The Temporary Assistance for
July 16September 1, 2020 , 2020
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
Patrick A. Landers
benefits and services for low-income families with children. TANF was created in the Personal
benefits and services for low-income families with children. TANF was created in the Personal
Analyst in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). This report responds to some
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). This report responds to some
frequently asked questions about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS
frequently asked questions about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS
Report RL32748, Report RL32748,
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: A Primer
For a copy of the ful report,
For a copy of the ful report,
on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
please cal 7-5700 or visit
please cal 7-5700 or visit
www.crs.gov. www.crs.gov.
TANF Funding and Expenditures. TANF provides fixed funding for the 50 states, the District 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 als o of Columbia, the territories, and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are als o
required in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance -of-effort (MOE) required in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance -of-effort (MOE)
requirement. The basic block grant is not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. In requirement. The basic block grant is not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. In
FY2019, the TANF basic block grant was 37% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997. FY2019, the TANF basic block grant was 37% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997.
Though TANF is best known for funding assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and MOE
Though TANF is best known for funding assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and MOE
funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2018, expenditures on assistance totaled $6.7 billion—21% funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2018, expenditures on assistance totaled $6.7 billion—21%
of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash. In addition to funding basic of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash. In addition to funding basic
assistance, TANF also contributes funds for child care, employment services (for both assistance recipients and others), state assistance, TANF also contributes funds for child care, employment services (for both assistance recipients and others), state
refundable tax credits for low income families, pre-Kindergarten and Head Start programs, and services for children who refundable tax credits for low income families, pre-Kindergarten and Head Start programs, and services for children who
have been, or are at risk of being, abused and neglected. Some states also count expenditures in prekindergarten programs have been, or are at risk of being, abused and neglected. Some states also count expenditures in prekindergarten programs
toward the MOE requirement. toward the MOE requirement.
The TANF Assistance Caseload. A total of 1.1 million families, composed of 2.9 million recipients, received TANF- or A total of 1.1 million families, composed of 2.9 million recipients, received TANF- or
MOE-funded assistance in September 2019MOE-funded assistance in September 2019
(as of June 2020, the latest data available). The bulk of the “recipients” were The bulk of the “recipients” were
children—2.1 million in that month. The assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the children—2.1 million in that month. The assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the
“typical” assistance family“typical” assistance family
—one with an unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in —one with an unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in
FY2018. Additionally, 27% of cash assistance families had an employed adult, while 41% of all TANF families were “child-FY2018. Additionally, 27% of cash assistance families had an employed adult, while 41% of all TANF families were “child-
only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security 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., grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of
citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents. citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents.
Assistance Benefits. TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2018, the maximum monthly benefit for a TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2018, the maximum monthly benefit for a
family of three ranged from $1,039 in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal family of three ranged from $1,039 in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal
poverty guidelines) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income. poverty guidelines) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income.
Work Requirements. TANF’s main federal work requirement is TANF’s main federal work requirement is
actually a performance measure that applies to the states. 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
FY2018, FY2019, states achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of states achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of
4847.1% and a two-parent rate of .1% and a two-parent rate of
57.9%. In FY2018, 54.8%. In FY2019, only Montana did not meet the all-family participation standardonly Montana did not meet the all-family participation standard
. This is a reduction from FY2012, when 16 states and five jurisdictions (California, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not did not
meet that standard. In FY2018, seven jurisdictions did not meet the two-parent standard. States that do not meet work standards are at risk of being penalized by a reduction in their block grant.meet the two-parent standard.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to affect states’ ability to meet TANF work standards. These standards are in statute and cannot be waived other than through legislation. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can waive financial penalties for states that do not meet standards. In policy guidance, HHS has said it would use its authority to provide relief from the penalty for not meeting work standards “to the maximum extent possible.”
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1819 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
Funding and Expenditures ................................................................................................ 1
What Is TANF’s Funding Status? ................................................................................. 1
How Are State TANF Programs Funded? ...................................................................... 1
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed Over Time?................. 1
How Have States Used TANF Funds? ........................................................................... 2
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent? ........................................................ 3
The Caseload.................................................................................................................. 4
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits and Services? .................... 4
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded
Assistance? ............................................................................................................ 4
How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with Historical Levels? ............ 5
What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF Assistance?.............................. 6
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family Receive in TANF Cash Per Month?................ 7
TANF Work Participation Standards .................................................................................. 8
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet? ................................... 8
Have There Been Changes in the Work Participation Rules Enacted Since the 1996
Welfare Reform Law?.............................................................................................. 9
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?............................................... 9
How Many Jurisdictions Did Not Meet the All-Families Standard? TANF Work Standards in FY2019?...................... 10 How Might the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Ability of States to Meet TANF
Work Standards ....................................................................................................... 10
Have Jurisdictions Met the Two-Parent Work Participation Standard? .............................. 1211
Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2018.............................................. 3
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2019 ............... 5
Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families, Selected Years FY1988 to FY2018 ................. 7
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 2018 .............. 8
Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for Al Families, FY2002-
FY2019 ...........
FY2002-FY2018 ......................................................................................................... 10
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ........................... 2 Table 2. TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2019 10
Figure 6. Jurisdictions That Met or Did Not Meet the TANF Al -Families Work
Participation Standard: FY2006-FY2018 ....................................................................... 11
Figure 7.Two-Parent TANF Work Participation Standard, Status by State: FY2006-
FY2018 ..................................................................... 4
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-2018 ............................................... 13
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars 12 Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2018.............................................................. 2
Table 2. TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2019 ........................................................... 4
. 14
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-2018 .B-1. Use of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category ........................................... 1415
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3435 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2018......................B-2. Uses of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total
Federal TANF and State MOE Spending ......................................................................... 16 18
Table B-1. Use of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category 3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2018 .............................................. 17........ 21
Table B-2. Uses of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total
Federal TANF and State MOE Spending ....4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2019.................................................................... 2022
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2018 5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, September of Selected Years ................................................................ 23
.. 24
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 20196. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction:
September 2019 ................................................................................... 24...................... 26
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, September of Selected Years 7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction,
for All Families: FY2019................................................................................... 26.......... 28
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction:
September 2019 ..8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-Parent
Families: FY2019....................................................................................................... 2830
Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables ................................................................................. 1412
Appendix B. State Tables ............................................................................................... 1715
Contacts
Author Information ....................................................................................................... 3031
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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 A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timeassistance over time
. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance.
expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see 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?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) funds The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) funds
TANF through November 30, 2020.
TANF through November 30, 2020.
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
states, totaling $16.5 bil ion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the states, totaling $16.5 bil ion 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.
Additional y, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and
Additional y, 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 bil ion per year for the 50 states, the programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 bil ion 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 national y and for each state—was established in the 1996 welfare reform law. The
amount—both national y 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 bil ion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount remained the same. It was not $16.6 bil ion 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 bil ion.
and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 bil ion.
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 FY2019. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2019. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the
FY2019 block grant was 37% below its value in FY1997.
FY2019 block grant was 37% below its value in FY1997.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
(In bil ions of $)
(In bil ions of $)
Cumulative Change in
State Family Assistance State Family Assistance
the Purchasing Power of
Grant (50 states, DC,
Grant in FY1997
the State Family
Fiscal Year
territories, and tribes)
Dollars
Assistance Grant
1997
1997
$16.567
$16.567
$16.567
$16.567
1998
1998
16.567
16.567
16.300
16.300
-1.6%
-1.6%
1999
1999
16.567
16.567
15.993
15.993
-3.5
-3.5
2000
2000
16.567
16.567
15.501
15.501
-6.4
-6.4
2001
2001
16.567
16.567
15.017
15.017
-9.4
-9.4
2002
2002
16.567
16.567
14.796
14.796
-10.7
-10.7
2003
2003
16.567
16.567
14.456
14.456
-12.7
-12.7
2004
2004
16.567
16.567
14.128
14.128
-14.7
-14.7
2005
2005
16.567
16.567
13.679
13.679
-17.4
-17.4
2006
2006
16.567
16.567
13.193
13.193
-20.4
-20.4
2007
2007
16.567
16.567
12.891
12.891
-22.2
-22.2
2008
2008
16.567
16.567
12.342
12.342
-25.5
-25.5
2009
2009
16.567
16.567
12.382
12.382
-25.3
-25.3
2010
2010
16.567
16.567
12.177
12.177
-26.5
-26.5
2011
2011
16.567
16.567
11.862
11.862
-28.4
-28.4
2012
2012
16.567
16.567
11.583
11.583
-30.1
-30.1
2013
2013
16.567
16.567
11.397
11.397
-31.2
-31.2
2014
2014
16.567
16.567
11.215
11.215
-32.3
-32.3
2015
2015
16.567
16.567
11.181
11.181
-32.5
-32.5
2016
2016
16.567
16.567
11.078
11.078
-33.1
-33.1
2017
2017
16.512
16.512
10.819
10.819
-34.7
-34.7
2018
2018
16.512
16.512
10.563
10.563
-36.2
-36.2
2019
2019
16.512
16.512
10.371
10.371
-37.4
-37.4
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 dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for al Urban Consumers (CPI -U). Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for al Urban Consumers (CPI -U).
How Have States Used TANF Funds?
In FY2018, a total of $31.3 bil ion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either In FY2018, a total of $31.3 bil ion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Assistance—ongoing benefits to families expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Assistance—ongoing benefits to families
to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.7 bil ion) of total FY2018 TANF and MOE dollars. to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.7 bil ion) of total FY2018 TANF and MOE dollars.
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2018, $5.3 bil ion (17% of al TANF and TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2018, $5.3 bil ion (17% of al 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
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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 bil ion, or 11% of and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.3 bil ion, 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 FY2018 totaled $2.8 bil ion, or 9% of total TANF MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2018 totaled $2.8 bil ion, or 9% of total TANF
and MOE spending. and MOE spending.
