The Temporary Assistance for
January 25September 14, 2021 , 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).
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193).
This report responds to some 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
For a copy of the
ful full report, report,
on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
please
please
cal call 7-5700 or visit 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 of Columbia, the territories, and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are
als oalso required in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenancerequired in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance
-of-effort (MOE) -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
FY2020,FY2020,
the TANF basic block grant was 38% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997. the TANF basic block grant was 38% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997.
Though TANF is best known for funding basic assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and
Though TANF is best known for funding basic assistance payments for needy families with children, the block grant and
MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2019, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $6.5 MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2019, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $6.5
billion—21% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash and on an billion—21% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash and on an
ongoing basis (monthly). In addition to funding basic assistance, TANF also contributes funds for child care, employment ongoing basis (monthly). In addition to funding basic 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 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 have been, or are at risk of being, abused and neglected. Some states also 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 toward the MOE requirement. count expenditures in prekindergarten programs toward the MOE requirement.
The TANF Assistance Caseload. A total of 1. A total of 1.
10 million million
families, composed of 2.families, composed of 2.
96 million million
recipients, received TANF- or recipients, received TANF- or
MOE-funded assistance in MOE-funded assistance in
JuneNovember 2020. The bulk of the “recipients” were children— 2020. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—
2.11.9 million in that month. The million in that month. The
assis tance assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an unemployed caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an unemployed
adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2019.adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2019.
Additionally, 26% of cash assistance families had Additionally, 26% of cash assistance families had
an employed adult, while 42% of all TANF families were “child-only” and had no adult recipient. Child-only families an employed adult, while 42% 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., 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 TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July
20182019, the maximum, the maximum
monthly benefit for a monthly benefit for a
family of three ranged from $1,family of three ranged from $1,
039066 in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal
poverty guidelines) had a maximumpoverty guidelines) had a maximum
TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income. 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 Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In
FY2019FY2020, states , states
achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of
47.139.6% and a two-parent rate of % and a two-parent rate of
54.8%. In FY2019, only Montana did not meet46.9%. In FY2020, all jurisdictions met the all-family participation standard the all-family participation standard
and five, but six jurisdictions (California, jurisdictions (California,
MontanaGuam, Nevada, , Nevada,
North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not meet the two-parent standard. Rhode Island, and 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 standards are in statute and cannot be waived other than through legislation. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can waive financial penalties for states that do not meet standards. In policy guidance, HHS has said it would use its authority to provide relief from the penalty for not meeting work standards “to the maximum extent possible.”
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1822 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Funding and Expenditures ............................................................................................................... 1
What Is TANF’s Funding Status? ............................................................................................. 1
How Are State TANF Programs Funded? ................................................................................. 1
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed Over Time? ................... 1
How Have States Used TANF Funds? ...................................................................................... 2
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent? ................................................................ 3
The Caseload ................................................................................................................................... 4
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits and Services? ....................... 4
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded
Assistance? ............................................................................................................................. 4
How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with Historical Levels? ............. 5
What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF Assistance? .................................. 6
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family Receive in TANF Cash Per Month? .................. 7
TANF Work Participation Standards ............................................................................................... 9 8
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet? ........................................ 9 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? ............................................... 9
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?............................................................................................ 11 10
Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2019 .................................................... 3
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, JulyJune 1959 to June 2020.......November 2020 ..................... 56
Figure 3. Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type:
Selected YearYears, 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 2019 ................ 8
Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for Al All Families, FY2002-
FY2019 FY2020 ......................................................................................................................... 10
............... 11
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ............................... 2
Table 2. TheFamilies and Recipients of TANF Assistance Caseload, June, November 2020 ............................................................. 4
4
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-2019 ................................................... 12
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2019 ................................................................................................... 14
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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
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Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2019 ............................................................... 21
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, JuneNovember 2020 .............................................................................. 22
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, JuneNovember of Selected Years ............................................................................. 24
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction: June 2020 .......... 26
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction,
for All Families: FY2019
FY2020 .................................................................................................................................. 28..... 26
Table B-87. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-Parent
Families: FY2019FY2020 ...................................................................................................................... 29. 28
Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables .............................................................................................. 12
Appendix B. State Tables .............................................................................................................. 15
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 30 31
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and access to information and
datadata. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over assistance over
timetime. 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 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260 ) extends TANF funding through the The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260 ) extends TANF funding through the
end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021). end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021).
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 states, totaling $16.5
bil ion billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the 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, Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and 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 programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3
bil ion billion per year for the 50 states, the 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 by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of TANF was created by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of
1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—both 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—both
national ynationally and for each and for each
state—was established in the 1996 law. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia, state—was established in the 1996 law. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia,
territories, and tribes was $16.6 territories, and tribes was $16.6
bil ionbillion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount
remained the same. The basic block grant was not adjusted for changes that occur over time, such remained the same. The basic block grant was not adjusted for changes that occur over time, such
as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance caseload, or changes in the poverty population. as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance caseload, or changes in the poverty population.
