period. In FY2017, two jurisdictions did not meet the all-family participation to FY2017 period. In FY2017, two jurisdictions did not meet the all-family participation
standard: Nevada and Guam. standard: Nevada and Guam.
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Figure 6. States that Met or Did Not Meet the TANF All-Families Work Participation
Standard: FY2006-FY2017
(Changes to TANF work participation standard rules under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 [DRA], (Changes to TANF work participation standard rules under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 [DRA],
effective in FY2007) effective in FY2007)

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
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Have States Met the Two-Parent Work Participation Standard?
In addition to meeting a work standard for all families, TANF also imposes a second standard—In addition to meeting a work standard for all families, TANF also imposes a second standard—
90%—for the two-parent portion of its cash assistance caseload. This standard can also be 90%—for the two-parent portion of its cash assistance caseload. This standard can also be
lowered by caseload reduction. lowered by caseload reduction.
Figure 7 shows whether each state met its two-parent work participation standard for FY2006 shows whether each state met its two-parent work participation standard for FY2006
through FY2017. However, the display on the table is more complex than that for reporting through FY2017. However, the display on the table is more complex than that for reporting
whether a state met or did not meet its “all family” rate. whether a state met or did not meet its “all family” rate.
A substantial number of states have reported A substantial number of states have reported no two-parent families subject to the work two-parent families subject to the work
participation standard. These states are denoted on the table with an “NA,” indicating that the participation standard. These states are denoted on the table with an “NA,” indicating that the
two-parent standard was not applicable to the state in that year. Before the changes made by the two-parent standard was not applicable to the state in that year. Before the changes made by the
DRA were effective, a number of states had their two-parent families in separate state programs DRA were effective, a number of states had their two-parent families in separate state programs
that were not included in the work participation calculation. When DRA brought families that were not included in the work participation calculation. When DRA brought families
receiving assistance in separate state programs into the work participation rate calculations, a receiving assistance in separate state programs into the work participation rate calculations, a
number of states moved these families into solely state-funded programs. These are state-funded number of states moved these families into solely state-funded programs. These are state-funded
programs with expenditures programs with expenditures not countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort requirement, countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort requirement,
and hence are outside of TANF’s rules. and hence are outside of TANF’s rules.
For states with two-parent families in their caseloads, the table reports “Yes” for states that met For states with two-parent families in their caseloads, the table reports “Yes” for states that met
the two-parent standard, and “No” for states that did not meet the two-parent standard. Of the 28 the two-parent standard, and “No” for states that did not meet the two-parent standard. Of the 28
jurisdictions that had two-parent families in their FY2017 TANF work participation calculation, jurisdictions that had two-parent families in their FY2017 TANF work participation calculation,
19 met the standard and 9 did not. 19 met the standard and 9 did not.

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Figure 7. Two-Parent TANF Work Participation Standard, Status by State:
FY2006-FY2017
(“Yes” indicates a state met the standard; “No” indicates the state did not meet the standard; and “NA” (“Yes” indicates a state met the standard; “No” indicates the state did not meet the standard; and “NA”
means the standard was not applicable to the state in that year [no two-parent families in its caseload].) means the standard was not applicable to the state in that year [no two-parent families in its caseload].)

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
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Appendix A. Supplementary Tables
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961 to 2016

TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage Percentage
Families
Recipients
Adults
Children
of All
of All Poor
Year
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Children
Children
1961 1961
0.873 0.873
3.363 3.363
0.765 0.765
2.598 2.598
3.7% 3.7%
14.3% 14.3%
1962 1962
0.939 0.939
3.704 3.704
0.860 0.860
2.844 2.844
4.0 4.0
15.7 15.7
1963 1963
0.963 0.963
3.945 3.945
0.988 0.988
2.957 2.957
4.1 4.1
17.4 17.4
1964 1964
1.010 1.010
4.195 4.195
1.050 1.050
3.145 3.145
4.3 4.3
18.6 18.6
1965 1965
1.060 1.060
4.422 4.422
1.101 1.101
3.321 3.321
4.5 4.5
21.5 21.5
1966 1966
1.096 1.096
4.546 4.546
1.112 1.112
3.434 3.434
4.7 4.7
26.5 26.5
1967 1967
1.220 1.220
5.014 5.014
1.243 1.243
3.771 3.771
5.2 5.2
31.2 31.2
1968 1968
1.410 1.410
5.702 5.702
1.429 1.429
4.274 4.274
5.9 5.9
37.8 37.8
1969 1969
1.696 1.696
6.689 6.689
1.716 1.716
4.973 4.973
6.9 6.9
49.7 49.7
1970 1970
2.207 2.207
8.462 8.462
2.250 2.250
6.212 6.212
8.6 8.6
57.7 57.7
1971 1971
2.763 2.763
10.242 10.242
2.808 2.808
7.435 7.435
10.4 10.4
68.5 68.5
1972 1972
3.048 3.048
10.944 10.944
3.039 3.039
7.905 7.905
11.1 11.1
74.9 74.9
1973 1973
3.148 3.148
10.949 10.949
3.046 3.046
7.903 7.903
11.2 11.2
79.9 79.9
1974 1974
3.219 3.219
10.847 10.847
3.041 3.041
7.805 7.805
11.2 11.2
75.0 75.0
1975 1975
3.481 3.481
11.319 11.319
3.248 3.248
8.071 8.071
11.8 11.8
71.2 71.2
1976 1976
3.565 3.565
11.284 11.284
3.302 3.302
7.982 7.982
11.8 11.8
76.2 76.2
1977 1977
3.568 3.568
11.015 11.015
3.273 3.273
7.743 7.743
11.6 11.6
73.9 73.9
1978 1978
3.517 3.517
10.551 10.551
3.188 3.188
7.363 7.363
11.2 11.2
72.8 72.8
1979 1979
3.509 3.509
10.312 10.312
3.130 3.130
7.181 7.181
11.0 11.0
68.0 68.0
1980 1980
3.712 3.712
10.774 10.774
3.355 3.355
7.419 7.419
11.5 11.5
63.2 63.2
1981 1981
3.835 3.835
11.079 11.079
3.552 3.552
7.527 7.527
11.7 11.7
59.2 59.2
1982 1982
3.542 3.542
10.358 10.358
3.455 3.455
6.903 6.903
10.8 10.8
49.6 49.6
1983 1983
3.686 3.686
10.761 10.761
3.663 3.663
7.098 7.098
11.1 11.1
50.1 50.1
1984 1984
3.714 3.714
10.831 10.831
3.687 3.687
7.144 7.144
11.2 11.2
52.3 52.3
1985 1985
3.701 3.701
10.855 10.855
3.658 3.658
7.198 7.198
11.3 11.3
54.4 54.4
1986 1986
3.763 3.763
11.038 11.038
3.704 3.704
7.334 7.334
11.5 11.5
56.0 56.0
1987 1987
3.776 3.776
11.027 11.027
3.661 3.661
7.366 7.366
11.5 11.5
56.4 56.4
1988 1988
3.749 3.749
10.915 10.915
3.586 3.586
7.329 7.329
11.4 11.4
57.8 57.8
1989 1989
3.798 3.798
10.992 10.992
3.573 3.573
7.419 7.419
11.5 11.5
57.9 57.9
1990 1990
4.057 4.057
11.695 11.695
3.784 3.784
7.911 7.911
12.1 12.1
57.9 57.9
1991 1991
4.497 4.497
12.930 12.930
4.216 4.216
8.715 8.715
13.2 13.2
59.8 59.8
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage Percentage
Families
Recipients
Adults
Children
of All
of All Poor
Year
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Children
Children
1992 1992
4.829 4.829
13.773 13.773
4.470 4.470
9.303 9.303
13.9 13.9
59.9 59.9
1993 1993
5.012 5.012
14.205 14.205
4.631 4.631
9.574 9.574
14.1 14.1
60.0 60.0
1994 1994
5.033 5.033
14.161 14.161
4.593 4.593
9.568 9.568
13.9 13.9
61.7 61.7
1995 1995
4.791 4.791
13.418 13.418
4.284 4.284
9.135 9.135
13.1 13.1
61.5 61.5
1996 1996
4.434 4.434
12.321 12.321
3.928 3.928
8.600 8.600
12.3 12.3
58.7 58.7
1997 1997
3.740 3.740
10.376 10.376
NA NA
NA NA
10.0 10.0
50.1 50.1
1998 1998
3.050 3.050
8.347 8.347
NA NA
NA NA
8.1 8.1
42.9 42.9
1999 1999
2.578 2.578
6.924 6.924
NA NA
NA NA
6.7 6.7
39.4 39.4
2000 2000
2.303 2.303
6.143 6.143
1.655 1.655
4.479 4.479
6.1 6.1
38.1 38.1
2001 2001
2.192 2.192
5.717 5.717
1.514 1.514
4.195 4.195
5.7 5.7
35.3 35.3
2002 2002
2.187 2.187
5.609 5.609
1.479 1.479
4.119 4.119
5.6 5.6
33.6 33.6
2003 2003
2.180 2.180
5.490 5.490
1.416 1.416
4.063 4.063
5.5 5.5
31.3 31.3
2004 2004
2.153 2.153
5.342 5.342
1.362 1.362
3.969 3.969
5.4 5.4
30.2 30.2
2005 2005
2.061 2.061
5.028 5.028
1.261 1.261
3.756 3.756
5.1 5.1
28.9 28.9
2006 2006
1.906 1.906
4.582 4.582
1.120 1.120
3.453 3.453
4.6 4.6
26.7 26.7
2007 2007
1.730 1.730
4.075 4.075
0.956 0.956
3.119 3.119
4.2 4.2
23.2 23.2
2008 2008
1.701 1.701
4.005 4.005
0.946 0.946
3.059 3.059
4.1 4.1
21.6 21.6
2009 2009
1.838 1.838
4.371 4.371
1.074 1.074
3.296 3.296
4.4 4.4
21.2 21.2
2010 2010
1.919 1.919
4.598 4.598
1.163 1.163
3.435 3.435
4.6 4.6
20.9 20.9
2011 2011
1.907 1.907
4.557 4.557
1.149 1.149
3.408 3.408
4.6 4.6
20.9 20.9
2012 2012
1.852 1.852
4.402 4.402
1.104 1.104
3.298 3.298
4.4 4.4
20.3 20.3
2013 2013
1.726 1.726
4.042 4.042
0.993 0.993
3.050 3.050
4.1 4.1
19.1 19.1
2014 2014
1.650 1.650
3.957 3.957
1.007 1.007
2.950 2.950
4.0 4.0
18.9 18.9
2015 2015
1.609 1.609
4.126 4.126
1.155 1.155
2.971 2.971
4.0 4.0
20.4 20.4
2016 2016
1.488 1.488
3.785 3.785
1.044 1.044
2.741 2.741
3.7 3.7
20.6 20.6
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau. Services (HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Notes: NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult
and child recipients were not collected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of all children and percent and child recipients were not collected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of all children and percent
of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in Welfare Indicators and Risk Factors, Annual Report to
Congress, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/14/indicators/rpt_indicators.pdf.