TANF and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2018 TANF and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2018
expenditures for that category at $2.6 bil ion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child expenditures for that category at $2.6 bil ion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child
welfare system, which provides foster care, adoption assistance, and services to families with welfare system, which provides foster care, adoption assistance, and services to families with
children who either have experienced or are at risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect, children who either have experienced or are at risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect,
spending about $2.4 bil ion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term spending about $2.4 bil ion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social services
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social services
. Figure 1 shows the uses of shows the uses of
federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2018. federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2018.
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2018
(Dol ars in bil ions)
(Dol ars in bil ions)
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).
Note: Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in
tribal TANF programs. tribal TANF programs.
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, se
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, se
e Table B-1 a a
nd 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 FY2018 (September 30, 2018, the most recent data currently available), a total of
At the end of FY2018 (September 30, 2018, the most recent data currently available), a total of
$5.1 bil ion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of $5.1 bil ion 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 FY2018, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4 of FY2018, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4
bil ion. At the end of FY2018, states had $3.7 bil ion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are bil ion. At the end of FY2018, states had $3.7 bil ion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are
available to states to make
available to states to make
new spending commitments spending commitments
. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state.
by state.
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2826 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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 assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services.
benefits and services.
“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) al otments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash (SNAP) al otments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash
assistance program. Additional y, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for assistance program. Additional y, 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 21%
As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 21%
of al TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families
of al TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families
receiving assistance are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-funded receiving assistance are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-funded
benefit or service.
benefit or service.
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-
Funded Assistance?
Table 2 provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.1 mil ion families, composed of 2.9 provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.1 mil ion families, composed of 2.9
mil ion recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September 2019
mil ion recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September 2019
(as of June 2020, the latest data available). The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.1 mil ion in that . The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.1 mil ion in that
month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads, month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads,
sese
e Table B-4. .
Table 2. TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2019
Families
Families
1,090,066
1,090,066
Recipients
Recipients
2,863,340
2,863,340
Child Recipients
Child Recipients
2,106,950
2,106,950
Adult Recipients
Adult Recipients
756,390
756,390
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 T he definition of T ANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most T ANF 1 T he definition of T ANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most T ANF
requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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. 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 2019. The assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to September 2019. 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 fal again during periods pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fal 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
assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 mil ion families. The assistance caseload fel rapidly in assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 mil ion families. The assistance caseload fel 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
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 mil ion families in 2007-2009 recession and its aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7 mil ion families in
August 2008, peaking in December 2010 at close to 2.0 mil ion families. By September 2019, the August 2008, peaking in December 2010 at close to 2.0 mil ion families. By September 2019, the
assistance caseload had declined to 1.1 mil ion families. As of assistance caseload had declined to 1.1 mil ion families. As of
JuneSeptember 2020, TANF assistance 2020, TANF assistance
caseload data are unavailable for the early part of 2020, including months of the economic caseload data are unavailable for the early part of 2020, including months of the economic
recession associated with the
recession associated with the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic.
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2019
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 201 9, includes families receiving assistance Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through September 201 9, 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. Seerequirement. See
Table A-1 for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child recipients for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child recipients
of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019. of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019.
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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.
What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF
Assistance?
Before PRWORA, the “typical” family receiving assistance had been headed by a single parent Before PRWORA, the “typical” family receiving assistance had been headed by a single parent
(usual y the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also typical y been
(usual y the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also typical y been
unemployed. However, unemployed. However,
over the past 20 yearssince 1996, the assistance caseload decline has occurred the assistance caseload decline has occurred
together with a major shift in the composition of the rollstogether with a major shift in the composition of the rolls
.. Figure 3 shows the change in the size shows the change in the size
and composition of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In and composition of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In
FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed by an unemployed adult recipient. In FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed by an unemployed adult recipient. In
FY2018, FY2018,
families with an unemployed adult recipient represented 32% of al cash assistance families with an unemployed adult recipient represented 32% of al 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 mil ion families per month who received AFDC cash FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8 mil ion families per month who received AFDC cash
assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In FY2018, a monthly average of 394,000 assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In FY2018, a monthly average of 394,000
families per month families per month
had adult recipients or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or had adult recipients or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or
work-eligible work-eligible
individual working. 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. The first category
by families with employed adults and “child-only” families has increased. The first category
includes families in “earnings supplement” programs separate from the regular TANF cash includes families in “earnings supplement” programs separate from the regular TANF cash
assistance program. In FY2018, families with an employed adult comprised 27% of al TANF assistance program. In FY2018, families with an employed adult comprised 27% of al TANF
families.
families.
Child-only TANF families are those where no adult recipient receives benefits in their own right;
Child-only TANF 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 child-the family receives benefits on behalf of its children. The share of the caseload that was child-
only in FY2018 was 41%. In FY2018, families with a non-recipient, nonparent relative only in FY2018 was 41%. In FY2018, families with a non-recipient, nonparent relative
(grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 16% of al assistance families. Families with ineligible, (grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 16% of al assistance families. Families with ineligible,
noncitizen adults or adults who have not reported their citizenship status made up 10% of the
noncitizen adults or adults who have not reported their citizenship status made up 10% 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 also made up 10% of al assistance families in Income (SSI) and the children received TANF also made up 10% of al assistance families in
FY2018.
FY2018.
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Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families, Selected Years FY1988 to FY2018
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 assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF 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 al (There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though al
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 usual y paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned benefit is usual y 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 financial y sanctioned for not meeting a program a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financial y 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 parent caring for shows the maximum monthly TANF cash benefit by state for a single parent caring for
two children (family of three) in July 2018.2 The benefit amounts shown are those for a single-two children (family of three) in July 2018.2 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
2018 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,039 per month in New Hampshire. The 2018 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,039 per month in New Hampshire. The
map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts
2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the T ANF 2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the T ANF
state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (
unde runder Section 411 of the Social Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). T he benefit amounts shown are from the “Security Act). T he benefit amounts shown are from the “
Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute 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
3 Some states vary their benefit amounts for other family types such as two
-parent families or “child-only” cases. States -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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in the South than in other regions. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal poverty
in the South than in other regions. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal poverty
guidelines) had a maximum TANF cash assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% guidelines) had a maximum TANF cash assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50%
of poverty-level income.4
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 2018
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 actual y a performance measure that applies to the TANF’s main federal work requirement is actual y 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 The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of
partic ipationparticipation in 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
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
4 In 2018, the HHS poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia4 In 2018, the HHS poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia
for a family of three for a family of three
was $1,732 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,165 per month for a family of three) and Hawaii was $1,732 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,165 per month for a family of three) and Hawaii
($1,992 per month for a family of three). ($1,992 per month for a family of three).
5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the 5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the
participat ionparticipation rate calculation. It excludes families 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., noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g.,
grandp arentgrandparent, aunt, uncle) who , aunt, uncle) who
does notdoes not
receive assistance on his or her behalf. receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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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. Additional y, under a regulatory provision, a state percentage point decline in a state’s caseload. Additional y, 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 wel as the caseload reduction credit, date The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as wel as the caseload reduction credit, date
back to the 1996 welfare reform law. However, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA, P.L. 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.
109-171) made 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 al owable TANF work activities
HHS was instructed to provide definition to the al owable 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, P.L. 111-5), a law enacted in
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5), 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
al owing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011 al owing 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 “al -effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “al -
families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the al -families effective families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the al -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).
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Figure 5 shows the national average al -families work participation rate for FY2002 through shows the national average al -families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2018FY2019. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average al -families work . For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average al -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-
FY2019
FY2002-FY2018
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS)Congressional Research Service (CRS)
, based on data from based on data from
the U.S. the Department of Health and Human Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
How Many Jurisdictions Did Not Meet TANF Work Standards in FY2019? In FY2019, Montana was the only jurisdiction that did not meet its TANF w ork participation standard for al families. Montana also did not meet its standard in FY2018. In terms of the higher two-parent standard, five jurisdictions did not meet it for FY2019: California, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. Table B-7 provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for al families for FY2019.
Table B-8 provides that information for two-parent families
How Many Jurisdictions Did Not Meet the All-Families Standard?
Figure 6 shows which states and territories did not meet the TANF al -families work participation
standards from FY2006 through FY2018. Before FY2007, the first year that DRA was effective, only a few jurisdictions did not meet TANF al -families work participation standards. However, in FY2007, 15 jurisdictions did not meet the al -families standard. This number declined to 9 in
FY2008 and 8 in FY2009.
In FY2012, despite the uptick in the national average work participation rate, 16 states or territories did not meet the al -family standard, the largest number of jurisdictions that did not meet their participation 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 jurisdictions were
general y required to meet higher standards than in previous years.
The number of jurisdictions that did not meet the al -families participation standard declined over the FY2012 to FY2018 period. In FY2018, Montana was the only jurisdiction that did not meet
this standard. .
6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, 6 See CRS In Focus IF10856,
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. .
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Figure 6. Jurisdictions That Met or Did Not Meet the TANF All-Families Work
Participation Standard: FY2006-FY2018
(Changes to TANF work participation standard rules under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 [DRA],
ef ective in FY2007)
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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Have Jurisdictions Met the Two-Parent Work Participation
Standard?
In addition to meeting a work standard for al families, TANF also imposes a second standard—90%—for the two-parent portion of its cash assistance caseload. This standard can also be
lowered by caseload reduction.
Figure 7 shows whether each state or territory met its two-parent work participation standard for FY2006 through FY2018. However, the display on the table is more complex than that for
reporting whether a jurisdiction met or did not meet its “al family” rate.