During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted) value of the block grant declined by one-third During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted) 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 (33.1%). Beginning with FY2017, the state family assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from
its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block
grant amount is $16.5 grant amount is $16.5
bil ion. billion.
Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-
adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2020. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2020. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the
FY2020 block grant was 38% below its value in FY1997. FY2020 block grant was 38% below its value in FY1997.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
(In
(In
Bil ionsBillions of $) of $)
State 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
16.306
16.306
-1.6%
-1.6%
1999
1999
16.567
16.567
15.991
15.991
-3.5
-3.5
2000
2000
16.567
16.567
15.498
15.498
-6.5
-6.5
2001
2001
16.567
16.567
15.020
15.020
-9.3
-9.3
2002
2002
16.567
16.567
14.792
14.792
-10.7
-10.7
2003
2003
16.567
16.567
14.456
14.456
-12.7
-12.7
2004
2004
16.567
16.567
14.124
14.124
-14.7
-14.7
2005
2005
16.567
16.567
13.680
13.680
-17.4
-17.4
2006
2006
16.567
16.567
13.190
13.190
-20.4
-20.4
2007
2007
16.567
16.567
12.893
12.893
-22.2
-22.2
2008
2008
16.567
16.567
12.345
12.345
-25.5
-25.5
2009
2009
16.567
16.567
12.382
12.382
-25.3
-25.3
2010
2010
16.567
16.567
12.182
12.182
-26.5
-26.5
2011
2011
16.567
16.567
11.859
11.859
-28.4
-28.4
2012
2012
16.567
16.567
11.585
11.585
-30.1
-30.1
2013
2013
16.567
16.567
11.394
11.394
-31.2
-31.2
2014
2014
16.567
16.567
11.217
11.217
-32.3
-32.3
2015
2015
16.567
16.567
11.179
11.179
-32.5
-32.5
2016
2016
16.567
16.567
11.082
11.082
-33.1
-33.1
2017
2017
16.512
16.512
10.820
10.820
-34.7
-34.7
2018
2018
16.512
16.512
10.564
10.564
-36.2
-36.2
2019
2019
16.512
16.512
10.372
10.372
-37.4
-37.4
2020
2020
16.512
16.512
10.224
10.224
-38.3
-38.3
Source: Congressional Congressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human the U.S. Department of Health and Human
ServicesServices
(HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Notes: Constant dol ars Constant dol ars
were computed using the Consumer Pricewere computed using the Consumer Price
Index for al Urban ConsumersIndex for al Urban Consumers
(CPI-U). (CPI-U).
How Have States Used TANF Funds?
In FY2019, a total of $30.9 In FY2019, a total of $30.9
bil ion billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.5 families to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.5
bil ionbillion) of total FY2019 TANF and MOE ) of total FY2019 TANF and MOE
dollars.dollars.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2019, $5.0
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2019, $5.0
bil ionbillion (16% of (16% of
al all TANF and TANF and
MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the
Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education
and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.2 and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.2
bil ionbillion, or 10% of , or 10% 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 FY2019 totaled $2.8 MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2019 totaled $2.8
bil ionbillion, or 9% of total TANF , 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 FY2019 TANF and MOE funds also help fund state prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2019
expenditures for that category at $2.6 expenditures for that category at $2.6
bil ionbillion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child . 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 $2.6 spending about $2.6
bil ion billion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social
servicesservices. Figure 1 shows the uses of shows the uses of
federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2019. federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2019.
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2019
(
(
Dol ars in Bil ionsDollars in Billions) )
Source: CongressionalCongressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human the U.S. Department of Health and Human
ServicesServices
(HHS). (HHS).
Notes: Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories
and in and in
tribal TANF programs. tribal TANF programs.
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds,
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds,
seesee Table B-1 andand Table B-2.
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent?
TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibilityTANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility
in in
timing of the use of TANF funds, including the abilitytiming of the use of TANF funds, including the ability
to “save” funds for unexpected 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 FY2019 (September 30, 2019, the most recent data currently available), a total of
At the end of FY2019 (September 30, 2019, the most recent data currently available), a total of
$5.8 $5.8
bil ion billion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of 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 FY2019, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4 of FY2019, states had made such commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $1.4
bil ionbillion. At the end of FY2019, states had $4.5 . At the end of FY2019, states had $4.5
bil ionbillion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are of “unobligated balances.” These funds are
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
available
available
to states to make to states to make
new spending spending
commitmentscommitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state. 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) (SNAP)
al otmentsallotments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash . These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash
assistance program. assistance program.
Additional yAdditionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for , 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 of
al all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families 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.provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.
1 mil ion0 million families, composed of 2. families, composed of 2.
9 mil ion 6 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in
JuneNovember 2020. 2020.
2 The bulk of the The bulk of the
“recipients” were children—“recipients” were children—
2.1 mil ion1.9 million in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads, in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads,
see
see Table B-4.