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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988 to FY2016

AFDC
TANF

1988
1994
2001
2006
2016
Number of Families Receiving Assistance
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working
3,136,566 3,136,566
3,798,997 3,798,997
992,445 992,445
825,490 825,490
484,959 484,959
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working
243,573 243,573
378,620 378,620
420,794 420,794
259,001 259,001
465,199 465,199
Child-Only/SSI Parent Child-Only/SSI Parent
59,988 59,988
171,391 171,391
171,951 171,951
176,670 176,670
132,338 132,338
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
47,566 47,566
184,397 184,397
125,900 125,900
153,445 153,445
153,717 153,717
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
51,764 51,764
146,227 146,227
91,447 91,447
158,113 158,113
4,775 4,775
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
188,598 188,598
328,290 328,290
255,984 255,984
261,944 261,944
208,202 208,202
Child-Only/Unknown Child-Only/Unknown
19,897 19,897
38,341 38,341
143,834 143,834
122,738 122,738
74,410 74,410
Totals Totals
3,747,952 3,747,952
5,046,263 5,046,263
2,202,356 2,202,356
1,957,402 1,957,402
1,523,600 1,523,600
Percentage of All Families Receiving Assistance
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working
83.7% 83.7%
75.3% 75.3%
45.1% 45.1%
42.2% 42.2%
31.8% 31.8%
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working
6.5 6.5
7.5 7.5
19.1 19.1
13.2 13.2
30.5 30.5
Child-Only/SSI Parent Child-Only/SSI Parent
1.6 1.6
3.4 3.4
7.8 7.8
9.0 9.0
8.7 8.7
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
1.3 1.3
3.7 3.7
5.7 5.7
7.8 7.8
10.1 10.1
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
1.4 1.4
2.9 2.9
4.2 4.2
8.1 8.1
0.3 0.3
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
5.0 5.0
6.5 6.5
11.6 11.6
13.4 13.4
13.7 13.7
Child-Only/Unknown Child-Only/Unknown
0.5 0.5
0.8 0.8
6.5 6.5
6.3 6.3
4.9 4.9
Totals Totals
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control
(QC) data files and the FY2001, FY2006, and FY2016 TANF National Data Files. (QC) data files and the FY2001, FY2006, and FY2016 TANF National Data Files.
Notes: FY2001 through FY2016 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) FY2001 through FY2016 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs)
with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. For FY2016, TANF with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. For FY2016, TANF
families with an adult recipient include those families with “work-eligible” nonrecipient parents. These include families with an adult recipient include those families with “work-eligible” nonrecipient parents. These include
nonrecipient parents who have been time-limited or sanctioned off the rolls, but the family continues to receive nonrecipient parents who have been time-limited or sanctioned off the rolls, but the family continues to receive
a reduced benefit. For FY2001 and FY2006, such families cannot be identified and are classified as “child-only” a reduced benefit. For FY2001 and FY2006, such families cannot be identified and are classified as “child-only”
families. families.