A substantial number of states and territories have reported no two-parent families subject to the work participation standard. These jurisdictions are denoted on the table with an “NA,” indicating that the two-parent standard was not applicable to the jurisdiction in that year. Before the changes made by the DRA were effective, a number of jurisdictions had their two-parent families in
separate state programs 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 number of jurisdictions moved these families into solely state-funded programs. These are state-funded programs with expenditures not countable toward the TANF maintenance
of effort requirement, and hence are outside of TANF’s rules.
For jurisdictions 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 29 jurisdictions that had two-parent families in their FY2018 TANF work participation
calculation, 22 met the standard and 7 did not.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Figure 7.Two-Parent TANF Work Participation Standard, Status by State: FY2006-
FY2018
(“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].)
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Note: A “qual.” state is one that qualifies because it has two-parent families within its TANF or SSP caseload.
Congressional Research Service
13The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
How Might the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Ability of States to Meet TANF Work Standards The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect states’ ability to meet their work participation standards. Employment losses, disruptions in education, and the inability of states to engage recipients in group activities (e.g., job clubs) could al result in lower participation in work or job preparation activities. Additional y, if the economic dislocation results in higher assistance
caseloads, a state’s caseload reduction credit would be reduced, resulting in a higher effective
(after-credit) participation standard for the state to meet.
The rules governing the TANF work participation standards cannot be waived, other than through
new legislation. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability to reduce or waive the penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation standard. HHS has said that it would exercise its authority to provide states with relief from the
penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent possible.”7
7 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, Questions and answers about TANF and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) pandem ic, T ANF-ACF-Pi-2020-01, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/tanf-acf-pi-2020-01.
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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: 1961-2018
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
1.479
1.479
3.780
3.780
1.037
1.037
2.743
2.743
3.7
3.7
20.7
20.7
2017
2017
1.358
1.358
3.516
3.516
0,930
0,930
2.577
2.577
3.5
3.5
20.1
20.1
2018
2018
1.196
1.196
3.150
3.150
0.833
0.833
2.317
2.317
3.2
3.2
19.5
19.5
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 col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of al children and percent and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of al children and percent
of al poor children were estimated by HHS and published in of al 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 http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/14/indicators/rpt_indicators.pdf. , 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-FY2018
1988
1994
2001
2006
2018
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
3,136,56
3,136,56
3,798,99
3,798,99
992,445
992,445
825,490
825,490
394,316
394,316
Working
Working
6
6
7
7
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
327,649
327,649
Child-Only/SSI Parent
Child-Only/SSI Parent
59,988
59,988
171,391
171,391
171,951
171,951
176,670
176,670
116,859
116,859
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
47,566
47,566
184,397
184,397
125,900
125,900
153,445
153,445
120,438
120,438
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
3,007
3,007
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
188,598
188,598
328,290
328,290
255,984
255,984
261,944
261,944
194,935
194,935
Child-Only/Unknown
Child-Only/Unknown
19,897
19,897
38,341
38,341
143,834
143,834
122,738
122,738
70,205
70,205
Totals
Totals
3,747,95
3,747,95
5,046,26
5,046,26
2,202,35
2,202,35
1,957,40
1,957,40
1,227,41
1,227,41
2
2
3
3
6
6
2
2
0
0
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
83.7
83.7
75.3
75.3
45.1
45.1
42.2
42.2
32.1
32.1
Working
Working
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
26.7
26.7
Child-Only/SSI Parent
Child-Only/SSI Parent
1.6
1.6
3.4
3.4
7.8
7.8
9.0
9.0
9.5
9.5
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
1.3
1.3
3.7
3.7
5.7
5.7
7.8
7.8
9.8
9.8
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
0.2
0.2
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
5.0
5.0
6.5
6.5
11.6
11.6
13.4
13.4
15.9
15.9
Child-Only/Unknown
Child-Only/Unknown
0.5
0.5
0.8
0.8
6.5
6.5
6.3
6.3
5.7
5.7
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 FY2018 TANF National Data Files. (QC) data files and the FY2001, FY2006, and FY2018 TANF National Data Files.
Notes: FY2001 through FY2018 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) FY2001 through FY2018 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs)
with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. For FY2018, TANF with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. For FY2018, 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 rol s, but the family continues to receive nonrecipient parents who have been time-limited or sanctioned off the rol s, 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 FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
(Dol ars in mil ions)
(Dol ars in mil ions)
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Administ-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
ration
Benefits
Services
Totals
Alabama
Alabama
$20.322
$20.322
$5.869
$5.869
$6.318
$6.318
$0.000
$0.000
$22.273
$22.273
$40.456
$40.456
$19.381
$19.381
$34.229
$34.229
$34.613
$34.613
$183.461
$183.461
Alaska
Alaska
42.074
42.074
18.167
18.167
8.775
8.775
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
8.356
8.356
0.303
0.303
15.111
15.111
92.786
92.786
Arizona
Arizona
41.697
41.697
2.547
2.547
0.377
0.377
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
227.246
227.246
19.510
19.510
9.483
9.483
33.361
33.361
334.222
334.222
Arkansas
Arkansas
4.099
4.099
15.515
15.515
14.674
14.674
0.000
0.000
108.351
108.351
0.330
0.330
13.143
13.143
4.079
4.079
4.985
4.985
165.175
165.175
California
California
2,329.995
2,329.995
742.572
742.572
1,778.602
1,778.602
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.003
0.003
536.493
536.493
254.368
254.368
951.812
951.812
6,593.846
6,593.846
Colorado
Colorado
55.969
55.969
17.933
17.933
10.675
10.675
78.133
78.133
62.010
62.010
46.305
46.305
23.917
23.917
20.468
20.468
65.744
65.744
381.154
381.154
Connecticut
Connecticut
50.236
50.236
39.992
39.992
11.732
11.732
56.444
56.444
76.203
76.203
62.230
62.230
36.063
36.063
19.726
19.726
145.736
145.736
498.362
498.362
Delaware
Delaware
13.868
13.868
76.442
76.442
3.791
3.791
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
3.521
3.521
2.649
2.649
16.273
16.273
116.543
116.543
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
114.482
114.482
59.117
59.117
29.873
29.873
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
9.730
9.730
67.559
67.559
8.899
8.899
289.659
289.659
Florida
Florida
160.443
160.443
316.879
316.879
43.770
43.770
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
269.205
269.205
70.038
70.038
0.902
0.902
80.325
80.325
941.562
941.562
Georgia
Georgia
95.550
95.550
22.183
22.183
10.626
10.626
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
247.792
247.792
19.767
19.767
4.672
4.672
89.556
89.556
490.146
490.146
Hawai
Hawai
28.603
28.603
11.042
11.042
41.180
41.180
0.000
0.000
0.181
0.181
0.536
0.536
13.425
13.425
5.701
5.701
98.041
98.041
198.708
198.708
Idaho
Idaho
8.219
8.219
13.637
13.637
2.759
2.759
0.000
0.000
1.509
1.509
1.507
1.507
7.759
7.759
12.651
12.651
1.506
1.506
49.547
49.547
Il inois
Il inois
31.883
31.883
593.251
593.251
19.252
19.252
66.150
66.150
106.476
106.476
242.283
242.283
0.062
0.062
0.740
0.740
83.502
83.502
1,143.599
1,143.599
Indiana
Indiana
14.744
14.744
118.452
118.452
83.762
83.762
27.530
27.530
0.000
0.000
9.337
9.337
24.102
24.102
0.388
0.388
136.557
136.557
414.873
414.873