Table 2. TheFamilies and Recipients of TANF Assistance Caseload, June 2020
Families
1,120,319
Recipients
2,930,544
Adults
2,132,800
Children
797,744
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: TANF assistance caseload data exclude South Dakota. Data for South Dakota were not reported. TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted 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 requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31.
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, November 2020
Families
1,002,327
Recipients
2,598,799
Children
1,912,820
Adults
685,979
1 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31.
2 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted data on families and recipients of TANF assistance through December 2020. However, the data reported for Oregon are erroneous. Therefore, this report will show TANF assistance family and recipient data for November 2020, as the most recent data available for all states as of the update of this report.
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Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
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
JuneNovember 2020. The shaded areas 2020. The shaded areas
of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though the health of 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-term trend in the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-term trend in
receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a pattern would receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a pattern would
have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then
fal fall again during periods of economic again during periods of economic
growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy changes) also growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy 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 assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1
mil ionmillion families. The assistance caseload families. The assistance caseload
fel fell rapidly in rapidly in
the late 1990s, after PRWORA, before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the caseload began another the late 1990s, after PRWORA, before leveling off in 2001. In 2004, the caseload began another
decline, albeit at a slower pace than in the late 1990s. During the 2007-2009 recession and its 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 aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7
mil ionmillion families in August 2008, peaking in families in August 2008, peaking in
December 2010 at close to 2.0 December 2010 at close to 2.0
mil ionmillion families. The number of families receiving assistance families. The number of families receiving assistance
declined by almost half (to a littledeclined by almost half (to a little
over 1 over 1
mil ion million families) during the long economic expansion of 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 Services (HHS). Notes: 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 Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through September 2019, includes families receiving assistance 2010 through 2019.
During 2020, a year when the economy was affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a brief uptick in the number of families receiving assistance. The number of families receiving assistance increased in the April through June 2020 period. However, after June 2020, the number of families receiving TANF assistance again began to decline.3 In November 2020, the number of families receiving assistance was reported at 1.0 million families, down 6.4% from its level in November 2019.
3 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs – in particular, unemployment insurance—that might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See: CRS Report R46687, Current Status of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see: Laura Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures, Urban Institute, July 2021.
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Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, June 1959 to November 2020
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes: 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 Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through the last month shown, 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.requirement.
See See Table A-1 for average annual data on families,for average annual data on families,
recipients,recipients,
adult recipients,adult recipients,
and child recipients and child recipients
of ADC,of ADC,
AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019.AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019.
Note that data for Jan uary-March 2020 exclude Virginia; data for April-June 2020 exclude South Dakota.
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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 yusually the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also
typical ytypically been 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 rolls.major shift in the composition of the rolls.
Figure 3 shows the change in the size and composition of the assistance caseload under both shows the change in the size and composition of the assistance caseload under both
AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed AFDC (1988 and 1994) and TANF. In FY1988, an estimated 84% of AFDC families were headed
by an unemployed adult recipient. In FY2019, families with an unemployed adult recipient by an unemployed adult recipient. In FY2019, families with an unemployed adult recipient
represented 32% of represented 32% of
al all cash assistance families. This decline occurred, in large part, as the cash assistance families. This decline occurred, in large part, as the
number of families headed by unemployed adult recipients declined more rapidly than other number of families headed by unemployed adult recipients declined more rapidly than other
components of the assistance caseload. In FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8 components of the assistance caseload. In FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8
mil ionmillion families per families per
month who received AFDC cash assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In month who received AFDC cash assistance had adult recipients who were not working. In
FY2019, a monthly average of 359,000 families per month had adult recipients or work-eligible FY2019, a monthly average of 359,000 families per month had adult recipients or work-eligible
individuals, with no adult recipient or work-eligible individualindividuals, with no adult recipient or work-eligible individual
working. 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
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assistance program. In FY2019, families with an employed adult comprised 26% of assistance program. In FY2019, families with an employed adult comprised 26% of
al all TANF 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 FY2019 was 42%. In FY2019, families with a nonrecipient, nonparent relative only in FY2019 was 42%. In FY2019, families with a nonrecipient, nonparent relative
(grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 17% of (grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 17% of
al all assistance families. Families with ineligible, 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 made up 9% of Income (SSI) and the children received TANF made up 9% of
al all assistance families in FY2019. assistance families in FY2019.
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Figure 3. Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type:
Selected YearYears, FY1988 to FY2019
Source: CongressionalCongressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files. (CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files.
Notes: TANF assistance caseload includes families TANF assistance caseload includes families
receiving 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.
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 (There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though
al
all states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states. states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states.
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash
benefit is benefit is
usual yusually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned 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 a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are
financial yfinancially sanctioned for not meeting a program 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.
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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 two children (family of three) in July
2018.2 The benefit amounts shown are those for a single-parent family with two children.32019.4 For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit
paid in July 2019 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,066paid in July
2 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the T ANF state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social 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).
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.
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2018 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,039 per month in New Hampshire. The per month in New Hampshire. The
map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts
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.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 20182019
Source: CongressionalCongressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the Urban Institute’sthe Urban Institute’s
Welfare Rules
Database..