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Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Use of FY2017 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions)
Work,
Education,
Emergency and
Pre-
Basic
Administrative
and
Refundable
Short-Term
Child
K/Head
State
Assistance
Costs
Training
Child Care Tax Credit
Benefits
Welfare
Start
Other
Totals
Alabama Alabama
$22.318 $22.318
$26.710 $26.710
$5.349 $5.349
$5.679 $5.679
$0.000 $0.000
$36.833 $36.833
$32.240 $32.240
$41.648 $41.648
$40.208 $40.208
$210.984 $210.984
Alaska Alaska
58.114 58.114
6.024 6.024
8.397 8.397
8.879 8.879
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
4.985 4.985
86.399 86.399
Arizona Arizona
37.732 37.732
43.656 43.656
1.443 1.443
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
10.369 10.369
147.105 147.105
0.000 0.000
119.624 119.624
359.929 359.929
Arkansas Arkansas
5.948 5.948
18.829 18.829
13.920 13.920
8.032 8.032
0.000 0.000
5.368 5.368
0.231 0.231
105.196 105.196
4.811 4.811
162.335 162.335
California California
2539.250 2539.250
573.786 573.786
1620.135 1620.135
615.700 615.700
0.000 0.000
237.887 237.887
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
1010.169 1010.169
6596.928 6596.928
Colorado Colorado
89.927 89.927
23.474 23.474
10.687 10.687
11.929 11.929
77.489 77.489
31.389 31.389
46.532 46.532
74.851 74.851
43.716 43.716
409.995 409.995
Connecticut Connecticut
52.352 52.352
46.885 46.885
12.037 12.037
41.764 41.764
0.000 0.000
18.646 18.646
61.273 61.273
83.561 83.561
171.132 171.132
487.651 487.651
Delaware Delaware
17.421 17.421
4.736 4.736
7.063 7.063
67.490 67.490
0.000 0.000
2.724 2.724
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
15.160 15.160
114.595 114.595
District of District of
121.650 121.650
8.398 8.398
37.991 37.991
59.532 59.532
28.928 28.928
51.110 51.110
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
9.299 9.299
316.909 316.909
Columbia Columbia
Florida Florida
163.180 163.180
83.371 83.371
46.314 46.314
318.206 318.206
0.000 0.000
0.934 0.934
242.113 242.113
0.000 0.000
80.542 80.542
934.661 934.661
Georgia Georgia
86.540 86.540
20.570 20.570
11.265 11.265
22.183 22.183
0.000 0.000
0.085 0.085
257.554 257.554
0.000 0.000
90.828 90.828
489.024 489.024
Hawaii Hawaii
39.957 39.957
16.540 16.540
52.170 52.170
4.972 4.972
0.000 0.000
0.425 0.425
1.294 1.294
0.000 0.000
84.876 84.876
200.233 200.233
Idaho Idaho
7.871 7.871
7.519 7.519
2.549 2.549
15.025 15.025
0.000 0.000
11.750 11.750
1.327 1.327
1.475 1.475
1.713 1.713
49.229 49.229
Illinois Illinois
43.419 43.419
0.184 0.184
18.685 18.685
596.459 596.459
47.254 47.254
0.916 0.916
221.080 221.080
58.586 58.586
79.217 79.217
1065.801 1065.801
Indiana Indiana
16.714 16.714
23.452 23.452
182.300 182.300
112.404 112.404
28.904 28.904
0.546 0.546
15.520 15.520
0.000 0.000
131.405 131.405
511.244 511.244
Iowa Iowa
37.166 37.166
8.206 8.206
11.799 11.799
58.254 58.254
26.505 26.505
0.253 0.253
62.264 62.264
0.000 0.000
22.299 22.299
226.746 226.746
Kansas Kansas
13.920 13.920
14.568 14.568
1.594 1.594
6.673 6.673
48.347 48.347
0.071 0.071
22.980 22.980
14.437 14.437
50.495 50.495
173.086 173.086
Kentucky Kentucky
170.762 170.762
14.601 14.601
29.380 29.380
38.815 38.815
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
15.474 15.474
269.032 269.032
CRS-19 CRS-19

Work,
Education,
Emergency and
Pre-
Basic
Administrative
and
Refundable
Short-Term
Child
K/Head
State
Assistance
Costs
Training
Child Care Tax Credit
Benefits
Welfare
Start
Other
Totals
Louisiana Louisiana
19.191 19.191
18.079 18.079
26.153 26.153
10.214 10.214
14.671 14.671
9.471 9.471
33.144 33.144
45.991 45.991
35.029 35.029
211.945 211.945
Maine Maine
25.693 25.693
3.138 3.138
0.310 0.310
14.888 14.888
7.561 7.561
4.162 4.162
7.683 7.683
0.415 0.415
28.130 28.130
91.980 91.980
Maryland Maryland
115.787 115.787
31.019 31.019
31.450 31.450
8.397 8.397
152.582 152.582
26.370 26.370
20.035 20.035
55.962 55.962
55.808 55.808
497.410 497.410
Massachusetts Massachusetts
207.063 207.063
36.557 36.557
174.674 174.674
327.404 327.404
174.125 174.125
103.873 103.873
8.311 8.311
0.000 0.000
66.263 66.263
1,098.270 1,098.270
Michigan Michigan
133.132 133.132
53.908 53.908
5.417 5.417
26.586 26.586
45.440 45.440
66.929 66.929
81.665 81.665
186.193 186.193
649.995 649.995
1,249.266 1,249.266
Minnesota Minnesota
98.144 98.144
46.341 46.341
57.751 57.751
173.904 173.904
160.076 160.076
27.478 27.478
0.000 0.000
5.700 5.700
19.524 19.524
588.918 588.918
Mississippi Mississippi
8.585 8.585
4.572 4.572
33.655 33.655
27.660 27.660
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
12.859 12.859
0.000 0.000
43.971 43.971
131.302 131.302
Missouri Missouri
42.341 42.341
7.317 7.317
19.813 19.813
64.380 64.380
0.000 0.000
59.191 59.191
102.816 102.816
0.000 0.000
60.586 60.586
356.444 356.444
Montana Montana
26.080 26.080
7.451 7.451
6.282 6.282
10.495 10.495
0.000 0.000
2.195 2.195
3.187 3.187
0.000 0.000
9.708 9.708
65.397 65.397
Nebraska Nebraska
26.603 26.603
5.383 5.383
14.079 14.079
23.489 23.489
35.062 35.062
0.000 0.000
2.836 2.836
0.000 0.000
0.290 0.290
107.742 107.742
Nevada Nevada
39.108 39.108
9.559 9.559
1.362 1.362
17.887 17.887
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
34.465 34.465
102.382 102.382
New New
18.987 18.987
11.041 11.041
5.403 5.403
15.118 15.118
0.000 0.000
2.213 2.213
3.662 3.662
0.000 0.000
17.081 17.081
73.505 73.505
Hampshire Hampshire
New Jersey New Jersey
99.529 99.529
52.403 52.403
77.142 77.142
159.671 159.671
354.819 354.819
16.630 16.630
0.000 0.000
560.009 560.009
58.912 58.912
1,379.114 1,379.114
New Mexico New Mexico
55.422 55.422
5.073 5.073
18.259 18.259
30.528 30.528
74.623 74.623
0.000 0.000
0.895 0.895
17.600 17.600
84.412 84.412
286.811 286.811
New York New York
1,455.625 1,455.625
389.219 389.219
147.068 147.068
355.940 355.940
1,410.980 1,410.980
219.797 219.797
290.559 290.559
467.685 467.685
361.475 361.475
5,098.348 5,098.348
North Carolina North Carolina
41.570 41.570
43.356 43.356
4.785 4.785
194.900 194.900
0.000 0.000
5.077 5.077
125.782 125.782
115.709 115.709
44.926 44.926
576.104 576.104
North Dakota North Dakota
4.070 4.070
4.422 4.422
4.070 4.070
1.102 1.102
0.000 0.000
0.019 0.019
17.270 17.270
0.000 0.000
1.274 1.274
32.226 32.226
Ohio Ohio
246.989 246.989
117.873 117.873
87.008 87.008
424.009 424.009
0.000 0.000
53.852 53.852
11.099 11.099
0.000 0.000
191.421 191.421
1,132.250 1,132.250
Oklahoma Oklahoma
42.603 42.603
11.274 11.274
10.776 10.776
48.668 48.668
0.000 0.000
3.536 3.536
15.999 15.999
12.079 12.079
29.282 29.282
174.217 174.217
Oregon Oregon
89.263 89.263
39.235 39.235
16.558 16.558
12.911 12.911
1.467 1.467
32.130 32.130
12.811 12.811
12.001 12.001
87.605 87.605
303.981 303.981
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
186.912 186.912
79.850 79.850
98.385 98.385
488.909 488.909
0.000 0.000
15.459 15.459
0.000 0.000
154.677 154.677
169.790 169.790
1,193.982 1,193.982
Rhode Island Rhode Island
24.435 24.435
5.434 5.434
10.869 10.869
41.679 41.679
19.129 19.129
26.237 26.237
27.334 27.334
0.800 0.800
10.171 10.171
166.088 166.088
CRS-20 CRS-20