Iowa
Iowa
33.549
33.549
58.003
58.003
10.485
10.485
25.939
25.939
0.000
0.000
55.569
55.569
5.965
5.965
0.298
0.298
21.696
21.696
211.506
211.506
Kansas
Kansas
13.026
13.026
6.673
6.673
1.021
1.021
49.902
49.902
15.198
15.198
24.611
24.611
11.446
11.446
0.001
0.001
43.604
43.604
165.480
165.480
Kentucky
Kentucky
172.118
172.118
36.051
36.051
29.026
29.026
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
11.201
11.201
0.000
0.000
13.154
13.154
261.549
261.549
CRS-
CRS-
1715
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Administ-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
ration
Benefits
Services
Totals
Louisiana
Louisiana
19.673
19.673
11.122
11.122
33.016
33.016
13.627
13.627
45.490
45.490
37.556
37.556
18.429
18.429
11.686
11.686
34.916
34.916
225.516
225.516
Maine
Maine
30.393
30.393
16.412
16.412
12.457
12.457
7.592
7.592
0.719
0.719
8.425
8.425
5.099
5.099
4.867
4.867
31.073
31.073
117.038
117.038
Maryland
Maryland
111.809
111.809
7.336
7.336
28.247
28.247
152.658
152.658
58.188
58.188
26.017
26.017
21.845
21.845
42.786
42.786
51.461
51.461
500.347
500.347
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
197.096
197.096
338.728
338.728
168.496
168.496
173.120
173.120
0.000
0.000
5.412
5.412
37.800
37.800
106.280
106.280
68.388
68.388
1,095.319
1,095.319
Michigan
Michigan
168.726
168.726
27.829
27.829
4.868
4.868
47.087
47.087
187.157
187.157
98.198
98.198
53.241
53.241
66.007
66.007
750.442
750.442
1,403.556
1,403.556
Minnesota
Minnesota
85.569
85.569
156.198
156.198
61.434
61.434
152.779
152.779
5.700
5.700
0.000
0.000
54.632
54.632
24.678
24.678
22.180
22.180
563.170
563.170
Mississippi
Mississippi
7.283
7.283
1.715
1.715
28.282
28.282
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
20.758
20.758
16.345
16.345
0.000
0.000
60.413
60.413
134.797
134.797
Missouri
Missouri
35.600
35.600
48.658
48.658
77.253
77.253
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
131.817
131.817
7.822
7.822
76.644
76.644
37.671
37.671
415.466
415.466
Montana
Montana
25.091
25.091
9.410
9.410
3.931
3.931
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
2.460
2.460
4.688
4.688
2.748
2.748
11.092
11.092
59.420
59.420
Nebraska
Nebraska
26.057
26.057
22.244
22.244
11.926
11.926
33.834
33.834
0.000
0.000
4.174
4.174
5.032
5.032
0.146
0.146
0.741
0.741
104.154
104.154
Nevada
Nevada
38.178
38.178
16.590
16.590
1.489
1.489
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
15.604
15.604
8.163
8.163
2.721
2.721
20.390
20.390
103.135
103.135
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
30.651
30.651
4.582
4.582
7.689
7.689
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
5.309
5.309
11.234
11.234
7.129
7.129
17.733
17.733
84.327
84.327
New Jersey
New Jersey
81.594
81.594
166.219
166.219
80.724
80.724
348.961
348.961
549.240
549.240
0.000
0.000
51.532
51.532
15.091
15.091
71.483
71.483
1,364.843
1,364.843
New Mexico
New Mexico
55.419
55.419
31.278
31.278
18.902
18.902
71.929
71.929
41.168
41.168
0.870
0.870
4.953
4.953
2.919
2.919
19.230
19.230
246.666
246.666
New York
New York
1,489.959
1,489.959
577.447
577.447
131.513
131.513
1,403.065
1,403.065
498.970
498.970
247.188
247.188
417.750
417.750
313.621
313.621
308.739
308.739
5,388.252
5,388.252
North Carolina
North Carolina
36.847
36.847
216.874
216.874
5.437
5.437
0.000
0.000
120.828
120.828
124.292
124.292
44.812
44.812
5.421
5.421
42.710
42.710
597.221
597.221
North Dakota
North Dakota
3.934
3.934
1.074
1.074
3.893
3.893
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
28.739
28.739
4.255
4.255
0.019
0.019
1.212
1.212
43.127
43.127
Ohio
Ohio
236.819
236.819
405.938
405.938
90.064
90.064
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
11.916
11.916
110.937
110.937
54.605
54.605
222.014
222.014
1,132.292
1,132.292
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
29.493
29.493
39.188
39.188
9.354
9.354
0.000
0.000
12.079
12.079
14.304
14.304
8.623
8.623
3.155
3.155
30.506
30.506
146.702
146.702
Oregon
Oregon
83.385
83.385
11.175
11.175
16.521
16.521
3.381
3.381
8.630
8.630
14.588
14.588
41.043
41.043
32.056
32.056
65.658
65.658
276.435
276.435
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
167.239
167.239
478.148
478.148
102.955
102.955
0.000
0.000
176.997
176.997
0.000
0.000
73.820
73.820
14.928
14.928
140.721
140.721
1,154.808
1,154.808
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
25.472
25.472
40.366
40.366
9.874
9.874
22.705
22.705
0.000
0.000
23.308
23.308
8.839
8.839
24.855
24.855
12.235
12.235
167.654
167.654
CRS-
CRS-
1816
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Administ-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
ration
Benefits
Services
Totals
South Carolina
South Carolina
52.919
52.919
4.085
4.085
33.401
33.401
0.000
0.000
26.382
26.382
5.050
5.050
18.931
18.931
0.000
0.000
23.993
23.993
164.761
164.761
South Dakota
South Dakota
15.094
15.094
0.803
0.803
3.517
3.517
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
4.863
4.863
2.016
2.016
3.451
3.451
2.896
2.896
32.639
32.639
Tennessee
Tennessee
18.417
18.417
0.000
0.000
7.592
7.592
0.000
0.000
85.990
85.990
0.000
0.000
26.241
26.241
0.000
0.000
0.187
0.187
138.426
138.426
Texas
Texas
53.170
53.170
0.000
0.000
84.856
84.856
0.000
0.000
340.550
340.550
240.425
240.425
77.213
77.213
3.802
3.802
62.412
62.412
862.428
862.428
Utah
Utah
18.920
18.920
23.452
23.452
22.689
22.689
0.000
0.000
7.767
7.767
3.750
3.750
13.811
13.811
2.963
2.963
25.509
25.509
118.861
118.861
Vermont
Vermont
14.148
14.148
29.849
29.849
1.989
1.989
18.312
18.312
0.000
0.000
5.770
5.770
6.032
6.032
1.317
1.317
15.925
15.925
93.342
93.342
Virginia
Virginia
67.733
67.733
37.011
37.011
39.856
39.856
0.000
0.000
4.383
4.383
8.160
8.160
40.268
40.268
4.727
4.727
76.812
76.812
278.950
278.950
Washington
Washington
135.807
135.807
227.095
227.095
101.517
101.517
0.000
0.000
39.450
39.450
0.000
0.000
122.470
122.470
58.065
58.065
374.341
374.341
1,058.746
1,058.746
West Virginia
West Virginia
26.206
26.206
16.242
16.242
0.473
0.473
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
31.757
31.757
14.329
14.329
12.749
12.749
25.317
25.317
127.074
127.074
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
82.282
82.282
203.163
203.163
26.142
26.142
69.700
69.700
0.000
0.000
5.364
5.364
26.429
26.429
38.640
38.640
129.371
129.371
581.091
581.091
Wyoming
Wyoming
9.075
9.075
1.554
1.554
3.033
3.033
0.000
0.000
0.939
0.939
0.000
0.000
4.270
4.270
3.175
3.175
1.582
1.582
23.628
23.628
Totals
Totals
6,710.93 5,326.11
6,710.93 5,326.11
3,340.09
3,340.09
2,822.85
2,822.85
2,602.83
2,602.83
2,353.48
2,353.48
2,196.78
2,196.78
1,379.47
1,379.47
4,603.83
4,603.83
31,336.37
31,336.37
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).
Note: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. : Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.
CRS-
CRS-
1917
Table B-2. Uses of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total Federal TANF and State MOE
Spending
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Admin-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
istration
Benefits
Services
Totals
Alabama
Alabama
11.1%
11.1%
3.2%
3.2%
3.4%
3.4%
0.0%
0.0%
12.1%
12.1%
22.1%
22.1%
10.6%
10.6%
18.7%
18.7%
18.9%
18.9%
100.0%
100.0%
Alaska
Alaska
45.3
45.3
19.6
19.6
9.5
9.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
9.0
9.0
0.3
0.3
16.3
16.3
100.0
100.0
Arizona
Arizona
12.5
12.5
0.8
0.8
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
68.0
68.0
5.8
5.8
2.8
2.8
10.0
10.0
100.0
100.0
Arkansas
Arkansas
2.5
2.5
9.4
9.4
8.9
8.9
0.0
0.0
65.6
65.6
0.2
0.2
8.0
8.0
2.5
2.5
3.0
3.0
100.0
100.0
California
California
35.3
35.3
11.3
11.3
27.0
27.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.1
8.1
3.9
3.9
14.4
14.4
100.0
100.0
Colorado
Colorado
14.7
14.7
4.7
4.7
2.8
2.8
20.5
20.5
16.3
16.3
12.1
12.1
6.3
6.3
5.4
5.4
17.2
17.2
100.0
100.0
Connecticut
Connecticut
10.1
10.1
8.0
8.0
2.4
2.4
11.3
11.3
15.3
15.3
12.5
12.5
7.2
7.2
4.0
4.0
29.2
29.2
100.0
100.0
Delaware
Delaware
11.9
11.9
65.6
65.6
3.3
3.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.0
3.0
2.3
2.3
14.0
14.0
100.0
100.0
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
39.5
39.5
20.4
20.4
10.3
10.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.4
3.4
23.3
23.3
3.1
3.1
100.0
100.0
Florida
Florida
17.0
17.0
33.7
33.7
4.6
4.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
28.6
28.6
7.4
7.4
0.1
0.1
8.5
8.5
100.0
100.0
Georgia
Georgia
19.5
19.5
4.5
4.5
2.2
2.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
50.6
50.6
4.0
4.0
1.0
1.0
18.3
18.3
100.0
100.0
Hawai
Hawai
14.4
14.4
5.6
5.6
20.7
20.7
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.3