The welfareThe welfare
rules database has information for the 50 states and Districtrules database has information for the 50 states and District
of Columbia. It does not have of Columbia. It does not have
information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam,information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam,
and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF programs.
4 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 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.
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and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF programs.
TANF Work Participation Standards
TANF’s main federal work requirement is TANF’s main federal work requirement is
actual yactually a performance measure that applies to the 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 was $1,732 per month. Higher poverty lines applied in Alaska ($2,165 p er month for a family of three) and Hawaii ($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
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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. percentage point decline in a state’s caseload.
Additional y, Additionally, under a regulatory provision, a state 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 The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as
wel well as the caseload reduction credit, date 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
HHS was instructed to provide definition to the
al owableallowable TANF work activities 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,individual,
expanding the number of families that are included in the work 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.
5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible 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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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 owingallowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011 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 “effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “
al all--
families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the
al all-families effective -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
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 work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the
state’s caseload reduction credit). state’s caseload reduction credit).
Figure 5 shows the national average shows the national average
al all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through -families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2019FY2020. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average . For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average
al all-families work -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), based on data from the Department of Health and Human 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 work participation standard for al families. Montana also did not meet its standard in FY2018. In terms of the higher two-parent standard, five jurisdictions did not meet it for FY2019: California, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. Table B-7 provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF
work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for al families for FY2019.
Table B-8 provides that information for two-parent families.
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 standards. Employment losses, disruptions in education, and the inability of states to engage recipients in group activities (e.g., job clubs) could al result in lower participation in work or job preparation activities. Additional y, if the economic dislocation results in higher assistance
caseloads, a state’s caseload reduction credit would be reduced, resulting in a higher effective
(after-credit) participation standard for the state to meet.
The rules governing the TANF work participation standards cannot be waived, other than through
new legislation. However, The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in 2018 and 2019 from its 2017 high of 53.0%. In FY2020, a year affected by the COVID-19 virus and its economic fallout, the national average all-families rate fell by 7.5 percentage points. However, in FY2020 all states met their all-families TANF work participation standards despite this decline (in FY2019, only Montana did not meet its standard).
6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements.
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Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families, FY2002-
FY2020
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In FY2020, 5 states (California, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) as well as Guam failed the separate, higher two-parent standard. Table B-6 provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for all families for FY2020. Table B-7 provides that information for two-parent families. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability 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 to reduce or waive the penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation
standard. HHSstandard. HHS
has, under the Administration of President Donald Trump, said that it would exercise its authority to provide states with relief from the said that it would exercise its authority to provide states with relief from the
penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent
possible.”7 HHS has not revised this statement under the current, Biden Administration.
7 U.S. possible.”7
7 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Family Assistance, Office of Family Assistance,
