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

The Temporary Assistance for
November 17, 2020January 25, 2021
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
FY2019FY2020, the TANF basic block grant was , the TANF basic block grant was 3738% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997. % below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997.
Though TANF is best known for funding Though TANF is best known for funding basic assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and MOE assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and MOE
funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2018FY2019, expenditures on , expenditures on basic assistance totaled $6.assistance totaled $6.7 5 billion—21% billion—21%
of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. AssistanceBasic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash and on an ongoing basis (monthly). In addition to funding basic . 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 MOE-funded assistance in September 2019June 2020. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.1 million in that month. The . The bulk of the “recipients” were children—2.1 million in that month. The
assistance assis tance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance familycaseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family —one with an —one with an
unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2018FY2019. Additionally, . Additionally, 2726% of cash assistance % of cash assistance
families had an employed adult, while families had an employed adult, while 4142% of all TANF families were “child-only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only % of all TANF families were “child-only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only
families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g., families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g.,
grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents. grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents.
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 a performance measure that applies to the states. States TANF’s main federal work requirement is 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 and 90% 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 “credits.” 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 FY2019, states Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In FY2019, states
achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 47.1% and a two-parent rate of 54.8%. In FY2019, only Montana did achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 47.1% and a two-parent rate of 54.8%. In FY2019, only Montana did
not meet the all-family participation standard and five jurisdictions (California, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and not meet the all-family participation standard and five jurisdictions (California, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and
Wyoming) did not meet the two-parent standard. Wyoming) did not meet the two-parent standard.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to affect states’ ability to meet TANF work standards. These 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 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 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 it would use its authority to provide relief from the penalty for not meeting work standards “to the maximum extent
possible.” possible.”
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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 TANF Work Standards in FY2019?...................... 10
How Might the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Ability of States to Meet TANF
Work Standards? .................................................................................................... 11

Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2018FY2019.............................................. 3
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2019 to June 2020............................ 5
Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families, Selected Years FY1988 to FY2018 ................. 7
Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type: Selected Year FY1988 to FY2019 ................................................................................... 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 .................................................................................................................... 10

Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ........................... 2
Table 2. The TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2019 , June 2020 ............................................................. 4

Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-20182019 ............................................ 12
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2018FY2019............................................................................................... 14
Table B-1. Use of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category ........................................... 15
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Table B-1. Use of FY2019 TANF and MOE Funds by Category ........................................... 15 Table B-2. Uses of FY2018 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total
Federal TANF and State MOE Spending ........................................................................ 18
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2018FY2019 ...................................................... 21
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2019June 2020 ............................................................................ 22
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, SeptemberJune of Selected Years ........................................................................... 24
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction:
September 2019 ......................................................................................................... 26
June 2020 .......... 26 Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction,
for All Families: FY2019............................................................................................. 28
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-Parent
Families: FY2019....................................................................................................... 3029

Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables ................................................................................. 12
Appendix B. State Tables ............................................................................................... 15

Contacts
Author Information ....................................................................................................... 31


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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataaccess to information and data. Appendix 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 The ContinuingConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116- (P.L. 116-159) funds260 ) extends TANF funding through the end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021). TANF
through December 11, 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 TANF was created in the 1996 welfare reform law,by the Personal Responsibility and Work 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 amount—both national y and for each state—was established in the 1996 state—was established in the 1996 welfare reform law. The
amount established in that lawlaw. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia, territories, and tribes was for the 50 states, District of Columbia, territories, and tribes was
$16.6 bil ion$16.6 bil ion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount remained the same. in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount remained the same. ItThe basic block grant was not 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 assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from its historical levels to finance TANF-related research its historical levels to finance TANF-related research
and technical assistance. The reduced block and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 bil ion.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 adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2019FY2020. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the . In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the
FY2019FY2020 block grant was block grant was 3738% below its value in FY1997. % below its value in FY1997.
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Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
(In (In bilBil ions of $) 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 GrantState Family State Assistance Family Grant: 50 Assistance States, DC, Grant Cumulative Tribes, and Constant Percentage Fiscal Year Territories 1997 dollars Change

1997 1997
$16.567 $16.567
$16.567 $16.567
1998 1998
16.567 16.567
16. 16.300306
-1.6% -1.6%
1999 1999
16.567 16.567
15. 15.993991
-3.5 -3.5
2000 2000
16.567 16.567
15. 15.501498
-6. -6.45
2001 2001
16.567 16.567
15. 15.017020
-9. -9.43
2002 2002
16.567 16.567
14. 14.796792
-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. 14.128124
-14.7 -14.7
2005 2005
16.567 16.567
13. 13.679680
-17.4 -17.4
2006 2006
16.567 16.567
13. 13.193190
-20.4 -20.4
2007 2007
16.567 16.567
12. 12.891893
-22.2 -22.2
2008 2008
16.567 16.567
12. 12.342345
-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. 12.177182
-26.5 -26.5
2011 2011
16.567 16.567
11. 11.862859
-28.4 -28.4
2012 2012
16.567 16.567
11. 11.583585
-30.1 -30.1
2013 2013
16.567 16.567
11. 11.397394
-31.2 -31.2
2014 2014
16.567 16.567
11. 11.215217
-32.3 -32.3
2015 2015
16.567 16.567
11. 11.181179
-32.5 -32.5
2016 2016
16.567 16.567
11. 11.078082
-33.1 -33.1
2017 2017
16.512 16.512
10. 10.819820
-34.7 -34.7
2018 2018
16.512 16.512
10. 10.563564
-36.2 -36.2
2019 2019
16.512 16.512
10. 10.371372 -37.4 2020 16.512 10.224 -38.3
-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 Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for al Urban Consumers (CPI -U). -U).
How Have States Used TANF Funds?
In In FY2018FY2019, a total of $, a total of $31.330.9 bil ion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either bil ion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. expended or transferred to other block grant programs. AssistanceBasic assistance—ongoing benefits to families —ongoing benefits to families
to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.75 bil ion) of total bil ion) of total FY2018FY2019 TANF and MOE dollars. TANF and MOE dollars.
Congressional Research Service 2 link to page 7 link to page 19 link to page 22 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2018FY2019, $5., $5.30 bil ion ( bil ion (1716% of al TANF and % 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.and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.32 bil ion, or bil ion, or 1110% of % 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 MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2018FY2019 totaled $2.8 bil ion, or 9% of total TANF 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 TANF and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2018FY2019
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.spending about $2.46 bil ion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term 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 servicesand 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 federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2018FY2019. .
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2018FY2019
(Dol ars in (Dol ars in bilBil ions) 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).
NoteNotes: Detail Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in 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, see Table B-1 a and 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 At the end of FY2018FY2019 (September 30, (September 30, 20182019, the most recent data currently available), a total of , the most recent data currently available), a total of
$5.$5.18 bil ion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of 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 FY2019of FY2018, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4 , states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4
bil ion. At the end of bil ion. At the end of FY2018FY2019, states had $, states had $3.74.5 bil ion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are bil ion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are
available to states to make new spending commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds
by state.
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available to states to make new spending commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds by state. 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 mil ion recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September 2019June 2020. The bulk of . The bulk of
the “recipients” were children—2.1 mil ion in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads, the “recipients” were children—2.1 mil ion in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads,
see see Table B-4.
Table 2. The TANF Assistance Caseload: September 2019, June 2020
Families Families
1, 1,090,066120,319 Recipients 2,930,544 Adults 2,132,800 Children 797,744
Recipients
2,863,340
Child Recipients
2,106,950
Adult Recipients
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 TANF cash assistance caseload data exclude South Dakota. Data for South Dakota were not reported. TANF assistance caseload includes families receivingassistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted 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
requirement srequirements triggered by a family receiving “ triggered by a family receiving “ assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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 assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to September 2019June 2020. The . 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 term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a 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 changes) also have influenced the caseload trend. 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 1990sthe late 1990s (after the 1996 welfare reform law), after PRWORA, before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the
caseload began another caseload began another decline, albeit at a slower pace than in the late 1990s. During the 2007-decline, albeit at a slower pace than in the late 1990s. During the 2007-
2009 recession and its aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7 mil ion families in August 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. 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 September 2020, TANF assistance
caseload data are unavailable for the early part of 2020, including months of the economic
recession associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Cash Assistance, July 1959-September 2019The number of families receiving assistance declined by almost half (to a little over 1 mil ion families) during the long economic expansion of 2010 through 2019. In June 2020, the number of families receiving assistance was reported at 1.1 mil ion families, about 4% up from its level in December 2019. Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, July 1959 to June 2020

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 Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through September 201 92019, includes families receiving assistance , 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, since 1996, the assistance caseload decline has occurred together with a unemployed. However, since 1996, the assistance caseload decline has occurred together with a
major shift in the composition of the rollsmajor shift in the composition of the rolls. Figure 3 shows the change in the size and composition shows the change in the size and composition
of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In FY1988, an of the assistance caseload under both AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In FY1988, an
estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed by an unemployed adult recipient. In by an unemployed adult recipient. In FY2018,
FY2019, families with an unemployed adult recipient represented 32% of al cash assistance families. This 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 adult recipients 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 FY1994, a monthly declined more rapidly than other components of the assistance caseload. In FY1994, a monthly
average of 3.8 mil ionaverage of 3.8 mil ion families per month who received AFDC cash assistance had adult families per month who received AFDC cash assistance had adult
recipients who were not working. In recipients who were not working. In FY2018 FY2019, a monthly average of , a monthly average of 394359,000 families per month ,000 families per month
had adult recipients or work-eligible had adult recipients or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or work-eligible individuals, with no adult recipient or 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 assistance program. In FY2018FY2019, families with an employed adult comprised , families with an employed adult comprised 2726% of al TANF % 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 only in FY2018FY2019 was was 4142%. In %. In FY2018FY2019, families with a , families with a non-recipientnonrecipient, nonparent relative , nonparent relative
(grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented (grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 1617% of al assistance families. Families with ineligible, % 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 Income (SSI) and the children received TANF also made up made up 109% of al assistance families in % of al assistance families in
FY2018FY2019. .
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Figure 3. Characteristics of Assistance Families, Selected Years FY1988 to FY2018Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type: Selected Year FY1988 to FY2019

