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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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Funding and Expenditures ............................................................................................................... 1
What is TANF’s Funding Status? .............................................................................................. 1
Is Legislation Before Congress to Fund TANF for FY2019? ................................................... 1
How Are State TANF Programs Funded? ................................................................................. 21
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed Over Time? ................... 2
How Have States Used TANF Funds? ...................................................................................... 3
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent? ................................................................ 4
The Caseload ................................................................................................................................... 54
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits and Services? ....................... 54
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded
“Assistance”? ......................................................................................................................... 5
How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with Historical Levels? ............. 65
What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF Assistance? .................................. 7
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family Receive in TANF Cash Per Month? .................. 8
TANF Work Participation Standards ............................................................................................... 9
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet? ........................................ 9
Have There Been Changes in the Work Participation Rules Enacted Since the 1996
Welfare Reform Law? .......................................................................................................... 10
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved? .................................................... 10
How Many Jurisdictions Did Not Meet the All-Families Standard? ........................................ 11
Have States Met the Two-Parent Work Participation Standard? ............................................. 14
Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2017 .................................................... 4
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2017 ................. 6
Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families, Selected Years FY1988 to FY2016 .................. 8
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 ........................... 9
Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2017 ......................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 6. States that Met or Did Not Meet the TANF All-Families Work Participation
Standard: FY2006-FY2017 ........................................................................................................ 13
Figure 7. Two-Parent TANF Work Participation Standard, Status by State:
FY2006-FY2017 ........................................................................................................................ 15
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ............................... 2
Table 2. TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2017 .................................................................... 5
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961 to 2016 ............................................... 16
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988 to FY2016 .......................................................................................................... 18
Table B-1. Use of FY2017 TANF and MOE Funds by Category .................................................. 19
Table B-2. Use of FY2017 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total
Federal TANF and State MOE Funding ..................................................................................... 22
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2017 ............................................................... 25
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by State, September 2017 ......................................................................................... 26
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance by State,
September of Selected Years ...................................................................................................... 28
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by State: September 2017 ............ 30
Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables .............................................................................................. 16
Appendix B. State Tables .............................................................................................................. 19
Contacts
Author Information ....................................................................................................................... 32 Author Information ....................................................................................................................... 32
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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 wouldwould 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
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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
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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
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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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.
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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
commitmentscommitments. 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.
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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, s
ee 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.
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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. Se
e 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 th
e 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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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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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link to page 19
link to page 19
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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
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
South Carolina
South Carolina
38.231
38.231
24.983
24.983
14.782
14.782
4.085
4.085
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
26.794
26.794
54.010
54.010
162.886
162.886
South Dakota
South Dakota
13.813
13.813
2.581
2.581
3.866
3.866
0.803
0.803
0.000
0.000
3.174
3.174
1.958
1.958
0.000
0.000
3.057
3.057
29.254
29.254
Tennessee
Tennessee
62.597
62.597
22.152
22.152
9.618
9.618
18.976
18.976
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
61.668
61.668
1.377
1.377
176.387
176.387
Texas
Texas
50.837
50.837
77.601
77.601
82.284
82.284
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
32.166
32.166
284.108
284.108
342.674
342.674
59.966
59.966
929.636
929.636
Utah
Utah
25.289
25.289
8.863
8.863
26.555
26.555
21.438
21.438
0.000
0.000
4.419
4.419
3.676
3.676
5.501
5.501
33.702
33.702
129.443
129.443
Vermont
Vermont
15.230
15.230
6.631
6.631
2.696
2.696
30.996
30.996
19.013
19.013
1.360
1.360
5.508
5.508
0.000
0.000
15.842
15.842
97.276
97.276
Virginia
Virginia
68.485
68.485
31.387
31.387
38.944
38.944
32.558
32.558
0.371
0.371
5.269
5.269
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
84.885
84.885
261.900
261.900
Washington
Washington
143.608
143.608
88.021
88.021
145.004
145.004
222.086
222.086
0.000
0.000
56.731
56.731
0.000
0.000
61.125
61.125
315.382
315.382
1,031.957
1,031.957
West Virginia
West Virginia
26.753
26.753
15.010
15.010
0.461
0.461
15.321
15.321
0.000
0.000
19.584
19.584
35.656
35.656
0.000
0.000
26.644
26.644
139.428
139.428
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
85.911
85.911
24.187
24.187
27.486
27.486
208.262
208.262
69.700
69.700
38.553
38.553
4.484
4.484
0.000
0.000
122.860
122.860
581.443
581.443
Wyoming
Wyoming
6.706
6.706
6.481
6.481
3.508
3.508
1.554
1.554
0.000
0.000
3.399
3.399
0.000
0.000
1.016
1.016
4.952
4.952
27.615
27.615
Totals
Totals
7,068.836
7,068.836
2,231.910
2,231.910
3,279.551
3,279.551
5,026.817
5,026.817
2,797.046
2,797.046
1,248.578 2,224.848
1,248.578 2,224.848
2,513.354 4,758.747
2,513.354 4,758.747
31,149.686
31,149.686
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
CRS-21
CRS-21
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
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
Utah
Utah
19.5
19.5
6.8
6.8
20.5
20.5
16.6
16.6
0.0
0.0
3.4
3.4
2.8
2.8
4.3
4.3
26.0
26.0
100.0
100.0
Vermont
Vermont
15.7
15.7
6.8
6.8
2.8
2.8
31.9
31.9
19.5
19.5
1.4
1.4
5.7
5.7
0.0
0.0
16.3
16.3
100.0
100.0
Virginia
Virginia
26.1
26.1
12.0
12.0
14.9
14.9
12.4
12.4
0.1
0.1
2.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
32.4
32.4
100.0
100.0
Washington
Washington
13.9
13.9
8.5
8.5
14.1
14.1
21.5
21.5
0.0
0.0
5.5
5.5
0.0
0.0
5.9
5.9
30.6
30.6
100.0
100.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
19.2
19.2
10.8
10.8
0.3
0.3
11.0
11.0
0.0
0.0
14.0
14.0
25.6
25.6
0.0
0.0
19.1
19.1
100.0
100.0
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
14.8
14.8
4.2
4.2
4.7
4.7
35.8
35.8
12.0
12.0
6.6
6.6
0.8
0.8
0.0
0.0
21.1
21.1
100.0
100.0
Wyoming
Wyoming
24.3
24.3
23.5
23.5
12.7
12.7
5.6
5.6
0.0
0.0
12.3
12.3
0.0
0.0
3.7
3.7
17.9
17.9
100.0
100.0
Totals
Totals
22.7
22.7
7.2
7.2
10.5
10.5
16.1
16.1
9.0
9.0
4.0
4.0
7.1
7.1
8.1
8.1
15.3
15.3
100.0
100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Notes: Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Detail may not add to totals because of rounding.
CRS-24
CRS-24
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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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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% 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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% 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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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
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
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