Questions and answers about TANF and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandem ic, T ANFpandemic, TANF-ACF-Pi-2020--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: 1961-2019
TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage
Percentage
Families
Recipients
Adults
Children
of All
of All Poor
Year
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Children
Children
1961
1961
0.873
0.873
3.363
3.363
0.765
0.765
2.598
2.598
3.7%
3.7%
14.3%
14.3%
1962
1962
0.939
0.939
3.704
3.704
0.860
0.860
2.844
2.844
4.0
4.0
15.7
15.7
1963
1963
0.963
0.963
3.945
3.945
0.988
0.988
2.957
2.957
4.1
4.1
17.4
17.4
1964
1964
1.010
1.010
4.195
4.195
1.050
1.050
3.145
3.145
4.3
4.3
18.6
18.6
1965
1965
1.060
1.060
4.422
4.422
1.101
1.101
3.321
3.321
4.5
4.5
21.5
21.5
1966
1966
1.096
1.096
4.546
4.546
1.112
1.112
3.434
3.434
4.7
4.7
26.5
26.5
1967
1967
1.220
1.220
5.014
5.014
1.243
1.243
3.771
3.771
5.2
5.2
31.2
31.2
1968
1968
1.410
1.410
5.702
5.702
1.429
1.429
4.274
4.274
5.9
5.9
37.8
37.8
1969
1969
1.696
1.696
6.689
6.689
1.716
1.716
4.973
4.973
6.9
6.9
49.7
49.7
1970
1970
2.207
2.207
8.462
8.462
2.250
2.250
6.212
6.212
8.6
8.6
57.7
57.7
1971
1971
2.763
2.763
10.242
10.242
2.808
2.808
7.435
7.435
10.4
10.4
68.5
68.5
1972
1972
3.048
3.048
10.944
10.944
3.039
3.039
7.905
7.905
11.1
11.1
74.9
74.9
1973
1973
3.148
3.148
10.949
10.949
3.046
3.046
7.903
7.903
11.2
11.2
79.9
79.9
1974
1974
3.219
3.219
10.847
10.847
3.041
3.041
7.805
7.805
11.2
11.2
75.0
75.0
1975
1975
3.481
3.481
11.319
11.319
3.248
3.248
8.071
8.071
11.8
11.8
71.2
71.2
1976
1976
3.565
3.565
11.284
11.284
3.302
3.302
7.982
7.982
11.8
11.8
76.2
76.2
1977
1977
3.568
3.568
11.015
11.015
3.273
3.273
7.743
7.743
11.6
11.6
73.9
73.9
1978
1978
3.517
3.517
10.551
10.551
3.188
3.188
7.363
7.363
11.2
11.2
72.8
72.8
1979
1979
3.509
3.509
10.312
10.312
3.130
3.130
7.181
7.181
11.0
11.0
68.0
68.0
1980
1980
3.712
3.712
10.774
10.774
3.355
3.355
7.419
7.419
11.5
11.5
63.2
63.2
1981
1981
3.835
3.835
11.079
11.079
3.552
3.552
7.527
7.527
11.7
11.7
59.2
59.2
1982
1982
3.542
3.542
10.358
10.358
3.455
3.455
6.903
6.903
10.8
10.8
49.6
49.6
1983
1983
3.686
3.686
10.761
10.761
3.663
3.663
7.098
7.098
11.1
11.1
50.1
50.1
1984
1984
3.714
3.714
10.831
10.831
3.687
3.687
7.144
7.144
11.2
11.2
52.3
52.3
1985
1985
3.701
3.701
10.855
10.855
3.658
3.658
7.198
7.198
11.3
11.3
54.4
54.4
1986
1986
3.763
3.763
11.038
11.038
3.704
3.704
7.334
7.334
11.5
11.5
56.0
56.0
1987
1987
3.776
3.776
11.027
11.027
3.661
3.661
7.366
7.366
11.5
11.5
56.4
56.4
1988
1988
3.749
3.749
10.915
10.915
3.586
3.586
7.329
7.329
11.4
11.4
57.8
57.8
1989
1989
3.798
3.798
10.992
10.992
3.573
3.573
7.419
7.419
11.5
11.5
57.9
57.9
1990
1990
4.057
4.057
11.695
11.695
3.784
3.784
7.911
7.911
12.1
12.1
57.9
57.9
1991
1991
4.497
4.497
12.930
12.930
4.216
4.216
8.715
8.715
13.2
13.2
59.8
59.8
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage
Percentage
Families
Recipients
Adults
Children
of All
of All Poor
Year
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Children
Children
1992
1992
4.829
4.829
13.773
13.773
4.470
4.470
9.303
9.303
13.9
13.9
59.9
59.9
1993
1993
5.012
5.012
14.205
14.205
4.631
4.631
9.574
9.574
14.1
14.1
60.0
60.0
1994
1994
5.033
5.033
14.161
14.161
4.593
4.593
9.568
9.568
13.9
13.9
61.7
61.7
1995
1995
4.791
4.791
13.418
13.418
4.284
4.284
9.135
9.135
13.1
13.1
61.5
61.5
1996
1996
4.434
4.434
12.321
12.321
3.928
3.928
8.600
8.600
12.3
12.3
58.7
58.7
1997
1997
3.740
3.740
10.376
10.376
NA
NA
NA
NA
10.0
10.0
50.1
50.1
1998
1998
3.050
3.050
8.347
8.347
NA
NA
NA
NA
8.1
8.1
42.9
42.9
1999
1999
2.578
2.578
6.924
6.924
NA
NA
NA
NA
6.7
6.7
39.4
39.4
2000
2000
2.303
2.303
6.143
6.143
1.655
1.655
4.479
4.479
6.1
6.1
38.1
38.1
2001
2001
2.192
2.192
5.717
5.717
1.514
1.514
4.195
4.195
5.7
5.7
35.3
35.3
2002
2002
2.187
2.187
5.609
5.609
1.479
1.479
4.119
4.119
5.6
5.6
33.6
33.6
2003
2003
2.180
2.180
5.490
5.490
1.416
1.416
4.063
4.063
5.5
5.5
31.3
31.3
2004
2004
2.153
2.153
5.342
5.342
1.362
1.362
3.969
3.969
5.4
5.4
30.2
30.2
2005
2005
2.061
2.061
5.028
5.028
1.261
1.261
3.756
3.756
5.1
5.1
28.9
28.9
2006
2006
1.906
1.906
4.582
4.582
1.120
1.120
3.453
3.453
4.6
4.6
26.7
26.7
2007
2007
1.730
1.730
4.075
4.075
0.956
0.956
3.119
3.119
4.2
4.2
23.2
23.2
2008
2008
1.701
1.701
4.005
4.005
0.946
0.946
3.059
3.059
4.1
4.1
21.6
21.6
2009
2009
1.838
1.838
4.371
4.371
1.074
1.074
3.296
3.296
4.4
4.4
21.2
21.2
2010
2010
1.919
1.919
4.598
4.598
1.163
1.163
3.435
3.435
4.6
4.6
20.9
20.9
2011
2011
1.907
1.907
4.557
4.557
1.149
1.149
3.408
3.408
4.6
4.6
20.9
20.9
2012
2012
1.852
1.852
4.402
4.402
1.104
1.104
3.298
3.298
4.4
4.4
20.3
20.3
2013
2013
1.726
1.726
4.042
4.042
0.993
0.993
3.050
3.050
4.1
4.1
19.1
19.1
2014
2014
1.650
1.650
3.957
3.957
1.007
1.007
2.950
2.950
4.0
4.0
18.9
18.9
2015
2015
1.609
1.609
4.126
4.126
1.155
1.155
2.971
2.971
4.0
4.0
20.4
20.4
2016
2016
1.479
1.479
3.780
3.780
1.037
1.037
2.743
2.743
3.7
3.7
20.7
20.7
2017
2017
1.358
1.358
3.516
3.516
0.930
0.930
2.577
2.577
3.5
3.5
20.1
20.1
2018
2018
1.196
1.196
3.150
3.150
0.833
0.833
2.317
2.317
3.2
3.2
19.5
19.5
2019
2019
1.093
1.093
2.866
2.866
0.747
0.747
2.199
2.199
2.9
2.9
20.2
20.2
Source: CongressionalCongressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human the U.S. Department of Health and Human
ServicesServices
(HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau.(HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Notes: NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDCNA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC
to TANF, caseload statistics on adult to TANF, caseload statistics on adult
and child recipients wereand child recipients were
not col ected.not col ected.