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
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 2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in eit hereither the T ANF the T ANF
state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). T he benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute Security Act). T he benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute
and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
3 Some states vary their benefit amounts for other family types such as two -parent families or “child-only” cases. States 3 Some states vary their benefit amounts for other family types such as two -parent families or “child-only” cases. States
also vary their benefits by other factors such as housing costs and substate geography. also vary their benefits by other factors such as housing costs and substate geography.
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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 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 participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum
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 Columbia for a family of three 4 In 2018, the HHS poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia for a family of three
was $1,732 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,165 was $1,732 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,165 perp er month for a family of three) and Hawaii 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 participation rate calculation. It excludes families 5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families
where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineli gible
noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who
does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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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
state’s caseload reduction credit) where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. .
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work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). 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
FY2019. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average al -families work FY2019. 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

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS)Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from based on data from the Department of Health and Human the 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 In FY2019, Montana was the only jurisdiction that did not meet its TANF w orkwork participation participation
standard for al families. Montana also did not meet its standard in FY2018. In terms of the higher 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, two-parent standard, five jurisdictions did not meet it for FY2019: California, Montana, Nevada,
Rhode Island, and WyomiRhode Island, and Wyoming. Table B-7 provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF
work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for al familieswork standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for al families for FY2019. for FY2019.
Table B-8 provides that information for two-parent families. provides that information for two-parent families.

6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, 6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. .
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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 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 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 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 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 caseloads, a state’s caseload reduction credit would be reduced, resulting in a higher effective
(after-credit) participation standard for the state to meet. (after-credit) participation standard for the state to meet.
The rules governing the TANF work participation standards cannot be waived, other than through 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 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 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 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 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, 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-, T ANF-ACF-Pi-2020-
01, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/tanf-acf-pi-2020-01. 01, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/tanf-acf-pi-2020-01.
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Appendix A. Supplementary Tables
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-20182019





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 0,.930 930
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
2019 1.093 2.866 0.747 2.199 2.9 20.2 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) and the U.S. 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
For 2019, the ratio of TANF recipient children to al children in poverty might be overstated. This is because child poverty might have been underestimated, as responses to the survey used to estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 Congressional Research Service 13 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs pandemic. See Jonathan Rothbaum and Adam Bee, Coronavirus Infects Surveys, Too: Nonresponse Bias During the Pandemic in the CPS ASEC, U.S. Census Bureau, SEHSD Working Paper no. 2020-10, September 15, 2020.
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2018FY2019

1988
1994
2001
2006
20182010 2019
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
Working 3,136, 3,136,56
566 3,798,997 879,922 358,761 3,798,99
992,445
825,490
394,316
Working
6
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
259,001
327,649287,146 286,373
Child-Only/SSI Parent Child-Only/SSI Parent
59,988 59,988
171,391 171,391
171,951
176,670
116,859181,852 104,397
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
47,566 47,566
184,397 184,397
125,900
153,445
120,438217,487 108,249
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
51,764 51,764
146,227 146,227
91,447
158,1134,968
3, 3,007391
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
188,598 188,598
328,290 328,290
255,984
261,944
194,935254,088 190,494
Child-Only/Unknown Child-Only/Unknown
19,897 19,897
38,341 38,341
143,834
122,738
70,20584,378 68,743
Totals Totals
3,747, 3,747,95
952 5,046,263 1,909,841 1,120,407 5,046,26
2,202,35
1,957,40
1,227,41
2
3
6
2
0






Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not
Working 83.7 83.7%
75.3 75.3% 46.1% 32.0%
45.1
42.2
32.1
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
13.2
26.715.0 25.6
Child-Only/SSI Parent Child-Only/SSI Parent
1.6 1.6
3.4 3.4
7.8
9.09.5
9. 9.53
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
1.3 1.3
3.7 3.7
5.7
7.811.4
9. 9.87
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
1.4 1.4
2.9 2.9
4.2
8.10.3
0. 0.23
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
5.0 5.0
6.5 6.5
11.6
13.4
15.913.3 17.0
Child-Only/Unknown Child-Only/Unknown
0.5 0.5
0.8 0.8
6.54.4 6.1
6.3
5.7






Totals Totals
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 Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control
(QC) data files and the (QC) data files and the FY2001, FY2006, and FY2018FY2010 and FY2019 TANF National Data Files. TANF National Data Files.
Notes: FY2001 through FY2018FY2010 and FY2019 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs)
with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.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
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”
families.