Table B-2. Use of FY2017 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total Federal TANF and State MOE Funding
Emergency
and Short-
Pre-
Basic
Administrative
Work, Education, Child
Refundable
Term
Child
K/Head
State
Assistance
Costs
and Training
Care
Tax Credit
Benefits
Welfare
Start
Other
Totals
Alabama Alabama
10.6% 10.6%
12.7% 12.7%
2.5% 2.5%
2.7% 2.7%
0.0% 0.0%
17.5% 17.5%
15.3% 15.3%
19.7% 19.7%
19.1% 19.1%
100.0% 100.0%
Alaska Alaska
67.3 67.3
7.0 7.0
9.7 9.7
10.3 10.3
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
5.8 5.8
100.0 100.0
Arizona Arizona
10.5 10.5
12.1 12.1
0.4 0.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
2.9 2.9
40.9 40.9
0.0 0.0
33.2 33.2
100.0 100.0
Arkansas Arkansas
3.7 3.7
11.6 11.6
8.6 8.6
4.9 4.9
0.0 0.0
3.3 3.3
0.1 0.1
64.8 64.8
3.0 3.0
100.0 100.0
California California
38.5 38.5
8.7 8.7
24.6 24.6
9.3 9.3
0.0 0.0
3.6 3.6
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
15.3 15.3
100.0 100.0
Colorado Colorado
21.9 21.9
5.7 5.7
2.6 2.6
2.9 2.9
18.9 18.9
7.7 7.7
11.3 11.3
18.3 18.3
10.7 10.7
100.0 100.0
Connecticut Connecticut
10.7 10.7
9.6 9.6
2.5 2.5
8.6 8.6
0.0 0.0
3.8 3.8
12.6 12.6
17.1 17.1
35.1 35.1
100.0 100.0
Delaware Delaware
15.2 15.2
4.1 4.1
6.2 6.2
58.9 58.9
0.0 0.0
2.4 2.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
13.2 13.2
100.0 100.0
District of District of
38.4 38.4
2.6 2.6
12.0 12.0
18.8 18.8
9.1 9.1
16.1 16.1
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
2.9 2.9
100.0 100.0
Columbia Columbia
Florida Florida
17.5 17.5
8.9 8.9
5.0 5.0
34.0 34.0
0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1
25.9 25.9
0.0 0.0
8.6 8.6
100.0 100.0
Georgia Georgia
17.7 17.7
4.2 4.2
2.3 2.3
4.5 4.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
52.7 52.7
0.0 0.0
18.6 18.6
100.0 100.0
Hawaii Hawaii
20.0 20.0
8.3 8.3
26.1 26.1
2.5 2.5
0.0 0.0
0.2 0.2
0.6 0.6
0.0 0.0
42.4 42.4
100.0 100.0
Idaho Idaho
16.0 16.0
15.3 15.3
5.2 5.2
30.5 30.5
0.0 0.0
23.9 23.9
2.7 2.7
3.0 3.0
3.5 3.5
100.0 100.0
Illinois Illinois
4.1 4.1
0.0 0.0
1.8 1.8
56.0 56.0
4.4 4.4
0.1 0.1
20.7 20.7
5.5 5.5
7.4 7.4
100.0 100.0
Indiana Indiana
3.3 3.3
4.6 4.6
35.7 35.7
22.0 22.0
5.7 5.7
0.1 0.1
3.0 3.0
0.0 0.0
25.7 25.7
100.0 100.0
Iowa Iowa
16.4 16.4
3.6 3.6
5.2 5.2
25.7 25.7
11.7 11.7
0.1 0.1
27.5 27.5
0.0 0.0
9.8 9.8
100.0 100.0
Kansas Kansas
8.0 8.0
8.4 8.4
0.9 0.9
3.9 3.9
27.9 27.9
0.0 0.0
13.3 13.3
8.3 8.3
29.2 29.2
100.0 100.0
Kentucky Kentucky
63.5 63.5
5.4 5.4
10.9 10.9
14.4 14.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
5.8 5.8
100.0 100.0
Louisiana Louisiana
9.1 9.1
8.5 8.5
12.3 12.3
4.8 4.8
6.9 6.9
4.5 4.5
15.6 15.6
21.7 21.7
16.5 16.5
100.0 100.0
Maine Maine
27.9 27.9
3.4 3.4
0.3 0.3
16.2 16.2
8.2 8.2
4.5 4.5
8.4 8.4
0.5 0.5
30.6 30.6
100.0 100.0
Maryland Maryland
23.3 23.3
6.2 6.2
6.3 6.3
1.7 1.7
30.7 30.7
5.3 5.3
4.0 4.0
11.3 11.3
11.2 11.2
100.0 100.0
CRS-22 CRS-22

Emergency
and Short-
Pre-
Basic
Administrative
Work, Education, Child
Refundable
Term
Child
K/Head
State
Assistance
Costs
and Training
Care
Tax Credit
Benefits
Welfare
Start
Other
Totals
Massachusetts Massachusetts
18.9 18.9
3.3 3.3
15.9 15.9
29.8 29.8
15.9 15.9
9.5 9.5
0.8 0.8
0.0 0.0
6.0 6.0
100.0 100.0
Michigan Michigan
10.7 10.7
4.3 4.3
0.4 0.4
2.1 2.1
3.6 3.6
5.4 5.4
6.5 6.5
14.9 14.9
52.0 52.0
100.0 100.0
Minnesota Minnesota
16.7 16.7
7.9 7.9
9.8 9.8
29.5 29.5
27.2 27.2
4.7 4.7
0.0 0.0
1.0 1.0
3.3 3.3
100.0 100.0
Mississippi Mississippi
6.5 6.5
3.5 3.5
25.6 25.6
21.1 21.1
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
9.8 9.8
0.0 0.0
33.5 33.5
100.0 100.0
Missouri Missouri
11.9 11.9
2.1 2.1
5.6 5.6
18.1 18.1
0.0 0.0
16.6 16.6
28.8 28.8
0.0 0.0
17.0 17.0
100.0 100.0
Montana Montana
39.9 39.9
11.4 11.4
9.6 9.6
16.0 16.0
0.0 0.0
3.4 3.4
4.9 4.9
0.0 0.0
14.8 14.8
100.0 100.0
Nebraska Nebraska
24.7 24.7
5.0 5.0
13.1 13.1
21.8 21.8
32.5 32.5
0.0 0.0
2.6 2.6
0.0 0.0
0.3 0.3
100.0 100.0
Nevada Nevada
38.2 38.2
9.3 9.3
1.3 1.3
17.5 17.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
33.7 33.7
100.0 100.0
New Hampshire New Hampshire
25.8 25.8
15.0 15.0
7.4 7.4
20.6 20.6
0.0 0.0
3.0 3.0
5.0 5.0
0.0 0.0
23.2 23.2
100.0 100.0
New Jersey New Jersey
7.2 7.2
3.8 3.8
5.6 5.6
11.6 11.6
25.7 25.7
1.2 1.2
0.0 0.0
40.6 40.6
4.3 4.3
100.0 100.0
New Mexico New Mexico
19.3 19.3
1.8 1.8
6.4 6.4
10.6 10.6
26.0 26.0
0.0 0.0
0.3 0.3
6.1 6.1
29.4 29.4
100.0 100.0
New York New York
28.6 28.6
7.6 7.6
2.9 2.9
7.0 7.0
27.7 27.7
4.3 4.3
5.7 5.7
9.2 9.2
7.1 7.1
100.0 100.0
North Carolina North Carolina
7.2 7.2
7.5 7.5
0.8 0.8
33.8 33.8
0.0 0.0
0.9 0.9
21.8 21.8
20.1 20.1
7.8 7.8
100.0 100.0
North Dakota North Dakota
12.6 12.6
13.7 13.7
12.6 12.6
3.4 3.4
0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1
53.6 53.6
0.0 0.0
4.0 4.0
100.0 100.0
Ohio Ohio
21.8 21.8
10.4 10.4
7.7 7.7
37.4 37.4
0.0 0.0
4.8 4.8
1.0 1.0
0.0 0.0
16.9 16.9
100.0 100.0
Oklahoma Oklahoma
24.5 24.5
6.5 6.5
6.2 6.2
27.9 27.9
0.0 0.0
2.0 2.0
9.2 9.2
6.9 6.9
16.8 16.8
100.0 100.0
Oregon Oregon
29.4 29.4
12.9 12.9
5.4 5.4
4.2 4.2
0.5 0.5
10.6 10.6
4.2 4.2
3.9 3.9
28.8 28.8
100.0 100.0
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
15.7 15.7
6.7 6.7
8.2 8.2
40.9 40.9
0.0 0.0
1.3 1.3
0.0 0.0
13.0 13.0
14.2 14.2
100.0 100.0
Rhode Island Rhode Island
14.7 14.7
3.3 3.3
6.5 6.5
25.1 25.1
11.5 11.5
15.8 15.8
16.5 16.5
0.5 0.5
6.1 6.1
100.0 100.0
South Carolina South Carolina
23.5 23.5
15.3 15.3
9.1 9.1
2.5 2.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
16.4 16.4
33.2 33.2
100.0 100.0
South Dakota South Dakota
47.2 47.2
8.8 8.8
13.2 13.2
2.7 2.7
0.0 0.0
10.9 10.9
6.7 6.7
0.0 0.0
10.5 10.5
100.0 100.0
Tennessee Tennessee
35.5 35.5
12.6 12.6
5.5 5.5
10.8 10.8
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
35.0 35.0
0.8 0.8
100.0 100.0
Texas Texas
5.5 5.5
8.3 8.3
8.9 8.9
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
3.5 3.5
30.6 30.6
36.9 36.9
6.5 6.5
100.0 100.0
CRS-23 CRS-23