For those years, TANF children as a percent of For those years, TANF children as a percent of
al all children and percent children and percent
of of
al all poor children werepoor children were
estimated by HHS and published in estimated by HHS and published in
Welfare Indicators and Risk Factors, Annual Report to
Congress, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See , Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See
httphttps://aspe.hhs.gov/://aspe.hhs.gov/
hsp/14/indicators/rpt_indicatorssites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-%20FINAL%209%2022%2015.pdf. For 2019, the ratio .pdf. For 2019, the ratio
of TANF recipient children to of TANF recipient children to
al all children in poverty might be overstated. This is because child poverty might children in poverty might be overstated. This is because child poverty might
have been underestimated,have been underestimated,
as responsesas responses
to the survey used to to the survey used to
estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. See Jonathan Rothbaum and Adam Bee, pandemic. See Jonathan Rothbaum and Adam Bee,
Coronavirus Infects Surveys, Too: Nonresponse Bias During the
Pandemic Pandemic in the CPS ASEC, U.S. Census Bureau, SEHSD Working, U.S. Census Bureau, SEHSD Working
Paper no. 2020-10, September 15, 2020.Paper no. 2020-10, September 15, 2020.
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category, Selected
Years, FY1988-FY2019
1988
1994
2010
2019
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Parent/Not Working Parent/Not Working
3,136,566
3,136,566
3,798,997
3,798,997
879,922
879,922
358,761
358,761
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Parent/Working Parent/Working
243,573
243,573
378,620
378,620
287,146
287,146
286,373
286,373
Child-Only/SSI Parent
Child-Only/SSI Parent
59,988
59,988
171,391
171,391
181,852
181,852
104,397
104,397
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
47,566
47,566
184,397
184,397
217,487
217,487
108,249
108,249
Child-Only/Other Ineligible
Child-Only/Other Ineligible
Parent Parent
51,764
51,764
146,227
146,227
4,968
4,968
3,391
3,391
Child-Only/Caretaker
Child-Only/Caretaker
Relative Relative
188,598
188,598
328,290
328,290
254,088
254,088
190,494
190,494
Child-Only/Unknown
Child-Only/Unknown
19,897
19,897
38,341
38,341
84,378
84,378
68,743
68,743
Totals
Totals
3,747,952
3,747,952
5,046,263
5,046,263
1,909,841
1,909,841
1,120,407
1,120,407
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Parent/Not Working Parent/Not Working
83.7%
83.7%
75.3%
75.3%
46.1%
46.1%
32.0%
32.0%
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible
Parent/Working Parent/Working
6.5
6.5
7.5
7.5
15.0
15.0
25.6
25.6
Child-Only/SSI Parent
Child-Only/SSI Parent
1.6
1.6
3.4
3.4
9.5
9.5
9.3
9.3
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
1.3
1.3
3.7
3.7
11.4
11.4
9.7
9.7
Child-Only/Other Ineligible
Child-Only/Other Ineligible
Parent Parent
1.4
1.4
2.9
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Child-Only/Caretaker
Child-Only/Caretaker
Relative Relative
5.0
5.0
6.5
6.5
13.3
13.3
17.0
17.0
Child-Only/Unknown
Child-Only/Unknown
0.5
0.5
0.8
0.8
4.4
4.4
6.1
6.1
Totals
Totals
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Source: Congressional Congressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control
(QC) data files and the FY2010 and FY2019 TANF National Data Files. (QC) data files and the FY2010 and FY2019 TANF National Data Files.