6.8
6.8
2.9
2.9
49.3
49.3
100.0
100.0
Idaho
Idaho
16.6
16.6
27.5
27.5
5.6
5.6
0.0
0.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
15.7
15.7
25.5
25.5
3.0
3.0
100.0
100.0
Il inois
Il inois
2.8
2.8
51.9
51.9
1.7
1.7
5.8
5.8
9.3
9.3
21.2
21.2
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
7.3
7.3
100.0
100.0
Indiana
Indiana
3.6
3.6
28.6
28.6
20.2
20.2
6.6
6.6
0.0
0.0
2.3
2.3
5.8
5.8
0.1
0.1
32.9
32.9
100.0
100.0
Iowa
Iowa
15.9
15.9
27.4
27.4
5.0
5.0
12.3
12.3
0.0
0.0
26.3
26.3
2.8
2.8
0.1
0.1
10.3
10.3
100.0
100.0
Kansas
Kansas
7.9
7.9
4.0
4.0
0.6
0.6
30.2
30.2
9.2
9.2
14.9
14.9
6.9
6.9
0.0
0.0
26.3
26.3
100.0
100.0
Kentucky
Kentucky
65.8
65.8
13.8
13.8
11.1
11.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.3
4.3
0.0
0.0
5.0
5.0
100.0
100.0
Louisiana
Louisiana
8.7
8.7
4.9
4.9
14.6
14.6
6.0
6.0
20.2
20.2
16.7
16.7
8.2
8.2
5.2
5.2
15.5
15.5
100.0
100.0
Maine
Maine
26.0
26.0
14.0
14.0
10.6
10.6
6.5
6.5
0.6
0.6
7.2
7.2
4.4
4.4
4.2
4.2
26.5
26.5
100.0
100.0
CRS-
CRS-
2018
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Admin-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
istration
Benefits
Services
Totals
Maryland
Maryland
22.3
22.3
1.5
1.5
5.6
5.6
30.5
30.5
11.6
11.6
5.2
5.2
4.4
4.4
8.6
8.6
10.3
10.3
100.0
100.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
18.0
18.0
30.9
30.9
15.4
15.4
15.8
15.8
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.5
3.5
3.5
9.7
9.7
6.2
6.2
100.0
100.0
Michigan
Michigan
12.0
12.0
2.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
3.4
3.4
13.3
13.3
7.0
7.0
3.8
3.8
4.7
4.7
53.5
53.5
100.0
100.0
Minnesota
Minnesota
15.2
15.2
27.7
27.7
10.9
10.9
27.1
27.1
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
9.7
9.7
4.4
4.4
3.9
3.9
100.0
100.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
5.4
5.4
1.3
1.3
21.0
21.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
15.4
15.4
12.1
12.1
0.0
0.0
44.8
44.8
100.0
100.0
Missouri
Missouri
8.6
8.6
11.7
11.7
18.6
18.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
31.7
31.7
1.9
1.9
18.4
18.4
9.1
9.1
100.0
100.0
Montana
Montana
42.2
42.2
15.8
15.8
6.6
6.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.1
4.1
7.9
7.9
4.6
4.6
18.7
18.7
100.0
100.0
Nebraska
Nebraska
25.0
25.0
21.4
21.4
11.5
11.5
32.5
32.5
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
4.8
4.8
0.1
0.1
0.7
0.7
100.0
100.0
Nevada
Nevada
37.0
37.0
16.1
16.1
1.4
1.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
15.1
15.1
7.9
7.9
2.6
2.6
19.8
19.8
100.0
100.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
36.3
36.3
5.4
5.4
9.1
9.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.3
6.3
13.3
13.3
8.5
8.5
21.0
21.0
100.0
100.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
6.0
6.0
12.2
12.2
5.9
5.9
25.6
25.6
40.2
40.2
0.0
0.0
3.8
3.8
1.1
1.1
5.2
5.2
100.0
100.0
New Mexico
New Mexico
22.5
22.5
12.7
12.7
7.7
7.7
29.2
29.2
16.7
16.7
0.4
0.4
2.0
2.0
1.2
1.2
7.8
7.8
100.0
100.0
New York
New York
27.7
27.7
10.7
10.7
2.4
2.4
26.0
26.0
9.3
9.3
4.6
4.6
7.8
7.8
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.7
100.0
100.0
North Carolina
North Carolina
6.2
6.2
36.3
36.3
0.9
0.9
0.0
0.0
20.2
20.2
20.8
20.8
7.5
7.5
0.9
0.9
7.2
7.2
100.0
100.0
North Dakota
North Dakota
9.1
9.1
2.5
2.5
9.0
9.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
66.6
66.6
9.9
9.9
0.0
0.0
2.8
2.8
100.0
100.0
Ohio
Ohio
20.9
20.9
35.9
35.9
8.0
8.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.1
1.1
9.8
9.8
4.8
4.8
19.6
19.6
100.0
100.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
20.1
20.1
26.7
26.7
6.4
6.4
0.0
0.0
8.2
8.2
9.8
9.8
5.9
5.9
2.2
2.2
20.8
20.8
100.0
100.0
Oregon
Oregon
30.2
30.2
4.0
4.0
6.0
6.0
1.2
1.2
3.1
3.1
5.3
5.3
14.8
14.8
11.6
11.6
23.8
23.8
100.0
100.0
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
14.5
14.5
41.4
41.4
8.9
8.9
0.0
0.0
15.3
15.3
0.0
0.0
6.4
6.4
1.3
1.3
12.2
12.2
100.0
100.0
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
15.2
15.2
24.1
24.1
5.9
5.9
13.5
13.5
0.0
0.0
13.9
13.9
5.3
5.3
14.8
14.8
7.3
7.3
100.0
100.0
South Carolina
South Carolina
32.1
32.1
2.5
2.5
20.3
20.3
0.0
0.0
16.0
16.0
3.1
3.1
11.5
11.5
0.0
0.0
14.6
14.6
100.0
100.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
46.2
46.2
2.5
2.5
10.8
10.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
14.9
14.9
6.2
6.2
10.6
10.6
8.9
8.9
100.0
100.0
CRS-
CRS-
2119
Emer-
Work,
gency
Other
Education
Refund-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Child
and
able Tax
K/Head
Child
Admin-
Term
and
State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
istration
Benefits
Services
Totals
Tennessee
Tennessee
13.3
13.3
0.0
0.0
5.5
5.5
0.0
0.0
62.1
62.1
0.0
0.0
19.0
19.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
100.0
100.0
Texas
Texas
6.2
6.2
0.0
0.0
9.8
9.8
0.0
0.0
39.5
39.5
27.9
27.9
9.0
9.0
0.4
0.4
7.2
7.2
100.0
100.0
Utah
Utah
15.9
15.9
19.7
19.7
19.1
19.1
0.0
0.0
6.5
6.5
3.2
3.2
11.6
11.6
2.5
2.5
21.5
21.5
100.0
100.0
Vermont
Vermont
15.2
15.2
32.0
32.0
2.1
2.1
19.6
19.6
0.0
0.0
6.2
6.2
6.5
6.5
1.4
1.4
17.1
17.1
100.0
100.0
Virginia
Virginia
24.3
24.3
13.3
13.3
14.3
14.3
0.0
0.0
1.6
1.6
2.9
2.9
14.4
14.4
1.7
1.7
27.5
27.5
100.0
100.0
Washington
Washington
12.8
12.8
21.4
21.4
9.6
9.6
0.0
0.0
3.7
3.7
0.0
0.0
11.6
11.6
5.5
5.5
35.4
35.4
100.0
100.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
20.6
20.6
12.8
12.8
0.4
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
25.0
25.0
11.3
11.3
10.0
10.0
19.9
19.9
100.0
100.0
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
14.2
14.2
35.0
35.0
4.5
4.5
12.0
12.0
0.0
0.0
0.9
0.9
4.5
4.5
6.6
6.6
22.3
22.3
100.0
100.0
Wyoming
Wyoming
38.4
38.4
6.6
6.6
12.8
12.8
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
0.0
0.0
18.1
18.1
13.4
13.4
6.7
6.7
100.0
100.0
Totals
Totals
21.4
21.4
17.0
17.0
10.7
10.7
9.0
9.0
8.3
8.3
7.5
7.5
7.0
7.0
4.4
4.4
14.7
14.7
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).
Note: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.
CRS-
CRS-
2220
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2018
(September 30, 2018, in mil ions of dol ars)
(September 30, 2018, in mil ions of dol ars)
Obligated But
Unobligated and
State
Not Spent
Unspent
Alabama
Alabama
$0.0
$0.0
$86.4
$86.4
Alaska
Alaska
0.0
0.0
36.3
36.3
Arizona
Arizona
0.0
0.0
49.4
49.4
Arkansas
Arkansas
20.4
20.4
53.4
53.4
California
California
257.8
257.8
0.0
0.0
Colorado
Colorado
0.0
0.0
104.5
104.5
Connecticut
Connecticut
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Delaware
Delaware
0.6
0.6
14.1
14.1
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
0.0
0.0
48.7
48.7
Florida
Florida
15.9
15.9
0.0
0.0
Georgia
Georgia
10.7
10.7
66.8
66.8
Hawai
Hawai
20.7
20.7
280.6
280.6
Idaho
Idaho
0.0
0.0
13.8
13.8
Il inois
Il inois
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Indiana
Indiana
13.7
13.7
50.8
50.8
Iowa
Iowa
0.7
0.7
0.0
0.0
Kansas
Kansas
2.0
2.0
73.8
73.8
Kentucky
Kentucky
0.0
0.0
63.8
63.8
Louisiana
Louisiana
9.5
9.5
0.0
0.0
Maine
Maine
14.2
14.2
130.8
130.8
Maryland
Maryland
0.0
0.0
8.6
8.6
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Michigan
Michigan
0.0
0.0
56.1
56.1
Minnesota
Minnesota
0.0
0.0
58.0
58.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
0.0
0.0
8.4
8.4
Missouri
Missouri
0.0
0.0
5.3
5.3
Montana
Montana
0.0
0.0
15.6
15.6
Nebraska
Nebraska
0.0
0.0
70.4
70.4
Nevada
Nevada
0.0
0.0
32.8
32.8
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
0.0
0.0
55.4
55.4
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Obligated But
Unobligated and
State
Not Spent
Unspent
New Jersey
New Jersey
10.9
10.9
11.1
11.1
New Mexico
New Mexico
0.0
0.0
88.7
88.7
New York
New York
34.1
34.1
513.3
513.3
North Carolina
North Carolina
51.1
51.1
0.0
0.0
North Dakota
North Dakota
1.9
1.9
0.0
0.0
Ohio
Ohio
542.3
542.3
0.5
0.5
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
134.5
134.5
0.0
0.0
Oregon
Oregon
0.0
0.0
13.8
13.8
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
77.4
77.4
430.7
430.7
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
0.0
0.0
16.8
16.8
South Carolina
South Carolina
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
0.0
0.0
19.6
19.6
Tennessee
Tennessee
0.0
0.0
570.7
570.7
Texas
Texas
204.9
204.9
123.5
123.5
Utah
Utah
0.0
0.0
60.6
60.6
Vermont
Vermont
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Virginia
Virginia
6.9
6.9
133.9
133.9
Washington
Washington
0.0
0.0
48.4
48.4
West Virginia
West Virginia
0.0
0.0
74.6
74.6
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
0.0
0.0
175.6
175.6
Wyoming
Wyoming
4.5
4.5
25.4
25.4
Totals
Totals
1,434.9
1,434.9
3,691.1
3,691.1
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).