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2017
(September 30, 2017, in millions of dollars) (September 30, 2017, in millions of dollars)
Obligated
but Not
Unobligated
State
Spent
Balances
Alabama Alabama
$19.0 $19.0
$55.2 $55.2
Alaska Alaska
48.1 48.1
0.0 0.0
Arizona Arizona
0.0 0.0
30.7 30.7
Arkansas Arkansas
32.7 32.7
31.0 31.0
California California
307.2 307.2
0.0 0.0
Colorado Colorado
0.0 0.0
96.4 96.4
Connecticut Connecticut
0.0 0.0
0.8 0.8
Delaware Delaware
0.6 0.6
7.8 7.8
District of District of
0.2 0.2
32.8 32.8
Columbia Columbia
Florida Florida
17.1 17.1
0.0 0.0
Georgia Georgia
23.8 23.8
40.9 40.9
Hawaii Hawaii
15.6 15.6
225.8 225.8
Idaho Idaho
0.0 0.0
20.0 20.0
Illinois Illinois
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
Indiana Indiana
46.3 46.3
109.5 109.5
Iowa Iowa
3.8 3.8
0.5 0.5
Kansas Kansas
0.4 0.4
67.9 67.9
Kentucky Kentucky
0.0 0.0
66.5 66.5
Louisiana Louisiana
7.9 7.9
0.0 0.0
Maine Maine
5.6 5.6
141.1 141.1
Maryland Maryland
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
Massachusetts Massachusetts
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
Michigan Michigan
0.0 0.0
116.8 116.8
Minnesota Minnesota
0.0 0.0
59.3 59.3
Mississippi Mississippi
0.0 0.0
23.6 23.6
Missouri Missouri
0.0 0.0
0.3 0.3
Montana Montana
10.3 10.3
13.1 13.1
Nebraska Nebraska
0.0 0.0
64.2 64.2
Nevada Nevada
23.7 23.7
0.0 0.0
New New
0.0 0.0
57.5 57.5
Hampshire Hampshire
New Jersey New Jersey
22.7 22.7
35.0 35.0
New Mexico New Mexico
52.9 52.9
38.3 38.3
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Obligated
but Not
Unobligated
State
Spent
Balances
New York New York
121.4 121.4
519.5 519.5
North North
41.7 41.7
0.0 0.0
Carolina Carolina
North North
0.0 0.0
9.7 9.7
Dakota Dakota
Ohio Ohio
462.7 462.7
29.4 29.4
Oklahoma Oklahoma
76.3 76.3
0.0 0.0
Oregon Oregon
0.0 0.0
50.3 50.3
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
63.3 63.3
427.0 427.0
Rhode Island Rhode Island
0.0 0.0
11.1 11.1
South South
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
Carolina Carolina
South Dakota South Dakota
0.0 0.0
22.5 22.5
Tennessee Tennessee
0.0 0.0
517.8 517.8
Texas Texas
190.0 190.0
1.3 1.3
Utah Utah
0.0 0.0
79.2 79.2
Vermont Vermont
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
Virginia Virginia
8.0 8.0
122.0 122.0
Washington Washington
0.0 0.0
65.1 65.1
West Virginia West Virginia
0.0 0.0
57.4 57.4
Wisconsin Wisconsin
167.1 167.1
33.2 33.2
Wyoming Wyoming
2.6 2.6
22.8 22.8
Total Total
1,771.0 1,771.0
3,303.1 3,303.1
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).

Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by State, September 2017

Recipients
State
Families
Total Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama Alabama
9,326 9,326
21,188 21,188
17,042 17,042
4,146 4,146
Alaska Alaska
3,093 3,093
8,388 8,388
5,726 5,726
2,662 2,662
Arizona Arizona
8,222 8,222
17,255 17,255
13,693 13,693
3,562 3,562
Arkansas Arkansas
3,072 3,072
6,879 6,879
5,215 5,215
1,664 1,664
California California
511,311 511,311
1,485,521 1,485,521
1,046,866 1,046,866
438,655 438,655
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Recipients
State
Families
Total Recipients
Children
Adults
Colorado Colorado
16,646 16,646
43,906 43,906
31,116 31,116
12,790 12,790
Connecticut Connecticut
9,798 9,798
19,315 19,315
14,062 14,062
5,253 5,253
Delaware Delaware
3,873 3,873
10,760 10,760
6,486 6,486
4,274 4,274
District of Columbia District of Columbia
3,124 3,124
7,678 7,678
5,965 5,965
1,713 1,713
Florida Florida
45,027 45,027
72,840 72,840
61,895 61,895
10,945 10,945
Georgia Georgia
12,245 12,245
14,818 14,818
11,840 11,840
2,978 2,978
Guam Guam
541 541
1,161 1,161
967 967
194 194
Hawaii Hawaii
4,937 4,937
13,577 13,577
9,549 9,549
4,028 4,028
Idaho Idaho
1,928 1,928
2,833 2,833
2,783 2,783
50 50
Illinois Illinois
12,613 12,613
27,018 27,018
23,723 23,723
3,295 3,295
Indiana Indiana
6,963 6,963
14,008 14,008
12,684 12,684
1,324 1,324
Iowa Iowa
10,694 10,694
26,261 26,261
19,568 19,568
6,693 6,693
Kansas Kansas
4,134 4,134
9,420 9,420
7,185 7,185
2,235 2,235
Kentucky Kentucky
20,785 20,785
55,729 55,729
34,218 34,218
21,511 21,511
Louisiana Louisiana
5,521 5,521
13,515 13,515
11,243 11,243
2,272 2,272
Maine Maine
18,452 18,452
60,391 60,391
36,750 36,750
23,641 23,641
Maryland Maryland
18,611 18,611
46,232 46,232
34,308 34,308
11,924 11,924
Massachusetts Massachusetts
51,196 51,196
125,310 125,310
86,051 86,051
39,259 39,259
Michigan Michigan
13,846 13,846
33,706 33,706
27,370 27,370
6,336 6,336
Minnesota Minnesota
18,519 18,519
44,087 44,087
34,171 34,171
9,916 9,916
Mississippi Mississippi
4,891 4,891
10,210 10,210
8,037 8,037
2,173 2,173
Missouri Missouri
12,452 12,452
28,598 28,598
21,698 21,698
6,900 6,900
Montana Montana
4,517 4,517
11,421 11,421
8,342 8,342
3,079 3,079
Nebraska Nebraska
5,262 5,262
12,984 12,984
10,682 10,682
2,302 2,302
Nevada Nevada
9,828 9,828
25,330 25,330
18,852 18,852
6,478 6,478
New Hampshire New Hampshire
4,884 4,884
11,811 11,811
8,440 8,440
3,371 3,371
New Jersey New Jersey
12,640 12,640
28,603 28,603
21,970 21,970
6,633 6,633
New Mexico New Mexico
11,066 11,066
28,047 28,047
21,081 21,081
6,966 6,966
New York New York
132,675 132,675
339,719 339,719
239,780 239,780
99,939 99,939
North Carolina North Carolina
11,144 11,144
18,122 18,122
17,040 17,040
1,082 1,082
North Dakota North Dakota
1,105 1,105
2,777 2,777
2,333 2,333
444 444
Ohio Ohio
54,161 54,161
99,843 99,843
89,070 89,070
10,773 10,773
Oklahoma Oklahoma
6,797 6,797
15,246 15,246
13,089 13,089
2,157 2,157
Oregon Oregon
43,754 43,754
130,642 130,642
83,570 83,570
47,072 47,072
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
50,615 50,615
125,892 125,892
92,886 92,886
33,006 33,006
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Recipients
State
Families
Total Recipients
Children
Adults
Rhode Island Rhode Island
4,468 4,468
10,517 10,517
7,760 7,760
2,757 2,757
South Carolina South Carolina
8,672 8,672
18,924 18,924
15,929 15,929
2,995 2,995
South Dakota South Dakota
3,030 3,030
6,011 6,011
5,515 5,515
496 496
Tennessee Tennessee
24,562 24,562
54,192 54,192
42,509 42,509
11,683 11,683
Texas Texas
28,839 28,839
63,920 63,920
55,448 55,448
8,472 8,472
Utah Utah
4,013 4,013
9,760 9,760
7,177 7,177
2,583 2,583
Vermont Vermont
3,371 3,371
7,858 7,858
5,528 5,528
2,330 2,330
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
197 197
603 603
404 404
199 199
Virginia Virginia
38,253 38,253
37,157 37,157
28,283 28,283
8,874 8,874
Washington Washington
35,284 35,284
79,332 79,332
54,059 54,059
25,273 25,273
West Virginia West Virginia
7,113 7,113
14,353 14,353
11,580 11,580
2,773 2,773
Wisconsin Wisconsin
16,318 16,318
35,263 35,263
29,160 29,160
6,103 6,103
Wyoming Wyoming
513 513
1,155 1,155
886 886
269 269