Notes: FY2010 and FY2019 data include families FY2010 and FY2019 data include families
receiving assistance from separate state programsreceiving assistance from separate state programs
(SSPs) with (SSPs) with
expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
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Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Use of FY2019 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
($ in
($ in
Bil ions)
Emer-
gency
Billions)
Work,
andEmergency
Other
Educa-
Refun-Refundable
Pre-
and 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
Alabama
Alabama
$17.263
$17.263
$5.524
$5.524
$7.500
$7.500
$0.000
$0.000
$22.005
$22.005
$38.271
$38.271
$12.855
$12.855
$38.280
$38.280
$35.228
$35.228
$176.926
$176.926
Alaska
Alaska
37.176
37.176
14.782
14.782
10.152
10.152
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
6.239
6.239
0.367
0.367
16.192
16.192
84.908
84.908
Arizona
Arizona
43.599
43.599
0.000
0.000
0.682
0.682
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
211.345
211.345
15.911
15.911
26.535
26.535
48.201
48.201
346.273
346.273
Arkansas
Arkansas
4.912
4.912
2.660
2.660
14.025
14.025
0.000
0.000
30.143
30.143
0.276
0.276
16.510
16.510
4.780
4.780
6.819
6.819
80.125
80.125
California
California
2,204.396
2,204.396
797.841
797.841
1,761.212
1,761.212
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.309
0.309
539.356
539.356
275.796
275.796
965.421
965.421
6,544.331
6,544.331
Colorado
Colorado
75.424
75.424
12.422
12.422
11.619
11.619
76.440
76.440
59.323
59.323
50.090
50.090
18.451
18.451
18.121
18.121
60.979
60.979
382.870
382.870
Connecticut
Connecticut
41.886
41.886
41.485
41.485
11.267
11.267
59.300
59.300
82.701
82.701
70.619
70.619
38.627
38.627
20.945
20.945
134.497
134.497
501.326
501.326
Delaware
Delaware
11.388
11.388
79.081
79.081
1.809
1.809
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
4.823
4.823
1.795
1.795
16.771
16.771
115.667
115.667
District
District
of Columbia of Columbia
164.956
164.956
59.117
59.117
34.563
34.563
23.681
23.681
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
9.725
9.725
69.144
69.144
7.068
7.068
368.253
368.253
Florida
Florida
145.677
145.677
290.578
290.578
46.106
46.106
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
250.139
250.139
88.941
88.941
0.950
0.950
81.598
81.598
903.989
903.989
Georgia
Georgia
98.333
98.333
0.000
0.000
8.573
8.573
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
308.162
308.162
18.683
18.683
5.429
5.429
53.552
53.552
492.731
492.731
Hawai Hawaii
30.805
30.805
11.972
11.972
41.870
41.870
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
1.736
1.736
14.491
14.491
8.146
8.146
96.396
96.396
205.415
205.415
Idaho
Idaho
8.299
8.299
13.293
13.293
3.250
3.250
0.000
0.000
1.505
1.505
1.998
1.998
6.840
6.840
12.540
12.540
0.724
0.724
48.450
48.450
Il inois
Il inois
43.335
43.335
495.256
495.256
16.342
16.342
90.136
90.136
108.715
108.715
239.682
239.682
0.028
0.028
0.651
0.651
93.317
93.317
1,087.462
1,087.462
Indiana
Indiana
12.749
12.749
123.164
123.164
6.365
6.365
25.177
25.177
0.000
0.000
9.169
9.169
30.519
30.519
0.191
0.191
144.564
144.564
351.898
351.898
Iowa
Iowa
29.339
29.339
55.616
55.616
9.463
9.463
24.902
24.902
0.000
0.000
53.820
53.820
6.171
6.171
0.392
0.392
20.871
20.871
200.575
200.575
Kansas
Kansas
11.901
11.901
6.673
6.673
0.737
0.737
40.117
40.117
17.990
17.990
34.534
34.534
10.418
10.418
0.000
0.000
47.000
47.000
169.371
169.371
CRS-15
CRS-15
Emer-
gency
Work,
andEmergency
Other
Educa-
Refun-Refundable
Pre-
and 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
Kentucky
186.166
186.166
30.490
30.490
27.922
27.922
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
11.424
11.424
0.000
0.000
12.509
12.509
268.512
268.512
Louisiana
Louisiana
17.404
17.404
10.742
10.742
34.530
34.530
11.836
11.836
40.644
40.644
19.780
19.780
16.939
16.939
7.851
7.851
26.938
26.938
186.664
186.664
Maine
Maine
32.738
32.738
28.664
28.664
9.533
9.533
7.900
7.900
0.595
0.595
10.688
10.688
5.033
5.033
5.760
5.760
30.163
30.163
131.075
131.075
Maryland
Maryland
117.921
117.921
6.468
6.468
29.644
29.644
156.514
156.514
70.018
70.018
16.909
16.909
30.668
30.668
38.835
38.835
43.987