Note: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2019
Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama
Alabama
7,687
7,687
17,453
17,453
14,340
14,340
3,113
3,113
Alaska
Alaska
2,245
2,245
5,876
5,876
4,088
4,088
1,788
1,788
Arizona
Arizona
7,010
7,010
14,003
14,003
11,511
11,511
2,492
2,492
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
2422
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Arkansas
Arkansas
2,357
2,357
5,296
5,296
4,006
4,006
1,290
1,290
California
California
367,313
367,313
1,186,031
1,186,031
834,509
834,509
351,522
351,522
Colorado
Colorado
14,226
14,226
35,165
35,165
25,631
25,631
9,534
9,534
Connecticut
Connecticut
7,724
7,724
15,857
15,857
11,568
11,568
4,289
4,289
Delaware
Delaware
3,249
3,249
9,060
9,060
5,413
5,413
3,647
3,647
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
7,745
7,745
22,316
22,316
16,169
16,169
6,147
6,147
Florida
Florida
38,093
38,093
60,050
60,050
51,103
51,103
8,947
8,947
Georgia
Georgia
8,837
8,837
16,202
16,202
15,214
15,214
988
988
Guam
Guam
439
439
974
974
826
826
148
148
Hawai
Hawai
4,029
4,029
11,005
11,005
7,829
7,829
3,176
3,176
Idaho
Idaho
2,043
2,043
2,946
2,946
2,859
2,859
87
87
Il inois
Il inois
10,874
10,874
21,635
21,635
19,449
19,449
2,186
2,186
Indiana
Indiana
5,164
5,164
10,425
10,425
9,356
9,356
1,069
1,069
Iowa
Iowa
8,922
8,922
21,527
21,527
16,498
16,498
5,029
5,029
Kansas
Kansas
4,039
4,039
4,039
4,039
2,080
2,080
1,959
1,959
Kentucky
Kentucky
16,586
16,586
33,282
33,282
29,002
29,002
4,280
4,280
Louisiana
Louisiana
4,726
4,726
11,496
11,496
9,619
9,619
1,877
1,877
Maine
Maine
14,634
14,634
49,039
49,039
30,601
30,601
18,438
18,438
Maryland
Maryland
16,469
16,469
39,936
39,936
29,814
29,814
10,122
10,122
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
50,166
50,166
134,451
134,451
95,321
95,321
39,130
39,130
Michigan
Michigan
10,794
10,794
27,295
27,295
22,311
22,311
4,984
4,984
Minnesota
Minnesota
15,399
15,399
36,303
36,303
28,132
28,132
8,171
8,171
Mississippi
Mississippi
3,083
3,083
5,863
5,863
4,864
4,864
999
999
Missouri
Missouri
9,760
9,760
22,622
22,622
17,343
17,343
5,279
5,279
Montana
Montana
3,236
3,236
7,785
7,785
6,049
6,049
1,736
1,736
Nebraska
Nebraska
4,364
4,364
10,775
10,775
9,065
9,065
1,710
1,710
Nevada
Nevada
8,042
8,042
20,194
20,194
15,297
15,297
4,897
4,897
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
5,206
5,206
12,363
12,363
9,028
9,028
3,335
3,335
New Jersey
New Jersey
8,857
8,857
20,115
20,115
15,669
15,669
4,446
4,446
New Mexico
New Mexico
10,087
10,087
25,027
25,027
18,877
18,877
6,150
6,150
New York
New York
113,971
113,971
293,343
293,343
205,260
205,260
88,083
88,083
North Carolina
North Carolina
13,064
13,064
21,922
21,922
20,157
20,157
1,765
1,765
North Dakota
North Dakota
939
939
2,325
2,325
1,986
1,986
339
339
Ohio
Ohio
51,140
51,140
92,366
92,366
83,662
83,662
8,704
8,704
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
5,949
5,949
13,048
13,048
11,389
11,389
1,659
1,659
Oregon
Oregon
36,971
36,971
108,967
108,967
70,854
70,854
38,113
38,113
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
39,746
39,746
97,743
97,743
73,234
73,234
24,509
24,509
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
4,475
4,475
12,279
12,279
7,625
7,625
4,654
4,654
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
4,002
4,002
9,809
9,809
7,187
7,187
2,622
2,622
South Carolina
South Carolina
7,649
7,649
16,922
16,922
14,339
14,339
2,583
2,583
South Dakota
South Dakota
2,923
2,923
5,741
5,741
5,329
5,329
412
412
Tennessee
Tennessee
19,221
19,221
41,313
41,313
33,537
33,537
7,776
7,776
Texas
Texas
22,821
22,821
49,308
49,308
42,670
42,670
6,638
6,638
Utah
Utah
3,170
3,170
7,448
7,448
5,572
5,572
1,876
1,876
Vermont
Vermont
2,669
2,669
6,031
6,031
4,369
4,369
1,662
1,662
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
96
96
318
318
222
222
96
96
Virginia
Virginia
19,875
19,875
35,582
35,582
27,876
27,876
7,706
7,706
Washington
Washington
36,023
36,023
86,306
86,306
59,713
59,713
26,593
26,593
West Virginia
West Virginia
6,331
6,331
12,481
12,481
10,442
10,442
2,039
2,039
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
15,122
15,122
32,503
32,503
27,173
27,173
5,330
5,330
Wyoming
Wyoming
504
504
1,179
1,179
913
913
266
266
Totals
Totals
1,090,066
1,090,066
2,863,340
2,863,340
2,106,950
2,106,950
756,390
756,390
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.
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, September of Selected Years
Percentage Change to 2019 from …
Jurisdiction
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
1994
Alabama
Alabama
48,752
48,752
23,052
23,052
8,182
8,182
7,687
7,687
-6.0
-6.0
-84.2
-84.2
Alaska
Alaska
12,450
12,450
3,507
3,507
2,571
2,571
2,245
2,245
-12.7
-12.7
-82.0
-82.0
Arizona
Arizona
72,728
72,728
18,774
18,774
7,372
7,372
7,010
7,010
-4.9
-4.9
-90.4
-90.4
Arkansas
Arkansas
25,298
25,298
8,469
8,469
2,859
2,859
2,357
2,357
-17.6
-17.6
-90.7
-90.7
California
California
916,795
916,795
590,121
590,121
409,043
409,043
367,313
367,313
-10.2
-10.2
-59.9
-59.9
Colorado
Colorado
40,544
40,544
11,707
11,707
12,502
12,502
14,226
14,226
13.8
13.8
-64.9
-64.9
Connecticut
Connecticut
60,336
60,336
16,848
16,848
8,964
8,964
7,724
7,724
-13.8
-13.8
-87.2
-87.2
Delaware
Delaware
11,408
11,408
5,508
5,508
3,760
3,760
3,249
3,249
-13.6
-13.6
-71.5
-71.5
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
27,320
27,320
8,547
8,547
5,840
5,840
7,745
7,745
32.6
32.6
-71.7
-71.7
Florida
Florida
239,702
239,702
57,742
57,742
41,469
41,469
38,093
38,093
-8.1
-8.1
-84.1
-84.1
Georgia
Georgia
141,596
141,596
20,133
20,133
10,484
10,484
8,837
8,837
-15.7
-15.7
-93.8
-93.8
Guam
Guam
2,089
2,089
1,276
1,276
491
491
439
439
-10.6
-10.6
-79.0
-79.0
Hawai
Hawai
21,312
21,312
9,953
9,953
4,229
4,229
4,029
4,029
-4.7
-4.7
-81.1
-81.1
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Percentage Change to 2019 from …
Jurisdiction
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
1994
Idaho
Idaho
8,635
8,635
1,820
1,820
2,046
2,046
2,043
2,043
-0.1
-0.1
-76.3
-76.3
Il inois
Il inois
241,290
241,290
24,337
24,337
11,048
11,048
10,874
10,874
-1.6
-1.6
-95.5
-95.5
Indiana
Indiana
72,654
72,654
36,062
36,062
6,048
6,048
5,164
5,164
-14.6
-14.6
-92.9
-92.9
Iowa
Iowa
39,137
39,137
21,548
21,548
9,650
9,650
8,922
8,922
-7.5
-7.5
-77.2
-77.2
Kansas
Kansas
29,524
29,524
15,554
15,554
4,360
4,360
4,039
4,039
-7.4
-7.4
-86.3
-86.3
Kentucky
Kentucky
78,720
78,720
30,875
30,875
18,774
18,774
16,586
16,586
-11.7
-11.7
-78.9
-78.9
Louisiana
Louisiana
84,162
84,162
10,849
10,849
5,402
5,402
4,726
4,726
-12.5
-12.5
-94.4
-94.4
Maine
Maine
22,322
22,322
15,377
15,377
17,367
17,367
14,634
14,634
-15.7
-15.7
-34.4
-34.4
Maryland
Maryland
80,266
80,266
25,110
25,110
17,352
17,352
16,469
16,469
-5.1
-5.1
-79.5
-79.5
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
108,985
108,985
49,836
49,836
50,270
50,270
50,166
50,166
-0.2
-0.2
-54.0
-54.0
Michigan
Michigan
215,873
215,873
67,241
67,241
12,338
12,338
10,794
10,794
-12.5
-12.5
-95.0
-95.0
Minnesota
Minnesota
59,987
59,987
24,574
24,574
16,973
16,973
15,399
15,399
-9.3
-9.3
-74.3
-74.3
Mississippi
Mississippi
55,232
55,232
11,895
11,895
4,040
4,040
3,083
3,083
-23.7
-23.7
-94.4
-94.4
Missouri
Missouri
91,875
91,875
39,262
39,262
10,761
10,761
9,760
9,760
-9.3
-9.3
-89.4
-89.4
Montana
Montana
11,416
11,416
3,686
3,686
3,691
3,691
3,236
3,236
-12.3
-12.3
-71.7
-71.7