Totals Totals
1,354,901 1,354,901
3,410,086 3,410,086
2,481,584 2,481,584
928,502 928,502
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017. TANF cash assistance caseload includes Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017. TANF cash assistance caseload includes
families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE)
requirement. requirement.

Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance by State,
September of Selected Years

% Change to 2017 from ...
State
1994
2007
2010
2016
2017
1994
2010
2016
Alabama Alabama
48,752 48,752
18,104 18,104
23,052 23,052
10,564 10,564
9,326 9,326
-80.9 -80.9
-59.5 -59.5
-11.7 -11.7
Alaska Alaska
12,450 12,450
3,127 3,127
3,507 3,507
3,097 3,097
3,093 3,093
-75.2 -75.2
-11.8 -11.8
-0.1 -0.1
Arizona Arizona
72,728 72,728
36,934 36,934
18,774 18,774
9,107 9,107
8,222 8,222
-88.7 -88.7
-56.2 -56.2
-9.7 -9.7
Arkansas Arkansas
25,298 25,298
8,472 8,472
8,469 8,469
3,478 3,478
3,072 3,072
-87.9 -87.9
-63.7 -63.7
-11.7 -11.7
California California
916,795 916,795
470,502 470,502
590,121 590,121
564,179 564,179
511,311 511,311
-44.2 -44.2
-13.4 -13.4
-9.4 -9.4
Colorado Colorado
40,544 40,544
9,355 9,355
11,707 11,707
16,814 16,814
16,646 16,646
-58.9 -58.9
42.2 42.2
-1.0 -1.0
Connecticut Connecticut
60,336 60,336
20,322 20,322
16,848 16,848
10,683 10,683
9,798 9,798
-83.8 -83.8
-41.8 -41.8
-8.3 -8.3
Delaware Delaware
11,408 11,408
4,034 4,034
5,508 5,508
4,216 4,216
3,873 3,873
-66.1 -66.1
-29.7 -29.7
-8.1 -8.1
District of Columbia District of Columbia
27,320 27,320
6,231 6,231
8,547 8,547
4,432 4,432
3,124 3,124
-88.6 -88.6
-63.4 -63.4
-29.5 -29.5
Florida Florida
239,702 239,702
46,864 46,864
57,742 57,742
47,034 47,034
45,027 45,027
-81.2 -81.2
-22.0 -22.0
-4.3 -4.3
Georgia Georgia
141,596 141,596
23,600 23,600
20,133 20,133
12,570 12,570
12,245 12,245
-91.4 -91.4
-39.2 -39.2
-2.6 -2.6
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