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Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Use of FY2018FY2019 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
( (Dol ars$ in in milBil ions) ions)
Emer-
gency Work,
gencyand
Other
Education,
RefundEduca- Refun-
Pre-
Short-
Benefits
Basic Child
tion, and
abledable Tax
K/Head
Child
AdministAdminis-
Term
and
Total State
Assistance
Care
Training
Credits
Start
Welfare
rationtration
Benefits
Services
TotalsSpending
Alabama Alabama
$ $20.32217.263
$5. $5.869
$6.318524 $7.500
$0.000 $0.000
$22. $22.273
$40.456
$19.381
$34.229
$34.613
$183.461
Alaska
42.074
18.167
8.775005 $38.271 $12.855 $38.280 $35.228 $176.926 Alaska 37.176 14.782 10.152
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
8.3566.239
0. 0.303
15.111
92.786
Arizona
41.697
2.547
0.377367 16.192 84.908 Arizona 43.599 0.000 0.682 0.000 0.000 211.345 15.911 26.535 48.201 346.273 Arkansas 4.912 2.660 14.025 0.000 30.143 0.276 16.510 4.780 6.819 80.125 California 2,204.396 797.841 1,761.212 0.000 0.000 0.309 539.356 275.796 965.421 6,544.331 Colorado 75.424 12.422 11.619 76.440 59.323 50.090 18.451 18.121 60.979 382.870 Connecticut 41.886 41.485 11.267 59.300 82.701 70.619 38.627 20.945 134.497 501.326 Delaware 11.388 79.081 1.809 0.000 0.000 0.000 4.823 1.795 16.771 115.667 District of Columbia 164.956 59.117 34.563 23.681 0.000 0.000 9.725 69.144 7.068 368.253 Florida 145.677 290.578 46.106 0.000 0.000 250.139 88.941 0.950 81.598 903.989 Georgia 98.333 0.000 8.573 0.000 0.000 308.162 18.683 5.429 53.552 492.731 Hawai 30.805 11.972 41.870 0.000 0.000 1.736 14.491 8.146 96.396 205.415 Idaho 8.299 13.293 3.250 0.000 1.505 1.998 6.840 12.540 0.724 48.450 Il inois 43.335 495.256 16.342 90.136 108.715 239.682 0.028 0.651 93.317 1,087.462 Indiana 12.749 123.164 6.365 25.177 0.000 9.169 30.519 0.191 144.564 351.898 Iowa 29.339 55.616 9.463 24.902 0.000 53.820 6.171 0.392 20.871 200.575 Kansas 11.901 6.673 0.737 40.117 17.990 34.534 10.418 0.000 47.000 169.371 CRS-15 Emer- gency Work, and Other Educa- Refun- Pre- Short- Benefits Basic Child tion, and dable Tax K/Head Child Adminis- Term and Total State Assistance Care Training Credits Start Welfare tration Benefits Services Spending Kentucky 186.166 30.490 27.922 0.000 0.000 0.000 11.424 0.000 12.509 268.512 Louisiana 17.404 10.742 34.530 11.836 40.644 19.780 16.939 7.851 26.938 186.664 Maine 32.738 28.664 9.533 7.900 0.595 10.688 5.033 5.760 30.163 131.075 Maryland 117.921 6.468 29.644 156.514 70.018 16.909 30.668 38.835 43.987 510.963 Massachusetts 220.293 334.776 177.164 171.271 0.000 4.819 37.826 104.098 78.236 1,128.483 Michigan 74.149 27.829 4.039 40.146 188.527 75.330 58.542 17.654 748.702 1,234.920 Minnesota 78.515 166.913 58.409 142.862 5.700 0.000 44.752 23.846 25.246 546.243 Mississippi 5.543 1.715 25.349 0.000 0.000 27.088 11.422 0.000 29.945 101.062 Missouri 31.318 31.460 64.115 0.000 0.000 106.116 9.959 67.182 51.512 361.662 Montana 19.597 9.277 3.036 0.000 0.000 3.964 5.456 2.147 9.832 53.310 Nebraska 24.037 23.059 9.248 32.813 0.000 4.901 3.934 0.127 0.809 98.928 Nevada 33.727 21.966 4.783 0.000 3.006 26.899 10.333 6.975 16.189 123.879 New Hampshire 34.054 12.282 7.535 0.000 0.000 5.918 11.244 8.286 17.508 96.826 New Jersey 69.186 163.904 69.698 373.073 559.777 0.000 48.640 14.785 64.225 1,363.288 New Mexico 47.430 32.976 17.272 45.478 47.614 0.317 4.760 9.473 26.815 232.134 New York 1,473.353 467.812 162.000 1,324.586 492.403 339.964 424.079 266.100 334.652 5,284.951 North Carolina 32.930 198.883 5.566 0.000 90.203 131.687 47.863 5.117 52.186 564.436 North Dakota 3.896 1.117 3.714 0.000 0.000 18.430 3.680 0.015 1.151 32.002 Ohio 239.856 410.532 78.974 0.000 0.000 20.101 112.034 57.001 234.621 1,153.119 Oklahoma 17.988 32.714 11.092 0.000 9.059 19.263 8.418 0.629 29.307 128.471 Oregon 84.649 11.951 19.574 3.381 11.924 13.786 24.708 29.005 38.863 237.841 CRS-16 Emer- gency Work, and Other Educa- Refun- Pre- Short- Benefits Basic Child tion, and dable Tax K/Head Child Adminis- Term and Total State Assistance Care Training Credits Start Welfare tration Benefits Services Spending Pennsylvania 151.419 506.841 99.100 0.000 235.879 0.000 80.402 14.261 143.073 1,230.975 Rhode Island 23.911 45.352 12.079 22.715 0.000 33.194 5.022 27.702 12.662 182.638 South Carolina 52.507 4.085 9.840 0.000 27.193 6.693 21.205 0.000 43.959 165.482 South Dakota 13.246 0.803 3.261 0.000 0.000 3.125 1.823 2.264 2.847 27.369 Tennessee 57.657 0.000 19.316 0.000 82.092 0.000 26.804 0.000 2.427 188.297 Texas 39.782 0.000 83.597 0.000 349.682 324.487 118.891 5.686 70.626 992.751 Utah 22.529 22.922 19.109 0.000 10.122 1.567 7.981 1.835 18.884 104.949 Vermont 13.716 32.255 1.923 19.420 0.000 6.998 5.533 1.447 14.856 96.147 Virginia 62.525 38.527 37.792 0.524 4.009 55.156 49.769 4.556 34.619 287.476 Washington 141.868 144.488 99.704 0.000 50.235 4.152 87.620 63.991 416.008 1,008.066 West Virginia 25.140 10.021 0.344 0.000 0.000 31.140 12.543 14.229 23.623 117.041 Wisconsin 71.793 201.426 31.826 69.700 0.000 6.413 31.914 38.011 126.522 577.606 Wyoming 8.321 2.883 4.742 0.000 0.000 0.000 4.329 3.294 1.982 25.551 Totals 6,510.603 5,044.598 3,231.368 2,761.975 2,601.063 2,589.039 2,224.139 1,326.224 4,614.682 30,903.691 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. CRS-17 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 and Other Education, Refund- Pre- Short- Benefits Basic Child and able Tax K/Head Child Adminis- Term and Total State Assistance Care Training Credits Start Welfare tration Benefits Services Spending Alabama 9.8% 3.1% 4.2% 0.0% 12.4% 21.6% 7.3% 21.6% 19.9% 100.0% Alaska 43.8 17.4 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.3 0.4 19.1 100.0 Arizona 12.6 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 61.0 4.6 7.7 13.9 100.0 Arkansas 6.1 3.3 17.5 0.0 37.6 0.3 20.6 6.0 8.5 100.0 California 33.7 12.2 26.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.2 4.2 14.8 100.0 Colorado 19.7 3.2 3.0 20.0 15.5 13.1 4.8 4.7 15.9 100.0 Connecticut 8.4 8.3 2.2 11.8 16.5 14.1 7.7 4.2 26.8 100.0 Delaware 9.8 68.4 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.2 1.6 14.5 100.0 District of Columbia 44.8 16.1 9.4 6.4 0.0 0.0 2.6 18.8 1.9 100.0 Florida 16.1 32.1 5.1 0.0 0.0 27.7 9.8 0.1 9.0 100.0 Georgia 20.0 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 62.5 3.8 1.1 10.9 100.0 Hawai 15.0 5.8 20.4 0.0 0.0 0.8 7.1 4.0 46.9 100.0 Idaho 17.1 27.4 6.7 0.0 3.1 4.1 14.1 25.9 1.5 100.0 Il inois 4.0 45.5 1.5 8.3 10.0 22.0 0.0 0.1 8.6 100.0 Indiana 3.6 35.0 1.8 7.2 0.0 2.6 8.7 0.1 41.1 100.0 Iowa 14.6 27.7 4.7 12.4 0.0 26.8 3.1 0.2 10.4 100.0 Kansas 7.0 3.9 0.4 23.7 10.6 20.4 6.2 0.0 27.7 100.0 Kentucky 69.3 11.4 10.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.3 0.0 4.7 100.0 Louisiana 9.3 5.8 18.5 6.3 21.8 10.6 9.1 4.2 14.4 100.0 CRS-18 Emer- Work, gency and Other Education, Refund- Pre- Short- Benefits Basic Child and able Tax K/Head Child Adminis- Term and Total State Assistance Care Training Credits Start Welfare tration Benefits Services Spending Maine 25.0 21.9 7.3 6.0 0.5 8.2 3.8 4.4 23.0 100.0 Maryland 23.1 1.3 5.8 30.6 13.7 3.3 6.0 7.6 8.6 100.0 Massachusetts 19.5 29.7 15.7 15.2 0.0 0.4 3.4 9.2 6.9 100.0 Michigan 6.0 2.3 0.3 3.3 15.3 6.1 4.7 1.4 60.6 100.0 Minnesota 14.4 30.6 10.7 26.2 1.0 0.0 8.2 4.4 4.6 100.0 Mississippi 5.5 1.7 25.1 0.0 0.0 26.8 11.3 0.0 29.6 100.0 Missouri 8.7 8.7 17.7 0.0 0.0 29.3 2.8 18.6 14.2 100.0 Montana 36.8 17.4 5.7 0.0 0.0 7.4 10.2 4.0 18.4 100.0 Nebraska 24.3 23.3 9.3 33.2 0.0 5.0 4.0 0.1 0.8 100.0 Nevada 27.2 17.7 3.9 0.0 2.4 21.7 8.3 5.6 13.1 100.0 New Hampshire 35.2 12.7 7.8 0.0 0.0 6.1 11.6 8.6 18.1 100.0 New Jersey 5.1 12.0 5.1 27.4 41.1 0.0 3.6 1.1 4.7 100.0 New Mexico 20.4 14.2 7.4 19.6 20.5 0.1 2.1 4.1 11.6 100.0 New York 27.9 8.9 3.1 25.1 9.3 6.4 8.0 5.0 6.3 100.0 North Carolina 5.8 35.2 1.0 0.0 16.0 23.3 8.5 0.9 9.2 100.0 North Dakota 12.2 3.5 11.6 0.0 0.0 57.6 11.5 0.0 3.6 100.0 Ohio 20.8 35.6 6.8 0.0 0.0 1.7 9.7 4.9 20.3 100.0 Oklahoma 14.0 25.5 8.6 0.0 7.1 15.0 6.6 0.5 22.8 100.0 Oregon 35.6 5.0 8.2 1.4 5.0 5.8 10.4 12.2 16.3 100.0 Pennsylvania 12.3 41.2 8.1 0.0 19.2 0.0 6.5 1.2 11.6 100.0 Rhode Island 13.1 24.8 6.6 12.4 0.0 18.2 2.7 15.2 6.9 100.0 CRS-19 Emer- Work, gency and Other Education, Refund- Pre- Short- Benefits Basic Child and able Tax K/Head Child Adminis- Term and Total State Assistance Care Training Credits Start Welfare tration Benefits Services Spending South Carolina 31.7 2.5 5.9 0.0 16.4 4.0 12.8 0.0 26.6 100.0 South Dakota 48.4 2.9 11.9 0.0 0.0 11.4 6.7 8.3 10.4 100.0 Tennessee 30.6 0.0 10.3 0.0 43.6 0.0 14.2 0.0 1.3 100.0 Texas 4.0 0.0 8.4 0.0 35.2 32.7 12.0 0.6 7.1 100.0 Utah 21.5 21.8 18.2 0.0 9.6 1.5 7.6 1.7 18.0 100.0 Vermont 14.3 33.5 2.0 20.2 0.0 7.3 5.8 1.5 15.5 100.0 Virginia 21.7 13.4 13.1 0.2 1.4 19.2 17.3 1.6 12.0 100.0 Washington 14.1 14.3 9.9 0.0 5.0 0.4 8.7 6.3 41.3 100.0 West Virginia 21.5 8.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 26.6 10.7 12.2 20.2 100.0 Wisconsin 12.4 34.9 5.5 12.1 0.0 1.1 5.5 6.6 21.9 100.0 Wyoming 32.6 11.3 18.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.9 12.9 7.8 100.0 Totals 21.1 16.3 10.5 8.9 8.4 8.4 7.2 4.3 14.9 100.0 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. CRS-20 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2019 (September 30, 2019; $ in Mil ions) Unliquidated State Obligations Unobligated Balance Alabama $50.8 $59.6 Alaska 1.9 30.5 Arizona 0.0 41.8 Arkansas 40.9 49.2 California 259.3 0.0 Colorado 0.0 103.1 Connecticut 0.0 0.0 Delaware 3.1 29.7 District of Columbia 0.0 31.1 Florida 64.5 0.0 Georgia 39.7 48.1 Hawai 23.7 328.1 Idaho 0.0 8.7 Il inois 0.0 0.0 Indiana 5.0 32.4 Iowa 0.0 0.9 Kansas 3.3 69.4 Kentucky 0.0 48.7 Louisiana 45.5 4.0 Maine 25.5 102.9 Maryland 0.0 29.5 Massachusetts 0.0 0.0 Michigan 0.0 99.2 Minnesota 0.0 64.4 Mississippi 0.0 15.7 Missouri 0.0 0.0 Montana 0.0 14.4 Nebraska 0.0 79.4 Nevada 0.0 28.9 New Hampshire 0.0 35.9 New Jersey 54.8 6.3 New Mexico 0.0 94.1 New York 17.4 649.1 North Carolina 64.6 0.0 Congressional Research Service 21 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Unliquidated State Obligations Unobligated Balance North Dakota 0.0 5.3 Ohio 582.4 0.0 Oklahoma 0.8 212.6 Oregon 0.0 33.5 Pennsylvania 93.2 403.3 Rhode Island 0.0 12.6 South Carolina 0.0 0.0 South Dakota 0.0 22.0 Tennessee 0.0 731.9 Texas 0.0 330.3 Utah 0.0 55.9 Vermont 0.0 0.0 Virginia 6.7 133.6 Washington 0.0 111.9 West Virginia 0.0 101.8 Wisconsin 0.0 186.5 Wyoming 0.0 28.6 Totals 1,383.0 4,475.2 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: 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, June 2020 State Families Recipients Children Adults Alabama 7,040 15,951 13,138 2,813 Alaska 2,359 6,438 4,362 2,076 Arizona 8,796 18,873 14,834 4,039 Arkansas 2,333 5,352 3,958 1,394 California 367,465 1,169,991 825,136 344,855 Colorado 14,320 35,177 25,584 9,593 Connecticut 7,421 15,603 11,282 4,321 Delaware 2,759 7,634 4,469 3,165 District of Columbia 9,145 26,560 19,055 7,505 Florida 46,369 84,876 66,261 18,615 Georgia 8,301 15,001 14,127 874 Congressional Research Service 22 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs State Families Recipients Children Adults Guam 490 1,157 908 249 Hawai 6,110 18,240 11,862 6,378 Idaho 1,927 2,781 2,693 88 Il inois 10,609 20,945 19,004 1,941 Indiana 7,843 18,097 14,395 3,702 Iowa 8,031 19,086 14,688 4,398 Kansas 4,543 4,543 2,065 2,478 Kentucky 16,047 32,025 28,232 3,793 Louisiana 4,116 8,250 6,917 1,333 Maine 13,614 45,324 28,261 17,063 Maryland 27,705 70,483 48,793 21,690 Massachusetts 46,788 122,865 87,074 35,791 Michigan 19,518 49,836 36,241 13,595 Minnesota 15,243 35,463 27,618 7,845 Mississippi 2,439 4,334 3,748 586 Missouri 10,022 23,570 17,701 5,869 Montana 2,799 6,676 5,256 1,420 Nebraska 5,215 12,985 10,512 2,473 Nevada 8,198 21,681 15,850 5,831 New Hampshire 4,856 11,358 8,383 2,975 New Jersey 10,211 24,645 18,136 6,509 New Mexico 11,493 29,158 21,236 7,922 New York 120,192 309,525 212,013 97,512 North Carolina 13,702 24,439 21,829 2,610 North Dakota 998 2,531 2,039 492 Ohio 55,558 105,398 91,577 13,821 Oklahoma 5,738 13,100 11,137 1,963 Oregon 31,807 90,960 60,140 30,820 Pennsylvania 35,233 85,297 64,322 20,975 Puerto Rico 4,155 11,320 6,945 4,375 Rhode Island 3,438 8,425 6,180 2,245 South Carolina 7,776 17,237 14,422 2,815 South Dakota NA NA NA NA Tennessee 16,448 34,286 28,113 6,173 Texas 21,306 47,069 39,417 7,652 Utah 2,872 6,382 4,733 1,649 Congressional Research Service 23 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs State Families Recipients Children Adults Vermont 2,100 4,386 3,320 1,066 Virgin Islands 73 242 168 74 Virginia 19,836 35,796 27,744 8,052 Washington 43,065 102,292 68,106 34,186 West Virginia 5,848 11,291 9,576 1,715 Wisconsin 15,544 34,448 28,350 6,098 Wyoming 505 1,162 890 272 Totals 1,120,319 2,930,544 2,132,800 797,744 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: NA denotes not available. June 2020 data for South Dakota were not reported. TANF cash assistance
0.000
0.000
227.246
19.510
9.483
33.361
334.222
Arkansas
4.099
15.515
14.674
0.000
108.351
0.330
13.143
4.079
4.985
165.175
California
2,329.995
742.572
1,778.602
0.000
0.000
0.003
536.493
254.368
951.812
6,593.846
Colorado
55.969
17.933
10.675
78.133
62.010
46.305
23.917
20.468
65.744
381.154
Connecticut
50.236
39.992
11.732
56.444
76.203
62.230
36.063
19.726
145.736
498.362
Delaware
13.868
76.442
3.791
0.000
0.000
0.000
3.521
2.649
16.273
116.543
District of Columbia
114.482
59.117
29.873
0.000
0.000
0.000
9.730
67.559
8.899
289.659
Florida
160.443
316.879
43.770
0.000
0.000
269.205
70.038
0.902
80.325
941.562
Georgia
95.550
22.183
10.626
0.000
0.000
247.792
19.767
4.672
89.556
490.146
Hawai
28.603
11.042
41.180
0.000
0.181
0.536
13.425
5.701
98.041
198.708
Idaho
8.219
13.637
2.759
0.000
1.509
1.507
7.759
12.651
1.506
49.547
Il inois
31.883
593.251
19.252
66.150
106.476
242.283
0.062
0.740
83.502
1,143.599
Indiana
14.744
118.452
83.762
27.530
0.000
9.337
24.102
0.388
136.557
414.873
Iowa
33.549
58.003
10.485
25.939
0.000
55.569
5.965
0.298
21.696
211.506
Kansas
13.026
6.673
1.021
49.902
15.198
24.611
11.446
0.001
43.604
165.480
Kentucky
172.118
36.051
29.026
0.000
0.000
0.000
11.201
0.000
13.154
261.549
CRS-15