Nebraska
Nebraska
15,435
15,435
8,702
8,702
4,832
4,832
4,364
4,364
-9.7
-9.7
-71.7
-71.7
Nevada
Nevada
14,620
14,620
10,612
10,612
9,023
9,023
8,042
8,042
-10.9
-10.9
-45.0
-45.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
11,398
11,398
6,175
6,175
5,257
5,257
5,206
5,206
-1.0
-1.0
-54.3
-54.3
New Jersey
New Jersey
122,376
122,376
34,516
34,516
10,326
10,326
8,857
8,857
-14.2
-14.2
-92.8
-92.8
New Mexico
New Mexico
34,535
34,535
21,223
21,223
10,632
10,632
10,087
10,087
-5.1
-5.1
-70.8
-70.8
New York
New York
461,751
461,751
154,936
154,936
122,363
122,363
113,971
113,971
-6.9
-6.9
-75.3
-75.3
North Carolina
North Carolina
129,258
129,258
23,705
23,705
14,762
14,762
13,064
13,064
-11.5
-11.5
-89.9
-89.9
North Dakota
North Dakota
5,410
5,410
1,996
1,996
984
984
939
939
-4.6
-4.6
-82.6
-82.6
Ohio
Ohio
244,099
244,099
105,140
105,140
42,549
42,549
51,140
51,140
20.2
20.2
-79.0
-79.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
46,572
46,572
9,388
9,388
6,176
6,176
5,949
5,949
-3.7
-3.7
-87.2
-87.2
Oregon
Oregon
40,504
40,504
31,751
31,751
40,932
40,932
36,971
36,971
-9.7
-9.7
-8.7
-8.7
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
212,457
212,457
53,274
53,274
45,022
45,022
39,746
39,746
-11.7
-11.7
-81.3
-81.3
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
57,337
57,337
13,371
13,371
4,992
4,992
4,475
4,475
-10.4
-10.4
-92.2
-92.2
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
22,776
22,776
6,758
6,758
4,213
4,213
4,002
4,002
-5.0
-5.0
-82.4
-82.4
South Carolina
South Carolina
50,430
50,430
19,347
19,347
8,314
8,314
7,649
7,649
-8.0
-8.0
-84.8
-84.8
South Dakota
South Dakota
6,601
6,601
3,291
3,291
2,952
2,952
2,923
2,923
-1.0
-1.0
-55.7
-55.7
Tennessee
Tennessee
109,678
109,678
62,714
62,714
20,951
20,951
19,221
19,221
-8.3
-8.3
-82.5
-82.5
Texas
Texas
284,973
284,973
51,931
51,931
26,109
26,109
22,821
22,821
-12.6
-12.6
-92.0
-92.0
Utah
Utah
17,505
17,505
6,646
6,646
3,546
3,546
3,170
3,170
-10.6
-10.6
-81.9
-81.9
Vermont
Vermont
9,761
9,761
3,256
3,256
2,918
2,918
2,669
2,669
-8.5
-8.5
-72.7
-72.7
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
1,146
1,146
537
537
160
160
96
96
-40.0
-40.0
-91.6
-91.6
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Percentage Change to 2019 from …
Jurisdiction
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
1994
Virginia
Virginia
74,257
74,257
37,448
37,448
20,513
20,513
19,875
19,875
-3.1
-3.1
-73.2
-73.2
Washington
Washington
101,542
101,542
70,200
70,200
37,270
37,270
36,023
36,023
-3.3
-3.3
-64.5
-64.5
West Virginia
West Virginia
40,279
40,279
10,496
10,496
6,572
6,572
6,331
6,331
-3.7
-3.7
-84.3
-84.3
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
75,086
75,086
24,746
24,746
15,740
15,740
15,122
15,122
-3.9
-3.9
-79.9
-79.9
Wyoming
Wyoming
5,351
5,351
318
318
499
499
504
504
1.0
1.0
-90.6
-90.6
Totals
Totals
5,015,545
5,015,545
1,926,140
1,926,140
1,175,493
1,175,493
1,090,066
1,090,066
-7.3
-7.3
-78.3
-78.3
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: Caseload data for 2010 through 2019 include those families in Separate State Programs with expenditures Notes: Caseload data for 2010 through 2019 include those families in Separate State Programs with expenditures
countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction:
September 2019
Percentage of Total Families
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Jurisdiction
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Alabama
Alabama
3,021
3,021
25
25
4,641
4,641
7,687
7,687
39.3%
39.3%
0.3%
0.3%
60.4%
60.4%
100.0%
100.0%
Alaska
Alaska
1,303
1,303
203
203
739
739
2,245
2,245
58.0
58.0
9.0
9.0
32.9
32.9
100.0
100.0
Arizona
Arizona
2,165
2,165
126
126
4,719
4,719
7,010
7,010
30.9
30.9
1.8
1.8
67.3
67.3
100.0
100.0
Arkansas
Arkansas
1,175
1,175
56
56
1,126
1,126
2,357
2,357
49.9
49.9
2.4
2.4
47.8
47.8
100.0
100.0
California
California
224,473
224,473
24,435
24,435
118,405
118,405
367,313
367,313
61.1
61.1
6.7
6.7
32.2
32.2
100.0
100.0
Colorado
Colorado
8,955
8,955
0
0
5,271
5,271
14,226
14,226
62.9
62.9
0.0
0.0
37.1
37.1
100.0
100.0
Connecticut
Connecticut
2,317
2,317
0
0
5,407
5,407
7,724
7,724
30.0
30.0
0.0
0.0
70.0
70.0
100.0
100.0
Delaware
Delaware
756
756
11
11
2,482
2,482
3,249
3,249
23.3
23.3
0.3
0.3
76.4
76.4
100.0
100.0
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
6,147
6,147
0
0
1,598
1,598
7,745
7,745
79.4
79.4
0.0
0.0
20.6
20.6
100.0
100.0
Florida
Florida
4,625
4,625
209
209
33,259
33,259
38,093
38,093
12.1
12.1
0.5
0.5
87.3
87.3
100.0
100.0
Georgia
Georgia
1,019
1,019
0
0
7,818
7,818
8,837
8,837
11.5
11.5
0.0
0.0
88.5
88.5
100.0
100.0
Guam
Guam
93
93
19
19
327
327
439
439
21.2
21.2
4.3
4.3
74.5
74.5
100.0
100.0
Hawai
Hawai
2,413
2,413
588
588
1,028
1,028
4,029
4,029
59.9
59.9
14.6
14.6
25.5
25.5
100.0
100.0
Idaho
Idaho
87
87
0
0
1,956
1,956
2,043
2,043
4.3
4.3
0.0
0.0
95.7
95.7
100.0
100.0
Il inois
Il inois
2,170
2,170
0
0
8,704
8,704
10,874
10,874
20.0
20.0
0.0
0.0
80.0
80.0
100.0
100.0
Indiana
Indiana
1,247
1,247
81
81
3,836
3,836
5,164
5,164
24.1
24.1
1.6
1.6
74.3
74.3
100.0
100.0
Iowa
Iowa
4,255
4,255
350
350
4,317
4,317
8,922
8,922
47.7
47.7
3.9
3.9
48.4
48.4
100.0
100.0
Kansas
Kansas
1,979
1,979
247
247
1,813
1,813
4,039
4,039
49.0
49.0
6.1
6.1
44.9
44.9
100.0
100.0
Kentucky
Kentucky
3,639
3,639
330
330
12,617
12,617
16,586
16,586
21.9
21.9
2.0
2.0
76.1
76.1
100.0
100.0
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Percentage of Total Families
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Jurisdiction
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Louisiana
Louisiana
1,849
1,849
0
0
2,877
2,877
4,726
4,726
39.1
39.1
0.0
0.0
60.9
60.9
100.0
100.0
Maine
Maine
7,745
7,745
5,383
5,383
1,506
1,506
14,634
14,634
52.9
52.9
36.8
36.8
10.3
10.3
100.0
100.0
Maryland
Maryland
10,172
10,172
238
238
6,059
6,059
16,469
16,469
61.8
61.8
1.4
1.4
36.8
36.8
100.0
100.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
34,984
34,984
2,744
2,744
12,438
12,438
50,166
50,166
69.7
69.7
5.5
5.5
24.8
24.8
100.0
100.0
Michigan
Michigan
4,152
4,152
0
0
6,642
6,642
10,794
10,794
38.5
38.5
0.0
0.0
61.5
61.5
100.0
100.0
Minnesota
Minnesota
8,252
8,252
0
0
7,147
7,147
15,399
15,399
53.6
53.6
0.0
0.0
46.4
46.4
100.0
100.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
989
989
0
0
2,094
2,094
3,083
3,083
32.1
32.1
0.0
0.0
67.9
67.9
100.0
100.0
Missouri
Missouri
5,758
5,758
0
0
4,002
4,002
9,760
9,760
59.0
59.0
0.0
0.0
41.0
41.0
100.0
100.0
Montana
Montana
1,512
1,512
215
215
1,509
1,509
3,236
3,236
46.7
46.7
6.6
6.6
46.6
46.6
100.0
100.0
Nebraska
Nebraska
1,718
1,718
0
0
2,646
2,646
4,364
4,364
39.4
39.4
0.0
0.0
60.6
60.6
100.0
100.0
Nevada
Nevada
3,517
3,517
618
618
3,907
3,907
8,042
8,042
43.7
43.7
7.7
7.7
48.6
48.6
100.0
100.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
3,132
3,132
37
37
2,037
2,037
5,206
5,206
60.2
60.2
0.7
0.7
39.1
39.1
100.0
100.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
4,913
4,913
54
54
3,890
3,890
8,857
8,857
55.5
55.5
0.6
0.6
43.9
43.9
100.0
100.0
New Mexico
New Mexico
4,846
4,846
652
652
4,589
4,589
10,087
10,087
48.0
48.0
6.5
6.5
45.5
45.5
100.0
100.0
New York
New York
71,751
71,751
2,989
2,989
39,231
39,231
113,971
113,971
63.0
63.0
2.6
2.6
34.4
34.4
100.0
100.0
North Carolina
North Carolina
1,262
1,262
6
6
11,796
11,796
13,064
13,064
9.7
9.7
0.0
0.0
90.3
90.3
100.0
100.0
North Dakota
North Dakota
497
497
0
0
442
442
939
939
52.9
52.9