% Change to 2017 from ...
State
1994
2007
2010
2016
2017
1994
2010
2016
Guam Guam
2,089 2,089
936 936
1,276 1,276
764 764
541 541
-74.1 -74.1
-57.6 -57.6
-29.2 -29.2
Hawaii Hawaii
21,312 21,312
6,426 6,426
9,953 9,953
5,901 5,901
4,937 4,937
-76.8 -76.8
-50.4 -50.4
-16.3 -16.3
Idaho Idaho
8,635 8,635
1,506 1,506
1,820 1,820
1,957 1,957
1,928 1,928
-77.7 -77.7
5.9 5.9
-1.5 -1.5
Illinois Illinois
241,290 241,290
26,222 26,222
24,337 24,337
14,205 14,205
12,613 12,613
-94.8 -94.8
-48.2 -48.2
-11.2 -11.2
Indiana Indiana
72,654 72,654
42,058 42,058
36,062 36,062
7,836 7,836
6,963 6,963
-90.4 -90.4
-80.7 -80.7
-11.1 -11.1
Iowa Iowa
39,137 39,137
19,872 19,872
21,548 21,548
11,777 11,777
10,694 10,694
-72.7 -72.7
-50.4 -50.4
-9.2 -9.2
Kansas Kansas
29,524 29,524
13,892 13,892
15,554 15,554
5,262 5,262
4,134 4,134
-86.0 -86.0
-73.4 -73.4
-21.4 -21.4
Kentucky Kentucky
78,720 78,720
29,492 29,492
30,875 30,875
23,242 23,242
20,785 20,785
-73.6 -73.6
-32.7 -32.7
-10.6 -10.6
Louisiana Louisiana
84,162 84,162
11,023 11,023
10,849 10,849
5,772 5,772
5,521 5,521
-93.4 -93.4
-49.1 -49.1
-4.3 -4.3
Maine Maine
22,322 22,322
12,352 12,352
15,377 15,377
19,951 19,951
18,452 18,452
-17.3 -17.3
20.0 20.0
-7.5 -7.5
Maryland Maryland
80,266 80,266
19,630 19,630
25,110 25,110
20,592 20,592
18,611 18,611
-76.8 -76.8
-25.9 -25.9
-9.6 -9.6
Massachusetts Massachusetts
108,985 108,985
46,483 46,483
49,836 49,836
53,453 53,453
51,196 51,196
-53.0 -53.0
2.7 2.7
-4.2 -4.2
Michigan Michigan
215,873 215,873
71,892 71,892
67,241 67,241
15,417 15,417
13,846 13,846
-93.6 -93.6
-79.4 -79.4
-10.2 -10.2
Minnesota Minnesota
59,987 59,987
26,642 26,642
24,574 24,574
19,256 19,256
18,519 18,519
-69.1 -69.1
-24.6 -24.6
-3.8 -3.8
Mississippi Mississippi
55,232 55,232
11,658 11,658
11,895 11,895
5,759 5,759
4,891 4,891
-91.1 -91.1
-58.9 -58.9
-15.1 -15.1
Missouri Missouri
91,875 91,875
39,544 39,544
39,262 39,262
14,904 14,904
12,452 12,452
-86.4 -86.4
-68.3 -68.3
-16.5 -16.5
Montana Montana
11,416 11,416
3,217 3,217
3,686 3,686
3,388 3,388
4,517 4,517
-60.4 -60.4
22.5 22.5
33.3 33.3
Nebraska Nebraska
15,435 15,435
6,913 6,913
8,702 8,702
5,366 5,366
5,262 5,262
-65.9 -65.9
-39.5 -39.5
-1.9 -1.9
Nevada Nevada
14,620 14,620
7,411 7,411
10,612 10,612
9,525 9,525
9,828 9,828
-32.8 -32.8
-7.4 -7.4
3.2 3.2
New Hampshire New Hampshire
11,398 11,398
4,733 4,733
6,175 6,175
4,826 4,826
4,884 4,884
-57.2 -57.2
-20.9 -20.9
1.2 1.2
New Jersey New Jersey
122,376 122,376
34,123 34,123
34,516 34,516
15,941 15,941
12,640 12,640
-89.7 -89.7
-63.4 -63.4
-20.7 -20.7
New Mexico New Mexico
34,535 34,535
12,503 12,503
21,223 21,223
11,821 11,821
11,066 11,066
-68.0 -68.0
-47.9 -47.9
-6.4 -6.4
New York New York
461,751 461,751
156,420 156,420
154,936 154,936
141,428 141,428
132,675 132,675
-71.3 -71.3
-14.4 -14.4
-6.2 -6.2
North Carolina North Carolina
129,258 129,258
24,537 24,537
23,705 23,705
16,859 16,859
11,144 11,144
-91.4 -91.4
-53.0 -53.0
-33.9 -33.9
North Dakota North Dakota
5,410 5,410
2,156 2,156
1,996 1,996
1,124 1,124
1,105 1,105
-79.6 -79.6
-44.6 -44.6
-1.7 -1.7
Ohio Ohio
244,099 244,099
78,129 78,129
105,140 105,140
57,184 57,184
54,161 54,161
-77.8 -77.8
-48.5 -48.5
-5.3 -5.3
Oklahoma Oklahoma
46,572 46,572
9,002 9,002
9,388 9,388
7,147 7,147
6,797 6,797
-85.4 -85.4
-27.6 -27.6
-4.9 -4.9
Oregon Oregon
40,504 40,504
18,645 18,645
31,751 31,751
49,132 49,132
43,754 43,754
8.0 8.0
37.8 37.8
-10.9 -10.9
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
212,457 212,457
60,167 60,167
53,274 53,274
53,678 53,678
50,615 50,615
-76.2 -76.2
-5.0 -5.0
-5.7 -5.7
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
57,337 57,337
12,617 12,617
13,371 13,371
8,051 8,051
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Rhode Island Rhode Island
22,776 22,776
8,107 8,107
6,758 6,758
3,794 3,794
4,468 4,468
-80.4 -80.4
-33.9 -33.9
17.8 17.8
South Carolina South Carolina
50,430 50,430
14,936 14,936
19,347 19,347
9,396 9,396
8,672 8,672
-82.8 -82.8
-55.2 -55.2
-7.7 -7.7
South Dakota South Dakota
6,601 6,601
2,842 2,842
3,291 3,291
3,100 3,100
3,030 3,030
-54.1 -54.1
-7.9 -7.9
-2.3 -2.3
Tennessee Tennessee
109,678 109,678
58,244 58,244
62,714 62,714
29,123 29,123
24,562 24,562
-77.6 -77.6
-60.8 -60.8
-15.7 -15.7
Texas Texas
284,973 284,973
59,972 59,972
51,931 51,931
30,074 30,074
28,839 28,839
-89.9 -89.9
-44.5 -44.5
-4.1 -4.1
Utah Utah
17,505 17,505
5,069 5,069
6,646 6,646
3,961 3,961
4,013 4,013
-77.1 -77.1
-39.6 -39.6
1.3 1.3
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

% Change to 2017 from ...
State
1994
2007
2010
2016
2017
1994
2010
2016
Vermont Vermont
9,761 9,761
4,503 4,503
3,256 3,256
3,359 3,359
3,371 3,371
-65.5 -65.5
3.5 3.5
0.4 0.4
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
1,146 1,146
395 395
537 537
251 251
197 197
-82.8 -82.8
-63.3 -63.3
-21.5 -21.5
Virginia Virginia
74,257 74,257
31,563 31,563
37,448 37,448
22,345 22,345
38,253 38,253
-48.5 -48.5
2.1 2.1
71.2 71.2
Washington Washington
101,542 101,542
49,076 49,076
70,200 70,200
39,709 39,709
35,284 35,284
-65.3 -65.3
-49.7 -49.7
-11.1 -11.1
West Virginia West Virginia
40,279 40,279
9,699 9,699
10,496 10,496
7,362 7,362
7,113 7,113
-82.3 -82.3
-32.2 -32.2
-3.4 -3.4
Wisconsin Wisconsin
75,086 75,086
17,824 17,824
24,746 24,746
17,520 17,520
16,318 16,318
-78.3 -78.3
-34.1 -34.1
-6.9 -6.9
Wyoming Wyoming
5,351 5,351
255 255
318 318
485 485
513 513
-90.4 -90.4
61.3 61.3
5.8 5.8

Totals Totals
5,015,545 1,720,231 1,926,140 1,468,171 1,354,901 5,015,545 1,720,231 1,926,140 1,468,171 1,354,901
-72.7 -72.7
-29.2 -29.2
-7.20619 -7.20619
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017.Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017. Total change excludes data for Puerto Rico Total change excludes data for Puerto Rico
for all years.for all years. Caseload data for 2000 through 2017 include those families in Separate State Programs with Caseload data for 2000 through 2017 include those families in Separate State Programs with
expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by State:
September 2017
Percentage of All Families Receiving

Assistance
Single
Two
No
Single
Two
No
State
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Alabama Alabama
4,013 4,013
51 51
5,262 5,262
9,326 9,326
43.0 43.0
0.5 0.5
56.4 56.4
100.0 100.0
Alaska Alaska
1,891 1,891
347 347
855 855
3,093 3,093
61.1 61.1
11.2 11.2
27.6 27.6
100.0 100.0
Arizona Arizona
3,104 3,104
183 183
4,935 4,935
8,222 8,222
37.8 37.8
2.2 2.2
60.0 60.0
100.0 100.0
Arkansas Arkansas
1,543 1,543
65 65
1,464 1,464
3,072 3,072
50.2 50.2
2.1 2.1
47.7 47.7
100.0 100.0
California California
276,833 276,833
93,664 93,664
140,814 140,814
511,311 511,311
54.1 54.1
18.3 18.3
27.5 27.5
100.0 100.0
Colorado Colorado
9,702 9,702
1,132 1,132
5,812 5,812
16,646 16,646
58.3 58.3
6.8 6.8
34.9 34.9
100.0 100.0
Connecticut Connecticut
3,308 3,308
2 2
6,488 6,488
9,798 9,798
33.8 33.8
0.0 0.0
66.2 66.2
100.0 100.0
Delaware Delaware
1,031 1,031
12 12
2,830 2,830
3,873 3,873
26.6 26.6
0.3 0.3
73.1 73.1
100.0 100.0
District of District of
1,713 1,713
0 0
1,411 1,411
3,124 3,124
54.8 54.8
0.0 0.0
45.2 45.2
100.0 100.0
Columbia Columbia
Florida Florida
6,694 6,694
374 374
37,959 37,959
45,027 45,027
14.9 14.9
0.8 0.8
84.3 84.3
100.0 100.0
Georgia Georgia
3,504 3,504
93 93
8,648 8,648
12,245 12,245
28.6 28.6
0.8 0.8
70.6 70.6
100.0 100.0
Guam Guam
119 119
27 27
395 395
541 541
22.0 22.0
5.0 5.0
73.0 73.0
100.0 100.0
Hawaii Hawaii
2,958 2,958
779 779
1,200 1,200
4,937 4,937
59.9 59.9
15.8 15.8
24.3 24.3
100.0 100.0
Idaho Idaho
50 50
0 0
1,878 1,878
1,928 1,928
2.6 2.6
0.0 0.0
97.4 97.4
100.0 100.0
Illinois Illinois
2,688 2,688
0 0
9,925 9,925
12,613 12,613
21.3 21.3
0.0 0.0
78.7 78.7
100.0 100.0
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Percentage of All Families Receiving