---

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
19.673
11.122
33.016
13.627
45.490
37.556
18.429
11.686
34.916
225.516
Maine
30.393
16.412
12.457
7.592
0.719
8.425
5.099
4.867
31.073
117.038
Maryland
111.809
7.336
28.247
152.658
58.188
26.017
21.845
42.786
51.461
500.347
Massachusetts
197.096
338.728
168.496
173.120
0.000
5.412
37.800
106.280
68.388
1,095.319
Michigan
168.726
27.829
4.868
47.087
187.157
98.198
53.241
66.007
750.442
1,403.556
Minnesota
85.569
156.198
61.434
152.779
5.700
0.000
54.632
24.678
22.180
563.170
Mississippi
7.283
1.715
28.282
0.000
0.000
20.758
16.345
0.000
60.413
134.797
Missouri
35.600
48.658
77.253
0.000
0.000
131.817
7.822
76.644
37.671
415.466
Montana
25.091
9.410
3.931
0.000
0.000
2.460
4.688
2.748
11.092
59.420
Nebraska
26.057
22.244
11.926
33.834
0.000
4.174
5.032
0.146
0.741
104.154
Nevada
38.178
16.590
1.489
0.000
0.000
15.604
8.163
2.721
20.390
103.135
New Hampshire
30.651
4.582
7.689
0.000
0.000
5.309
11.234
7.129
17.733
84.327
New Jersey
81.594
166.219
80.724
348.961
549.240
0.000
51.532
15.091
71.483
1,364.843
New Mexico
55.419
31.278
18.902
71.929
41.168
0.870
4.953
2.919
19.230
246.666
New York
1,489.959
577.447
131.513
1,403.065
498.970
247.188
417.750
313.621
308.739
5,388.252
North Carolina
36.847
216.874
5.437
0.000
120.828
124.292
44.812
5.421
42.710
597.221
North Dakota
3.934
1.074
3.893
0.000
0.000
28.739
4.255
0.019
1.212
43.127
Ohio
236.819
405.938
90.064
0.000
0.000
11.916
110.937
54.605
222.014
1,132.292
Oklahoma
29.493
39.188
9.354
0.000
12.079
14.304
8.623
3.155
30.506
146.702
Oregon
83.385
11.175
16.521
3.381
8.630
14.588
41.043
32.056
65.658
276.435
Pennsylvania
167.239
478.148
102.955
0.000
176.997
0.000
73.820
14.928
140.721
1,154.808
Rhode Island
25.472
40.366
9.874
22.705
0.000
23.308
8.839
24.855
12.235
167.654
CRS-16

---

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
52.919
4.085
33.401
0.000
26.382
5.050
18.931
0.000
23.993
164.761
South Dakota
15.094
0.803
3.517
0.000
0.000
4.863
2.016
3.451
2.896
32.639
Tennessee
18.417
0.000
7.592
0.000
85.990
0.000
26.241
0.000
0.187
138.426
Texas
53.170
0.000
84.856
0.000
340.550
240.425
77.213
3.802
62.412
862.428
Utah
18.920
23.452
22.689
0.000
7.767
3.750
13.811
2.963
25.509
118.861
Vermont
14.148
29.849
1.989
18.312
0.000
5.770
6.032
1.317
15.925
93.342
Virginia
67.733
37.011
39.856
0.000
4.383
8.160
40.268
4.727
76.812
278.950
Washington
135.807
227.095
101.517
0.000
39.450
0.000
122.470
58.065
374.341
1,058.746
West Virginia
26.206
16.242
0.473
0.000
0.000
31.757
14.329
12.749
25.317
127.074
Wisconsin
82.282
203.163
26.142
69.700
0.000
5.364
26.429
38.640
129.371
581.091
Wyoming
9.075
1.554
3.033
0.000
0.939
0.000
4.270
3.175
1.582
23.628











Totals
6,710.93 5,326.11
3,340.09
2,822.85
2,602.83
2,353.48
2,196.78
1,379.47
4,603.83
31,336.37
Source: 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.