0.0
0.0
47.1
47.1
100.0
100.0
Ohio
Ohio
7,271
7,271
362
362
43,507
43,507
51,140
51,140
14.2
14.2
0.7
0.7
85.1
85.1
100.0
100.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
1,659
1,659
0
0
4,290
4,290
5,949
5,949
27.9
27.9
0.0
0.0
72.1
72.1
100.0
100.0
Oregon
Oregon
26,126
26,126
5,481
5,481
5,364
5,364
36,971
36,971
70.7
70.7
14.8
14.8
14.5
14.5
100.0
100.0
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
24,232
24,232
312
312
15,202
15,202
39,746
39,746
61.0
61.0
0.8
0.8
38.2
38.2
100.0
100.0
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
4,023
4,023
237
237
215
215
4,475
4,475
89.9
89.9
5.3
5.3
4.8
4.8
100.0
100.0
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
2,869
2,869
131
131
1,002
1,002
4,002
4,002
71.7
71.7
3.3
3.3
25.0
25.0
100.0
100.0
South Carolina
South Carolina
2,583
2,583
0
0
5,066
5,066
7,649
7,649
33.8
33.8
0.0
0.0
66.2
66.2
100.0
100.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
412
412
0
0
2,511
2,511
2,923
2,923
14.1
14.1
0.0
0.0
85.9
85.9
100.0
100.0
Tennessee
Tennessee
7,010
7,010
172
172
12,039
12,039
19,221
19,221
36.5
36.5
0.9
0.9
62.6
62.6
100.0
100.0
Texas
Texas
6,638
6,638
0
0
16,183
16,183
22,821
22,821
29.1
29.1
0.0
0.0
70.9
70.9
100.0
100.0
Utah
Utah
1,346
1,346
0
0
1,824
1,824
3,170
3,170
42.5
42.5
0.0
0.0
57.5
57.5
100.0
100.0
Vermont
Vermont
1,180
1,180
231
231
1,258
1,258
2,669
2,669
44.2
44.2
8.7
8.7
47.1
47.1
100.0
100.0
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
77
77
0
0
19
19
96
96
80.2
80.2
0.0
0.0
19.8
19.8
100.0
100.0
Virginia
Virginia
10,822
10,822
0
0
9,053
9,053
19,875
19,875
54.5
54.5
0.0
0.0
45.5
45.5
100.0
100.0
Washington
Washington
17,021
17,021
6,983
6,983
12,019
12,019
36,023
36,023
47.3
47.3
19.4
19.4
33.4
33.4
100.0
100.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
1,522
1,522
0
0
4,809
4,809
6,331
6,331
24.0
24.0
0.0
0.0
76.0
76.0
100.0
100.0
Wisconsin
4,853
224
10,045
15,122
32.1
1.5
66.4
100.0
Wyoming
228
19
257
504
45.2
3.8
51.0
100.0
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Wisconsin
4,853
224
10,045
15,122
32.1
1.5
66.4
100.0
Wyoming
228
19
257
504
45.2
3.8
51.0
100.0
Percentage of Total Families
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Single-
Two-
No-
Total
Jurisdiction
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Totals
Totals
558,760
558,760
53,768
53,768
477,538 1,090,066
477,538 1,090,066
51.3
51.3
4.9
4.9
43.8
43.8
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: 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.
Author Information
Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Acknowledgments
Jameson Carter and Mariam Ghavalyan updated some of the information in this report. Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction,
for All Families: FY2019
Caseload
Effective
Reduction
(After Credit)
Work Participation
State
Standard
Credit
Standard
Rate
Alabama
50.0
50.0
0.0
54.8
Alaska
50.0
31.0
19.0
48.5
Arizona
50.0
50.0
0.0
21.6
Arkansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.4
California
50.0
16.2
33.8
55.3
Colorado
50.0
38.3
11.7
34.7
Connecticut
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.7
Delaware
50.0
50.0
0.0
23.1
District of Col.
50.0
48.0
2.0
50.0
Florida
50.0
31.6
18.4
41.5
Georgia
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.6
Guam
50.0
47.5
2.5
24.1
Hawai
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.3
Idaho
50.0
0.0
50.0
59.6
Il inois
50.0
43.0
7.0
61.5
Indiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
30.5
Iowa
50.0
50.0
0.0
27.2
Kansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
32.4
Kentucky
50.0
45.5
4.5
55.6
Louisiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
5.8
Maine
50.0
0.0
50.0
87.7
Maryland
50.0
44.3
5.7
26.6
Massachusetts
50.0
20.5
29.5
66.4
Michigan
50.0
50.0
0.0
60.5
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Caseload
Effective
Reduction
(After Credit)
Work Participation
State
Standard
Credit
Standard
Rate
Minnesota
50.0
40.4
9.6
35.7
Mississippi
50.0
50.0
0.0
49.1
Missouri
50.0
50.0
0.0
24.3
Montanaa
50.0
10.9
39.1
37.2
Nebraska
50.0
50.0
0.0
43.9
Nevada
50.0
22.0
28.0
38.1
New Hampshire
50.0
0.0
50.0
62.9
New Jersey
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.8
New Mexico
50.0
50.0
0.0
42.5
New York
50.0
44.4
5.6
21.7
North Carolina
50.0
44.6
5.4
26.4
North Dakota
50.0
50.0
0.0
54.1
Ohio
50.0
42.8
7.2
34.8
Oklahoma
50.0
46.9
3.1
31.5
Oregon
50.0
0.0
50.0
65.9
Pennsylvania
50.0
50.0
0.0
22.2
Puerto Rico
50.0
50.0
0.0
19.1
Rhode Island
50.0
50.0
0.0
8.9
South Carolina
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.9
South Dakota
50.0
0.0
50.0
57.7
Tennessee
50.0
50.0
0.0
33.2
Texas
50.0
50.0
0.0
21.8
Utah
50.0
50.0
0.0
11.8
Vermont
50.0
42.6
7.4
46.2
Virgin Islands
50.0
50.0
0.0
6.2
Virginia
50.0
50.0
0.0
40.5
Washington
50.0
46.8
3.2
50.5
West Virginia
50.0
45.6
4.4
34.7
Wisconsin
50.0
41.2
8.8
51.8
Wyoming
50.0
0.0
50.0
72.5
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). a. State did not meet its work participation standard.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-
Parent Families: FY2019
Caseload
Effective
Work
Reduction
(After Credit)
Participation
State
Standard
Credit
Standard
Rate
Alabama
90.0
89.5
0.5
52.9
Alaska
90.0
39.5
50.5
64.2
Arizona
90.0
74.0
16.0
55.9
Arkansas
90.0
84.2
5.8
27.0
Californiaa
90.0
25.6
64.4
31.1
Colorado
NA
NA
NA
NA
Connecticut
NA
NA
NA
NA
Delaware
NA
NA
NA
NA
District of Col.
NA
NA
NA
NA
Florida
90.0
80.8
9.2
44.3
Georgia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Guam
90.0
47.5
42.5
54.6
Hawai
90.0
75.3
14.7
46.4
Idaho
NA
NA
NA
NA
Il inois
NA
NA
NA
NA
Indiana
90.0
77.2
12.8
29.8
Iowa
90.0
80.2
9.8
22.3
Kansas
90.0
75.6
14.4
39.6
Kentucky
90.0
45.5
44.5
57.9
Louisiana
NA
NA
NA
NA
Maine
90.0
0.0
90.0
97.3
Maryland
NA
NA
NA
NA
Massachusetts
90.0
20.5
69.5
84.8
Michigan
NA
NA
NA
NA
Minnesota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Mississippi
NA
NA
NA
NA
Missouri
NA
NA
NA
NA
Montanaa
90.0
41.0
49.0
40.2
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevadaa
90.0
22.0
68.0
50.3
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
90.0
77.3
12.7
92.8
New Mexico
90.0
62.5
27.5
52.7
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Caseload
Effective
Work
Reduction
(After Credit)
Participation
State
Standard
Credit
Standard
Rate
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
90.0
44.6
45.4
46.7
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
90.0
84.1
5.9
37.7
Oklahoma
NA
NA
NA
NA
Oregon
90.0
0.0
90.0
98.6
Pennsylvania
90.0
89.4
0.6
37.8
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
Rhode Islanda
90.0
58.8
31.2
11.8
South Carolina
NA
NA
NA
NA
South Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Tennessee
90.0
69.4
20.6
32.8
Texas
NA
NA
NA
NA
Utah
NA
NA
NA
NA
Vermont
90.0
61.2
28.8
58.0
Virgin Islands
NA
NA
NA
NA
Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Washington
90.0
46.8
43.2
69.6
West Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wisconsin
90.0
68.3
21.7
66.5
Wyominga
90.0
0.0
90.0
77.6
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Note: NA = jurisdiction does not serve two-parent families in its TANF assistance program. a. State did not meet its work participation standard.
Author Information
Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Acknowledgments
Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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