Assistance
Single
Two
No
Single
Two
No
State
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Indiana Indiana
1,621 1,621
61 61
5,281 5,281
6,963 6,963
23.3 23.3
0.9 0.9
75.8 75.8
100.0 100.0
Iowa Iowa
5,456 5,456
562 562
4,676 4,676
10,694 10,694
51.0 51.0
5.3 5.3
43.7 43.7
100.0 100.0
Kansas Kansas
1,666 1,666
262 262
2,206 2,206
4,134 4,134
40.3 40.3
6.3 6.3
53.4 53.4
100.0 100.0
Kentucky Kentucky
5,140 5,140
504 504
15,141 15,141
20,785 20,785
24.7 24.7
2.4 2.4
72.8 72.8
100.0 100.0
Louisiana Louisiana
2,257 2,257
0 0
3,264 3,264
5,521 5,521
40.9 40.9
0.0 0.0
59.1 59.1
100.0 100.0
Maine Maine
9,841 9,841
6,929 6,929
1,682 1,682
18,452 18,452
53.3 53.3
37.6 37.6
9.1 9.1
100.0 100.0
Maryland Maryland
11,504 11,504
368 368
6,739 6,739
18,611 18,611
61.8 61.8
2.0 2.0
36.2 36.2
100.0 100.0
Massachusetts Massachusetts
34,382 34,382
3,282 3,282
13,532 13,532
51,196 51,196
67.2 67.2
6.4 6.4
26.4 26.4
100.0 100.0
Michigan Michigan
5,417 5,417
0 0
8,429 8,429
13,846 13,846
39.1 39.1
0.0 0.0
60.9 60.9
100.0 100.0
Minnesota Minnesota
10,006 10,006
0 0
8,513 8,513
18,519 18,519
54.0 54.0
0.0 0.0
46.0 46.0
100.0 100.0
Mississippi Mississippi
1,930 1,930
0 0
2,961 2,961
4,891 4,891
39.5 39.5
0.0 0.0
60.5 60.5
100.0 100.0
Missouri Missouri
7,508 7,508
0 0
4,944 4,944
12,452 12,452
60.3 60.3
0.0 0.0
39.7 39.7
100.0 100.0
Montana Montana
2,386 2,386
506 506
1,625 1,625
4,517 4,517
52.8 52.8
11.2 11.2
36.0 36.0
100.0 100.0
Nebraska Nebraska
2,422 2,422
0 0
2,840 2,840
5,262 5,262
46.0 46.0
0.0 0.0
54.0 54.0
100.0 100.0
Nevada Nevada
4,620 4,620
852 852
4,356 4,356
9,828 9,828
47.0 47.0
8.7 8.7
44.3 44.3
100.0 100.0
New New
3,262 3,262
25 25
1,597 1,597
4,884 4,884
66.8 66.8
0.5 0.5
32.7 32.7
100.0 100.0
Hampshire Hampshire
New Jersey New Jersey
7,352 7,352
0 0
5,288 5,288
12,640 12,640
58.2 58.2
0.0 0.0
41.8 41.8
100.0 100.0
New Mexico New Mexico
5,308 5,308
829 829
4,929 4,929
11,066 11,066
48.0 48.0
7.5 7.5
44.5 44.5
100.0 100.0
New York New York
85,882 85,882
2,815 2,815
43,978 43,978
132,675 132,675
64.7 64.7
2.1 2.1
33.1 33.1
100.0 100.0
North North
1,001 1,001
38 38
10,105 10,105
11,144 11,144
9.0 9.0
0.3 0.3
90.7 90.7
100.0 100.0
Carolina Carolina
North North
444 444
0 0
661 661
1,105 1,105
40.2 40.2
0.0 0.0
59.8 59.8
100.0 100.0
Dakota Dakota
Ohio Ohio
8,976 8,976
695 695
44,490 44,490
54,161 54,161
16.6 16.6
1.3 1.3
82.1 82.1
100.0 100.0
Oklahoma Oklahoma
2,157 2,157
0 0
4,640 4,640
6,797 6,797
31.7 31.7
0.0 0.0
68.3 68.3
100.0 100.0
Oregon Oregon
29,730 29,730
7,414 7,414
6,610 6,610
43,754 43,754
67.9 67.9
16.9 16.9
15.1 15.1
100.0 100.0
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
32,023 32,023
618 618
17,974 17,974
50,615 50,615
63.3 63.3
1.2 1.2
35.5 35.5
100.0 100.0
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Rhode Island Rhode Island
3,113 3,113
222 222
1,133 1,133
4,468 4,468
69.7 69.7
5.0 5.0
25.4 25.4
100.0 100.0
South South
2,995 2,995
0 0
5,677 5,677
8,672 8,672
34.5 34.5
0.0 0.0
65.5 65.5
100.0 100.0
Carolina Carolina
South Dakota South Dakota
496 496
0 0
2,534 2,534
3,030 3,030
16.4 16.4
0.0 0.0
83.6 83.6
100.0 100.0
Tennessee Tennessee
10,441 10,441
316 316
13,805 13,805
24,562 24,562
42.5 42.5
1.3 1.3
56.2 56.2
100.0 100.0
Texas Texas
8,473 8,473
0 0
20,366 20,366
28,839 28,839
29.4 29.4
0.0 0.0
70.6 70.6
100.0 100.0
Utah Utah
1,911 1,911
0 0
2,102 2,102
4,013 4,013
47.6 47.6
0.0 0.0
52.4 52.4
100.0 100.0
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Percentage of All Families Receiving

Assistance
Single
Two
No
Single
Two
No
State
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Parent
Parent
Parent
Totals
Vermont Vermont
1,671 1,671
318 318
1,382 1,382
3,371 3,371
49.6 49.6
9.4 9.4
41.0 41.0
100.0 100.0
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
167 167
0 0
30 30
197 197
84.8 84.8
0.0 0.0
15.2 15.2
100.0 100.0
Virginia Virginia
14,185 14,185
0 0
24,068 24,068
38,253 38,253
37.1 37.1
0.0 0.0
62.9 62.9
100.0 100.0
Washington Washington
16,314 16,314
6,046 6,046
12,924 12,924
35,284 35,284
46.2 46.2
17.1 17.1
36.6 36.6
100.0 100.0
West Virginia West Virginia
2,054 2,054
0 0
5,059 5,059
7,113 7,113
28.9 28.9
0.0 0.0
71.1 71.1
100.0 100.0
Wisconsin Wisconsin
5,091 5,091
229 229
10,998 10,998
16,318 16,318
31.2 31.2
1.4 1.4
67.4 67.4
100.0 100.0
Wyoming Wyoming
229 229
20 20
264 264
513 513
44.6 44.6
3.9 3.9
51.5 51.5
100.0 100.0

Totals Totals
668,582 668,582
129,640 129,640
556,679 1,354,901 556,679 1,354,901
49.3 49.3
9.6 9.6
41.1 41.1
100.0 100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017. TANF cash assistance caseload includes Data for Puerto Rico are unavailable for September 2017. TANF cash assistance caseload includes
families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE)
requirement. requirement.

Author Information

Gene Falk Gene Falk

Specialist in Social Policy Specialist in Social Policy

Acknowledgments
Jameson Carter and Mariam Ghavalyan updated the information in this report. Jameson Carter and Mariam Ghavalyan updated the information in this report. Karen Lynch contributed to the discussion of the TANF funding lapse and legislation to fund TANF in FY2019. Amber Wilhelm produced Amber Wilhelm produced
this report’s data visualizations. this report’s data visualizations.

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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Congressional Research Service RL32760 · VERSION 171 · UPDATED 32 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
RL32760 RL32760 · VERSION ~~168~~171 · UPDATED
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