CRS-17

---

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
11.1%
3.2%
3.4%
0.0%
12.1%
22.1%
10.6%
18.7%
18.9%
100.0%
Alaska
45.3
19.6
9.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
9.0
0.3
16.3
100.0
Arizona
12.5
0.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
68.0
5.8
2.8
10.0
100.0
Arkansas
2.5
9.4
8.9
0.0
65.6
0.2
8.0
2.5
3.0
100.0
California
35.3
11.3
27.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.1
3.9
14.4
100.0
Colorado
14.7
4.7
2.8
20.5
16.3
12.1
6.3
5.4
17.2
100.0
Connecticut
10.1
8.0
2.4
11.3
15.3
12.5
7.2
4.0
29.2
100.0
Delaware
11.9
65.6
3.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.0
2.3
14.0
100.0
District of Columbia
39.5
20.4
10.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.4
23.3
3.1
100.0
Florida
17.0
33.7
4.6
0.0
0.0
28.6
7.4
0.1
8.5
100.0
Georgia
19.5
4.5
2.2
0.0
0.0
50.6
4.0
1.0
18.3
100.0
Hawai
14.4
5.6
20.7
0.0
0.1
0.3
6.8
2.9
49.3
100.0
Idaho
16.6
27.5
5.6
0.0
3.0
3.0
15.7
25.5
3.0
100.0
Il inois
2.8
51.9
1.7
5.8
9.3
21.2
0.0
0.1
7.3
100.0
Indiana
3.6
28.6
20.2
6.6
0.0
2.3
5.8
0.1
32.9
100.0
Iowa
15.9
27.4
5.0
12.3
0.0
26.3
2.8
0.1
10.3
100.0
Kansas
7.9
4.0
0.6
30.2
9.2
14.9
6.9
0.0
26.3
100.0
Kentucky
65.8
13.8
11.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.3
0.0
5.0
100.0
Louisiana
8.7
4.9
14.6
6.0
20.2
16.7
8.2
5.2
15.5
100.0
Maine
26.0
14.0
10.6
6.5
0.6
7.2
4.4
4.2
26.5
100.0
CRS-18

---

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
22.3
1.5
5.6
30.5
11.6
5.2
4.4
8.6
10.3
100.0
Massachusetts
18.0
30.9
15.4
15.8
0.0
0.5
3.5
9.7
6.2
100.0
Michigan
12.0
2.0
0.3
3.4
13.3
7.0
3.8
4.7
53.5
100.0
Minnesota
15.2
27.7
10.9
27.1
1.0
0.0
9.7
4.4
3.9
100.0
Mississippi
5.4
1.3
21.0
0.0
0.0
15.4
12.1
0.0
44.8
100.0
Missouri
8.6
11.7
18.6
0.0
0.0
31.7
1.9
18.4
9.1
100.0
Montana
42.2
15.8
6.6
0.0
0.0
4.1
7.9
4.6
18.7
100.0
Nebraska
25.0
21.4
11.5
32.5
0.0
4.0
4.8
0.1
0.7
100.0
Nevada
37.0
16.1
1.4
0.0
0.0
15.1
7.9
2.6
19.8
100.0
New Hampshire
36.3
5.4
9.1
0.0
0.0
6.3
13.3
8.5
21.0
100.0
New Jersey
6.0
12.2
5.9
25.6
40.2
0.0
3.8
1.1
5.2
100.0
New Mexico
22.5
12.7
7.7
29.2
16.7
0.4
2.0
1.2
7.8
100.0
New York
27.7
10.7
2.4
26.0
9.3
4.6
7.8
5.8
5.7
100.0
North Carolina
6.2
36.3
0.9
0.0
20.2
20.8
7.5
0.9
7.2
100.0
North Dakota
9.1
2.5
9.0
0.0
0.0
66.6
9.9
0.0
2.8
100.0
Ohio
20.9
35.9
8.0
0.0
0.0
1.1
9.8
4.8
19.6
100.0
Oklahoma
20.1
26.7
6.4
0.0
8.2
9.8
5.9
2.2
20.8
100.0
Oregon
30.2
4.0
6.0
1.2
3.1
5.3
14.8
11.6
23.8
100.0
Pennsylvania
14.5
41.4
8.9
0.0
15.3
0.0
6.4
1.3
12.2
100.0
Rhode Island
15.2
24.1
5.9
13.5
0.0
13.9
5.3
14.8
7.3
100.0
South Carolina
32.1
2.5
20.3
0.0
16.0
3.1
11.5
0.0
14.6
100.0
South Dakota
46.2
2.5
10.8
0.0
0.0
14.9
6.2
10.6
8.9
100.0
CRS-19

---

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
13.3
0.0
5.5
0.0
62.1
0.0
19.0
0.0
0.1
100.0
Texas
6.2
0.0
9.8
0.0
39.5
27.9
9.0
0.4
7.2
100.0
Utah
15.9
19.7
19.1
0.0
6.5
3.2
11.6
2.5
21.5
100.0
Vermont
15.2
32.0
2.1
19.6
0.0
6.2
6.5
1.4
17.1
100.0
Virginia
24.3
13.3
14.3
0.0
1.6
2.9
14.4
1.7
27.5
100.0
Washington
12.8
21.4
9.6
0.0
3.7
0.0
11.6
5.5
35.4
100.0
West Virginia
20.6
12.8
0.4
0.0
0.0
25.0
11.3
10.0
19.9
100.0
Wisconsin
14.2
35.0
4.5
12.0
0.0
0.9
4.5
6.6
22.3
100.0
Wyoming
38.4
6.6
12.8
0.0
4.0
0.0
18.1
13.4
6.7
100.0











Totals
21.4
17.0
10.7
9.0
8.3
7.5
7.0
4.4
14.7
100.0
Source: 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.


CRS-20

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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)
Obligated But
Unobligated and
State
Not Spent
Unspent
Alabama
$0.0
$86.4
Alaska
0.0
36.3
Arizona
0.0
49.4
Arkansas
20.4
53.4
California
257.8
0.0
Colorado
0.0
104.5
Connecticut
0.0
0.0
Delaware
0.6
14.1
District of Columbia
0.0
48.7
Florida
15.9
0.0
Georgia
10.7
66.8
Hawai
20.7
280.6
Idaho
0.0
13.8
Il inois
0.0
0.0
Indiana
13.7
50.8
Iowa
0.7
0.0
Kansas
2.0
73.8
Kentucky
0.0
63.8
Louisiana
9.5
0.0
Maine
14.2
130.8
Maryland
0.0
8.6
Massachusetts
0.0
0.0
Michigan
0.0
56.1
Minnesota
0.0
58.0
Mississippi
0.0
8.4
Missouri
0.0
5.3
Montana
0.0
15.6
Nebraska
0.0
70.4
Nevada
0.0
32.8
New Hampshire
0.0
55.4
Congressional Research Service

21

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

Obligated But
Unobligated and
State
Not Spent
Unspent
New Jersey
10.9
11.1
New Mexico
0.0
88.7
New York
34.1
513.3
North Carolina
51.1
0.0
North Dakota
1.9
0.0
Ohio
542.3
0.5
Oklahoma
134.5
0.0
Oregon
0.0
13.8
Pennsylvania
77.4
430.7
Rhode Island
0.0
16.8
South Carolina
0.0
0.0
South Dakota
0.0
19.6
Tennessee
0.0
570.7
Texas
204.9
123.5
Utah
0.0
60.6
Vermont
0.0
0.0
Virginia
6.9
133.9
Washington
0.0
48.4
West Virginia
0.0
74.6
Wisconsin
0.0
175.6
Wyoming
4.5
25.4



Totals
1,434.9
3,691.1
Source: 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.

Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2019
Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama
7,687
17,453
14,340
3,113
Alaska
2,245
5,876
4,088
1,788
Arizona
7,010
14,003
11,511
2,492
Congressional Research Service

22

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

Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Arkansas
2,357
5,296
4,006
1,290
California
367,313
1,186,031
834,509
351,522
Colorado
14,226
35,165
25,631
9,534
Connecticut
7,724
15,857
11,568
4,289
Delaware
3,249
9,060
5,413
3,647
District of Columbia
7,745
22,316
16,169
6,147
Florida
38,093
60,050
51,103
8,947
Georgia
8,837
16,202
15,214
988
Guam
439
974
826
148
Hawai
4,029
11,005
7,829
3,176
Idaho
2,043
2,946
2,859
87
Il inois
10,874
21,635
19,449
2,186
Indiana
5,164
10,425
9,356
1,069
Iowa
8,922
21,527
16,498
5,029
Kansas
4,039
4,039
2,080
1,959
Kentucky
16,586
33,282
29,002
4,280
Louisiana
4,726
11,496
9,619
1,877
Maine
14,634
49,039
30,601
18,438
Maryland
16,469
39,936
29,814
10,122
Massachusetts
50,166
134,451
95,321
39,130
Michigan
10,794
27,295
22,311
4,984
Minnesota
15,399
36,303
28,132
8,171
Mississippi
3,083
5,863
4,864
999
Missouri
9,760
22,622
17,343
5,279
Montana
3,236
7,785
6,049
1,736
Nebraska
4,364
10,775
9,065
1,710
Nevada
8,042
20,194
15,297
4,897
New Hampshire
5,206
12,363
9,028
3,335
New Jersey
8,857
20,115
15,669
4,446
New Mexico
10,087
25,027
18,877
6,150
New York
113,971
293,343
205,260
88,083
North Carolina
13,064
21,922
20,157
1,765
North Dakota
939
2,325
1,986
339
Ohio
51,140
92,366
83,662
8,704
Oklahoma
5,949
13,048
11,389
1,659
Oregon
36,971
108,967
70,854
38,113
Pennsylvania
39,746
97,743
73,234
24,509
Congressional Research Service

23

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

Jurisdiction
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Puerto Rico
4,475
12,279
7,625
4,654
Rhode Island
4,002
9,809
7,187
2,622
South Carolina
7,649
16,922
14,339
2,583
South Dakota
2,923
5,741
5,329
412
Tennessee
19,221
41,313
33,537
7,776
Texas
22,821
49,308
42,670
6,638
Utah
3,170
7,448
5,572
1,876
Vermont
2,669
6,031
4,369
1,662
Virgin Islands
96
318
222
96
Virginia
19,875
35,582
27,876
7,706
Washington
36,023
86,306
59,713
26,593
West Virginia
6,331
12,481
10,442
2,039
Wisconsin
15,122
32,503
27,173
5,330
Wyoming
504
1,179
913
266





Totals
1,090,066
2,863,340
2,106,950
756,390
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS).
Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted 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, SeptemberJune of Selected Years
Percentage Change to




Percentage Change to 2019 2020 from …
JurisdictionState
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
19942019 2020 1994 2019 Alabama 49,482 21,288 7,146 7,040 -85.8% -1.5% Alaska 12,977 3,475 2,441 2,359 -81.8 -3.4 Arizona 71,530 31,919 6,839 8,796 -87.7 28.6 Arkansas 25,892 8,268 2,333 2,333 -91.0 0.0 California 919,535 578,950 371,318 367,465 -60.0 -1.0 Colorado 41,378 11,675 14,072 14,320 -65.4 1.8 Connecticut 59,701 16,957 7,807 7,421 -87.6 -4.9 Delaware 11,239 5,322 3,366 2,759 -75.5 -18.0 District of 27,443 7,373 7,345 9,145 -66.7 24.5 Columbia Florida 239,232 56,706 38,894 46,369 -80.6 19.2 Georgia 139,566 20,134 9,069 8,301 -94.1 -8.5 Guam 1,973 1,296 445 490 -75.2 10.1 Hawai 20,844 9,663 4,077 6,110 -70.7 49.9 Idaho 8,739 1,744 2,006 1,927 -77.9 -3.9 Il inois 242,740 22,087 10,640 10,609 -95.6 -0.3 Indiana 72,881 34,409 5,238 7,843 -89.2 49.7 Iowa 39,813 21,345 8,793 8,031 -79.8 -8.7 Kansas 30,020 14,183 3,745 4,543 -84.9 21.3 Congressional Research Service 24 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Percentage Change to 2020 from … State 1994 2010 2019 2020 1994 2019 Kentucky 79,225 30,130 16,922 16,047 -79.7 -5.2 Louisiana 85,741 10,256 4,498 4,116 -95.2 -8.5 Maine 22,641 14,675 16,329 13,614 -39.9 -16.6 Maryland 79,706 24,153 16,051 27,705 -65.2 72.6 Massachusetts 110,108 48,975 49,107 46,788 -57.5 -4.7 Michigan 222,472 66,433 10,816 19,518 -91.2 80.5 Minnesota 63,043 24,146 15,731 15,243 -75.8 -3.1 Mississippi 55,183 11,931 3,262 2,439 -95.6 -25.2 Missouri 92,265 38,308 9,562 10,022 -89.1 4.8 Montana 12,004 3,665 3,258 2,799 -76.7 -14.1 Nebraska 15,649 8,486 4,290 5,215 -66.7 21.6 Nevada 14,207 10,499 8,018 8,198 -42.3 2.2 New Hampshire 11,591 6,202 5,221 4,856 -58.1 -7.0 New Jersey 122,536 33,540 8,814 10,211 -91.7 15.8 New Mexico 33,732 19,737 9,567 11,493 -65.9 20.1 New York 460,590 155,302 115,700 120,192 -73.9 3.9 North Carolina 131,065 23,384 13,305 13,702 -89.5 3.0 North Dakota 5,725 1,958 913 998 -82.6 9.3 Ohio 247,886 103,198 50,116 55,558 -77.6 10.9 Oklahoma 46,864 9,021 5,907 5,738 -87.8 -2.9 Oregon 41,982 30,811 37,609 31,807 -24.2 -15.4 Pennsylvania 211,431 51,683 40,140 35,233 -83.3 -12.2 Puerto Rico 58,484 13,257 4,558 4,155 -92.9 -8.8 Rhode Island 22,737 7,404 3,894 3,438 -84.9 -11.7 South Carolina 51,590 17,843 7,950 7,776 -84.9 -2.2 South Dakota 6,868 3,247 2,867 NA NA NA Tennessee 109,339 61,851 19,030 16,448 -85.0 -13.6 Texas 282,902 50,171 22,037 21,306 -92.5 -3.3 Utah 17,536 6,641 3,224 2,872 -83.6 -10.9 Vermont 10,006 3,131 2,713 2,100 -79.0 -22.6 Virgin Islands 1,106 513 108 73 -93.4 -32.4 Virginia 75,020 37,276 16,698 19,836 -73.6 18.8 Washington 104,243 70,099 36,206 43,065 -58.7 18.9 West Virginia 40,379 9,619 6,269 5,848 -85.5 -6.7 Wisconsin 76,458 23,435 15,127 15,544 -79.7 2.8 Congressional Research Service 25 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Percentage Change to 2020 from … State 1994 2010 2019 2020 1994 2019 Wyoming 5,751 337 515 505 -91.2 -1.9 Totals 5,043,050 1,898,111 1,091,906 1,120,319 -77.8 2.9 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: NA denotes not available. June 2020 data for South Dakota were not reported. Percentage changes from 1994 and 2019 also exclude data from South Dakota for those years. TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
Alabama
48,752
23,052
8,182
7,687
-6.0
-84.2
Alaska
12,450
3,507
2,571
2,245
-12.7
-82.0
Arizona
72,728
18,774
7,372
7,010
-4.9
-90.4
Arkansas
25,298
8,469
2,859
2,357
-17.6
-90.7
California
916,795
590,121
409,043
367,313
-10.2
-59.9
Colorado
40,544
11,707
12,502
14,226
13.8
-64.9
Connecticut
60,336
16,848
8,964
7,724
-13.8
-87.2
Delaware
11,408
5,508
3,760
3,249
-13.6
-71.5
District of Columbia
27,320
8,547
5,840
7,745
32.6
-71.7
Florida
239,702
57,742
41,469
38,093
-8.1
-84.1
Georgia
141,596
20,133
10,484
8,837
-15.7
-93.8
Guam
2,089
1,276
491
439
-10.6
-79.0
Hawai
21,312
9,953
4,229
4,029
-4.7
-81.1
Congressional Research Service

24

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






Percentage Change to 2019 from …
Jurisdiction
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
1994
Idaho
8,635
1,820
2,046
2,043
-0.1
-76.3
Il inois
241,290
24,337
11,048
10,874
-1.6
-95.5
Indiana
72,654
36,062
6,048
5,164
-14.6
-92.9
Iowa
39,137
21,548
9,650
8,922
-7.5
-77.2
Kansas
29,524
15,554
4,360
4,039
-7.4
-86.3
Kentucky
78,720
30,875
18,774
16,586
-11.7
-78.9
Louisiana
84,162
10,849
5,402
4,726
-12.5
-94.4
Maine
22,322
15,377
17,367
14,634
-15.7
-34.4
Maryland
80,266
25,110
17,352
16,469
-5.1
-79.5
Massachusetts
108,985
49,836
50,270
50,166
-0.2
-54.0
Michigan
215,873
67,241
12,338
10,794
-12.5
-95.0
Minnesota
59,987
24,574
16,973
15,399
-9.3
-74.3
Mississippi
55,232
11,895
4,040
3,083
-23.7
-94.4
Missouri
91,875
39,262
10,761
9,760
-9.3
-89.4
Montana
11,416
3,686
3,691
3,236
-12.3
-71.7
Nebraska
15,435
8,702
4,832
4,364
-9.7
-71.7
Nevada
14,620
10,612
9,023
8,042
-10.9
-45.0
New Hampshire
11,398
6,175
5,257
5,206
-1.0
-54.3
New Jersey
122,376
34,516
10,326
8,857
-14.2
-92.8
New Mexico
34,535
21,223
10,632
10,087
-5.1
-70.8
New York
461,751
154,936
122,363
113,971
-6.9
-75.3
North Carolina
129,258
23,705
14,762
13,064
-11.5
-89.9
North Dakota
5,410
1,996
984
939
-4.6
-82.6
Ohio
244,099
105,140
42,549
51,140
20.2
-79.0
Oklahoma
46,572
9,388
6,176
5,949
-3.7
-87.2
Oregon
40,504
31,751
40,932
36,971
-9.7
-8.7
Pennsylvania
212,457
53,274
45,022
39,746
-11.7
-81.3
Puerto Rico
57,337
13,371
4,992
4,475
-10.4
-92.2
Rhode Island
22,776
6,758
4,213
4,002
-5.0
-82.4
South Carolina
50,430
19,347
8,314
7,649
-8.0
-84.8
South Dakota
6,601
3,291
2,952
2,923
-1.0
-55.7
Tennessee
109,678
62,714
20,951
19,221
-8.3
-82.5
Texas
284,973
51,931
26,109
22,821
-12.6
-92.0
Utah
17,505
6,646
3,546
3,170
-10.6
-81.9
Vermont
9,761
3,256
2,918
2,669
-8.5
-72.7
Virgin Islands
1,146
537
160
96
-40.0
-91.6
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs






Percentage Change to 2019 from …
Jurisdiction
1994
2010
2018
2019
2018
1994
Virginia
74,257
37,448
20,513
19,875
-3.1
-73.2
Washington
101,542
70,200
37,270
36,023
-3.3
-64.5
West Virginia
40,279
10,496
6,572
6,331
-3.7
-84.3
Wisconsin
75,086
24,746
15,740
15,122
-3.9
-79.9
Wyoming
5,351
318
499
504
1.0
-90.6







Totals
5,015,545
1,926,140
1,175,493
1,090,066
-7.3
-78.3

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS).
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. 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
JurisdictionJune 2020 Single Two No Total Single Two No State
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Alabama Alabama
3,021
25
4,641
7,687
39.3%
0.3%
60.4%
100.0%
Alaska
1,303
203
739
2,245
58.0
9.0
32.9
100.0
Arizona
2,165
126
4,719
7,010
30.9
1.8
67.3
100.0
Arkansas
1,175
56
1,126
2,357
49.9
2.4
47.8
100.0
California
224,473
24,435
118,405
367,313
61.1
6.7
32.2
100.0
Colorado
8,955
0
5,271
14,226
62.9
0.0
37.1
100.0
Connecticut
2,317
0
5,407
7,724
30.0
0.0
70.0
100.0
Delaware
756
11
2,482
3,249
23.3
0.3
76.4
100.0
District of Columbia
6,147
0
1,598
7,745
79.4
0.0
20.6
100.0
Florida
4,625
209
33,259
38,093
12.1
0.5
87.3
100.0
Georgia
1,019
0
7,818
8,837
11.5
0.0
88.5
100.0
Guam
93
19
327
439
21.2
4.3
74.5
100.0
Hawai
2,413
588
1,028
4,029
59.9
14.6
25.5
100.0
Idaho
87
0
1,956
2,043
4.3
0.0
95.7
100.0
Il inois
2,170
0
8,704
10,874
20.0
0.0
80.0
100.0
Indiana
1,247
81
3,836
5,164
24.1
1.6
74.3
100.0
Iowa
4,255
350
4,317
8,922
47.7
3.9
48.4
100.0
Kansas
1,979
247
1,813
4,039
49.0
6.1
44.9
100.0
Kentucky
3,639
330
12,617
16,586
21.9
2.0
76.1
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
1,849
0
2,877
4,726
39.1
0.0
60.9
100.0
Maine
7,745
5,383
1,506
14,634
52.9
36.8
10.3
100.0
Maryland
10,172
238
6,059
16,469
61.8
1.4
36.8
100.0
Massachusetts
34,984
2,744
12,438
50,166
69.7
5.5
24.8
100.0
Michigan
4,152
0
6,642
10,794
38.5
0.0
61.5
100.0
Minnesota
8,252
0
7,147
15,399
53.6
0.0
46.4
100.0
Mississippi
989
0
2,094
3,083
32.1
0.0
67.9
100.0
Missouri
5,758
0
4,002
9,760
59.0
0.0
41.0
100.0
Montana
1,512
215
1,509
3,236
46.7
6.6
46.6
100.0
Nebraska
1,718
0
2,646
4,364
39.4
0.0
60.6
100.0
Nevada
3,517
618
3,907
8,042
43.7
7.7
48.6
100.0
New Hampshire
3,132
37
2,037
5,206
60.2
0.7
39.1
100.0
New Jersey
4,913
54
3,890
8,857
55.5
0.6
43.9
100.0
New Mexico
4,846
652
4,589
10,087
48.0
6.5
45.5
100.0
New York
71,751
2,989
39,231
113,971
63.0
2.6
34.4
100.0
North Carolina
1,262
6
11,796
13,064
9.7
0.0
90.3
100.0
North Dakota
497
0
442
939
52.9
0.0
47.1
100.0
Ohio
7,271
362
43,507
51,140
14.2
0.7
85.1
100.0
Oklahoma
1,659
0
4,290
5,949
27.9
0.0
72.1
100.0
Oregon
26,126
5,481
5,364
36,971
70.7
14.8
14.5
100.0
Pennsylvania
24,232
312
15,202
39,746
61.0
0.8
38.2
100.0
Puerto Rico
4,023
237
215
4,475
89.9
5.3
4.8
100.0
Rhode Island
2,869
131
1,002
4,002
71.7
3.3
25.0
100.0
South Carolina
2,583
0
5,066
7,649
33.8
0.0
66.2
100.0
South Dakota
412
0
2,511
2,923
14.1
0.0
85.9
100.0
Tennessee
7,010
172
12,039
19,221
36.5
0.9
62.6
100.0
Texas
6,638
0
16,183
22,821
29.1
0.0
70.9
100.0
Utah
1,346
0
1,824
3,170
42.5
0.0
57.5
100.0
Vermont
1,180
231
1,258
2,669
44.2
8.7
47.1
100.0
Virgin Islands
77
0
19
96
80.2
0.0
19.8
100.0
Virginia
10,822
0
9,053
19,875
54.5
0.0
45.5
100.0
Washington
17,021
6,983
12,019
36,023
47.3
19.4
33.4
100.0
West Virginia
1,522
0
4,809
6,331
24.0
0.0
76.0
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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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
Totals
558,760
53,768
477,538 1,090,066
51.3
4.9
43.8
100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS).
Notes: 2,695 31 4,314 7,040 38.3 0.4 61.3 Alaska 1,334 336 689 2,359 56.5 14.2 29.2 Arizona 3,167 404 5,225 8,796 36.0 4.6 59.4 Arkansas 1,226 80 1,027 2,333 52.6 3.4 44.0 California 217,819 28,112 121,534 367,465 59.3 7.7 33.1 Colorado 9,030 0 5,290 14,320 63.1 0.0 36.9 Connecticut 2,414 0 5,007 7,421 32.5 0.0 67.5 Delaware 353 13 2,393 2,759 12.8 0.5 86.7 District of 7,505 0 1,640 9,145 82.1 0.0 17.9 Columbia Florida 10,661 1,625 34,083 46,369 23.0 3.5 73.5 Georgia 881 0 7,420 8,301 10.6 0.0 89.4 Guam 120 60 310 490 24.5 12.2 63.3 Hawai 3,492 1,625 993 6,110 57.2 26.6 16.3 Idaho 92 0 1,835 1,927 4.8 0.0 95.2 Il inois 1,763 0 8,846 10,609 16.6 0.0 83.4 Indiana 3,677 375 3,791 7,843 46.9 4.8 48.3 Iowa 3,668 333 4,030 8,031 45.7 4.1 50.2 Kansas 2,395 416 1,732 4,543 52.7 9.2 38.1 Kentucky 3,700 343 12,004 16,047 23.1 2.1 74.8 Louisiana 1,893 0 2,223 4,116 46.0 0.0 54.0 Maine 7,134 4,972 1,508 13,614 52.4 36.5 11.1 Maryland 20,245 1,004 6,456 27,705 73.1 3.6 23.3 Massachusetts 31,681 2,711 12,396 46,788 67.7 5.8 26.5 Michigan 12,984 0 6,534 19,518 66.5 0.0 33.5 Congressional Research Service 26 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Single Two No Total Single Two No State Parent Parent Parent Families Parent Parent Parent Minnesota 7,910 0 7,333 15,243 51.9 0.0 48.1 Mississippi 580 0 1,859 2,439 23.8 0.0 76.2 Missouri 6,409 0 3,613 10,022 63.9 0.0 36.1 Montana 1,251 183 1,365 2,799 44.7 6.5 48.8 Nebraska 2,487 0 2,728 5,215 47.7 0.0 52.3 Nevada 3,691 951 3,556 8,198 45.0 11.6 43.4 New Hampshire 2,771 28 2,057 4,856 57.1 0.6 42.4 New Jersey 6,441 34 3,736 10,211 63.1 0.3 36.6 New Mexico 5,960 981 4,552 11,493 51.9 8.5 39.6 New York 78,717 2,857 38,618 120,192 65.5 2.4 32.1 North Carolina 2,206 41 11,455 13,702 16.1 0.3 83.6 North Dakota 575 0 423 998 57.6 0.0 42.4 Ohio 11,082 1,026 43,450 55,558 19.9 1.8 78.2 Oklahoma 1,963 0 3,775 5,738 34.2 0.0 65.8 Oregon 22,569 4,098 5,140 31,807 71.0 12.9 16.2 Pennsylvania 20,813 216 14,204 35,233 59.1 0.6 40.3 Puerto Rico 3,692 258 205 4,155 88.9 6.2 4.9 Rhode Island 2,414 103 921 3,438 70.2 3.0 26.8 South Carolina 2,815 0 4,961 7,776 36.2 0.0 63.8 South Dakota NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Tennessee 5,350 184 10,914 16,448 32.5 1.1 66.4 Texas 7,652 0 13,654 21,306 35.9 0.0 64.1 Utah 1,198 0 1,674 2,872 41.7 0.0 58.3 Vermont 721 164 1,215 2,100 34.3 7.8 57.9 Virgin Islands 54 0 19 73 74.0 0.0 26.0 Virginia 11,018 0 8,818 19,836 55.5 0.0 44.5 Washington 21,688 8,483 12,894 43,065 50.4 19.7 29.9 West Virginia 1,368 0 4,480 5,848 23.4 0.0 76.6 Wisconsin 5,558 255 9,731 15,544 35.8 1.6 62.6 Wyoming 231 19 255 505 45.7 3.8 50.5 Totals 589,113 62,321 468,885 1,120,319 52.6 5.6 41.9 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: NA denotes not available. June 2020 data for South Dakota were not reported. 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.

Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 33 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs 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 Alabama
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
54.8 54.8
Alaska Alaska
50.0 50.0
31.0 31.0
19.0 19.0
48.5 48.5
Arizona Arizona
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
21.6 21.6
Arkansas Arkansas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
26.4 26.4
California California
50.0 50.0
16.2 16.2
33.8 33.8
55.3 55.3
Colorado Colorado
50.0 50.0
38.3 38.3
11.7 11.7
34.7 34.7
Connecticut Connecticut
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
26.7 26.7
Delaware Delaware
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
23.1 23.1
District of Col. District of Col.
50.0 50.0
48.0 48.0
2.0 2.0
50.0 50.0
Florida Florida
50.0 50.0
31.6 31.6
18.4 18.4
41.5 41.5
Georgia Georgia
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
26.6 26.6
Guam Guam
50.0 50.0
47.5 47.5
2.5 2.5
24.1 24.1
Hawai Hawai
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
29.3 29.3
Idaho Idaho
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
59.6 59.6
Il inois Il inois
50.0 50.0
43.0 43.0
7.0 7.0
61.5 61.5
Indiana Indiana
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
30.5 30.5
Iowa Iowa
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
27.2 27.2
Kansas Kansas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
32.4 32.4
Kentucky Kentucky
50.0 50.0
45.5 45.5
4.5 4.5
55.6 55.6
Louisiana Louisiana
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
5.8 5.8
Maine Maine
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
87.7 87.7
Maryland Maryland
50.0 50.0
44.3 44.3
5.7 5.7
26.6 26.6
Massachusetts Massachusetts
50.0 50.0
20.5 20.5
29.5 29.5
66.4 66.4
Michigan Michigan
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
60.5 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 Minnesota
50.0 50.0
40.4 40.4
9.6 9.6
35.7 35.7
Mississippi Mississippi
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
49.1 49.1
Missouri Missouri
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
24.3 24.3
MontanaaMontanaa
50.0 50.0
10.9 10.9
39.1 39.1
37.2 37.2
Nebraska Nebraska
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
43.9 43.9
Nevada Nevada
50.0 50.0
22.0 22.0
28.0 28.0
38.1 38.1
New Hampshire New Hampshire
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
62.9 62.9
New Jersey New Jersey
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
29.8 29.8
New Mexico New Mexico
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
42.5 42.5
Congressional Research Service 28 link to page 35 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Caseload Effective Reduction (After Credit) Work Participation State Standard Credit Standard Rate New York New York
50.0 50.0
44.4 44.4
5.6 5.6
21.7 21.7
North Carolina North Carolina
50.0 50.0
44.6 44.6
5.4 5.4
26.4 26.4
North Dakota North Dakota
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
54.1 54.1
Ohio Ohio
50.0 50.0
42.8 42.8
7.2 7.2
34.8 34.8
Oklahoma Oklahoma
50.0 50.0
46.9 46.9
3.1 3.1
31.5 31.5
Oregon Oregon
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
65.9 65.9
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
22.2 22.2
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
19.1 19.1
Rhode Island Rhode Island
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
8.9 8.9
South Carolina South Carolina
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
29.9 29.9
South Dakota South Dakota
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
57.7 57.7
Tennessee Tennessee
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
33.2 33.2
Texas Texas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
21.8 21.8
Utah Utah
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
11.8 11.8
Vermont Vermont
50.0 50.0
42.6 42.6
7.4 7.4
46.2 46.2
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
6.2 6.2
Virginia Virginia
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
40.5 40.5
Washington Washington
50.0 50.0
46.8 46.8
3.2 3.2
50.5 50.5
West Virginia West Virginia
50.0 50.0
45.6 45.6
4.4 4.4
34.7 34.7
Wisconsin Wisconsin
50.0 50.0
41.2 41.2
8.8 8.8
51.8 51.8
Wyoming Wyoming
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
72.5 72.5
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). Services (HHS).
a. State did not meet its work participation standard. 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 Alabama
90.0 90.0
89.5 89.5
0.5 0.5
52.9 52.9
Alaska Alaska
90.0 90.0
39.5 39.5
50.5 50.5
64.2 64.2
Arizona Arizona
90.0 90.0
74.0 74.0
16.0 16.0
55.9 55.9
Arkansas Arkansas
90.0 90.0
84.2 84.2
5.8 5.8
27.0 27.0
CaliforniaaCaliforniaa
90.0 90.0
25.6 25.6
64.4 64.4
31.1 31.1
Colorado Colorado
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Congressional Research Service 29 link to page 35 link to page 35 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Caseload Effective Work Reduction (After Credit) Participation State Standard Credit Standard Rate Connecticut Connecticut
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Delaware Delaware
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
District of Col. District of Col.
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Florida Florida
90.0 90.0
80.8 80.8
9.2 9.2
44.3 44.3
Georgia Georgia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Guam Guam
90.0 90.0
47.5 47.5
42.5 42.5
54.6 54.6
Hawai Hawai
90.0 90.0
75.3 75.3
14.7 14.7
46.4 46.4
Idaho Idaho
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Il inois Il inois
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Indiana Indiana
90.0 90.0
77.2 77.2
12.8 12.8
29.8 29.8
Iowa Iowa
90.0 90.0
80.2 80.2
9.8 9.8
22.3 22.3
Kansas Kansas
90.0 90.0
75.6 75.6
14.4 14.4
39.6 39.6
Kentucky Kentucky
90.0 90.0
45.5 45.5
44.5 44.5
57.9 57.9
Louisiana Louisiana
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Maine Maine
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
97.3 97.3
Maryland Maryland
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Massachusetts Massachusetts
90.0 90.0
20.5 20.5
69.5 69.5
84.8 84.8
Michigan Michigan
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Minnesota Minnesota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Mississippi Mississippi
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Missouri Missouri
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
MontanaaMontanaa
90.0 90.0
41.0 41.0
49.0 49.0
40.2 40.2
Nebraska Nebraska
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NevadaaNevadaa
90.0 90.0
22.0 22.0
68.0 68.0
50.3 50.3
New Hampshire New Hampshire
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
New Jersey New Jersey
90.0 90.0
77.3 77.3
12.7 12.7
92.8 92.8
New Mexico New Mexico
90.0 90.0
62.5 62.5
27.5 27.5
52.7 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 New York
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
North Carolina North Carolina
90.0 90.0
44.6 44.6
45.4 45.4
46.7 46.7
North Dakota North Dakota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Ohio Ohio
90.0 90.0
84.1 84.1
5.9 5.9
37.7 37.7
Oklahoma Oklahoma
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Oregon Oregon
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
98.6 98.6
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
90.0 90.0
89.4 89.4
0.6 0.6
37.8 37.8
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Rhode IslandaCongressional Research Service 30 link to page 35 link to page 35 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Caseload Effective Work Reduction (After Credit) Participation State Standard Credit Standard Rate Rhode Islanda
90.0 90.0
58.8 58.8
31.2 31.2
11.8 11.8
South Carolina South Carolina
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
South Dakota South Dakota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Tennessee Tennessee
90.0 90.0
69.4 69.4
20.6 20.6
32.8 32.8
Texas Texas
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Utah Utah
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Vermont Vermont
90.0 90.0
61.2 61.2
28.8 28.8
58.0 58.0
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Virginia Virginia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Washington Washington
90.0 90.0
46.8 46.8
43.2 43.2
69.6 69.6
West Virginia West Virginia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Wisconsin Wisconsin
90.0 90.0
68.3 68.3
21.7 21.7
66.5 66.5
WyomingaWyominga
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
77.6 77.6
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Note: NA = jurisdiction does not serve two-parent families in its TANF assistance program. NA = jurisdiction does not serve two-parent families in its TANF assistance program.
a. State did not meet its a. State did not meet its work participation standard.
two-parent family work participation standard.
Author Information

Gene Falk Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy Analyst in Social Policy



Acknowledgments
Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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


Acknowledgments Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Disclaimer
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