43.987
510.963
510.963
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
220.293
220.293
334.776
334.776
177.164
177.164
171.271
171.271
0.000
0.000
4.819
4.819
37.826
37.826
104.098
104.098
78.236
78.236
1,128.483
1,128.483
Michigan
Michigan
74.149
74.149
27.829
27.829
4.039
4.039
40.146
40.146
188.527
188.527
75.330
75.330
58.542
58.542
17.654
17.654
748.702
748.702
1,234.920
1,234.920
Minnesota
Minnesota
78.515
78.515
166.913
166.913
58.409
58.409
142.862
142.862
5.700
5.700
0.000
0.000
44.752
44.752
23.846
23.846
25.246
25.246
546.243
546.243
Mississippi
Mississippi
5.543
5.543
1.715
1.715
25.349
25.349
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
27.088
27.088
11.422
11.422
0.000
0.000
29.945
29.945
101.062
101.062
Missouri
Missouri
31.318
31.318
31.460
31.460
64.115
64.115
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
106.116
106.116
9.959
9.959
67.182
67.182
51.512
51.512
361.662
361.662
Montana
Montana
19.597
19.597
9.277
9.277
3.036
3.036
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
3.964
3.964
5.456
5.456
2.147
2.147
9.832
9.832
53.310
53.310
Nebraska
Nebraska
24.037
24.037
23.059
23.059
9.248
9.248
32.813
32.813
0.000
0.000
4.901
4.901
3.934
3.934
0.127
0.127
0.809
0.809
98.928
98.928
Nevada
Nevada
33.727
33.727
21.966
21.966
4.783
4.783
0.000
0.000
3.006
3.006
26.899
26.899
10.333
10.333
6.975
6.975
16.189
16.189
123.879
123.879
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
34.054
34.054
12.282
12.282
7.535
7.535
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
5.918
5.918
11.244
11.244
8.286
8.286
17.508
17.508
96.826
96.826
New Jersey
New Jersey
69.186
69.186
163.904
163.904
69.698
69.698
373.073
373.073
559.777
559.777
0.000
0.000
48.640
48.640
14.785
14.785
64.225
64.225
1,363.288
1,363.288
New Mexico
New Mexico
47.430
47.430
32.976
32.976
17.272
17.272
45.478
45.478
47.614
47.614
0.317
0.317
4.760
4.760
9.473
9.473
26.815
26.815
232.134
232.134
New York
New York
1,473.353
1,473.353
467.812
467.812
162.000
162.000
1,324.586
1,324.586
492.403
492.403
339.964
339.964
424.079
424.079
266.100
266.100
334.652
334.652
5,284.951
5,284.951
North Carolina
North Carolina
32.930
32.930
198.883
198.883
5.566
5.566
0.000
0.000
90.203
90.203
131.687
131.687
47.863
47.863
5.117
5.117
52.186
52.186
564.436
564.436
North Dakota
North Dakota
3.896
3.896
1.117
1.117
3.714
3.714
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
18.430
18.430
3.680
3.680
0.015
0.015
1.151
1.151
32.002
32.002
Ohio
Ohio
239.856
239.856
410.532
410.532
78.974
78.974
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
20.101
20.101
112.034
112.034
57.001
57.001
234.621
234.621
1,153.119
1,153.119
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
17.988
17.988
32.714
32.714
11.092
11.092
0.000
0.000
9.059
9.059
19.263
19.263
8.418
8.418
0.629
0.629
29.307
29.307
128.471
128.471
Oregon
Oregon
84.649
84.649
11.951
11.951
19.574
19.574
3.381
3.381
11.924
11.924
13.786
13.786
24.708
24.708
29.005
29.005
38.863
38.863
237.841
237.841
CRS-16
CRS-16
Emer-
gency
Work,
andEmergency
Other
Educa-
Refun-Refundable
Pre-
and 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
Pennsylvania
151.419
151.419
506.841
506.841
99.100
99.100
0.000
0.000
235.879
235.879
0.000
0.000
80.402
80.402
14.261
14.261
143.073
143.073
1,230.975
1,230.975
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
23.911
23.911
45.352
45.352
12.079
12.079
22.715
22.715
0.000
0.000
33.194
33.194
5.022
5.022
27.702
27.702
12.662
12.662
182.638
182.638
South Carolina
South Carolina
52.507
52.507
4.085
4.085
9.840
9.840
0.000
0.000
27.193
27.193
6.693
6.693
21.205
21.205
0.000
0.000
43.959
43.959
165.482
165.482
South Dakota
South Dakota
13.246
13.246
0.803
0.803
3.261
3.261
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
3.125
3.125
1.823
1.823
2.264
2.264
2.847
2.847
27.369
27.369
Tennessee
Tennessee
57.657
57.657
0.000
0.000
19.316
19.316
0.000
0.000
82.092
82.092
0.000
0.000
26.804
26.804
0.000
0.000
2.427
2.427
188.297
188.297
Texas
Texas
39.782
39.782
0.000
0.000
83.597
83.597
0.000
0.000
349.682
349.682
324.487
324.487
118.891
118.891
5.686
5.686
70.626
70.626
992.751
992.751
Utah
Utah
22.529
22.529
22.922
22.922
19.109
19.109
0.000
0.000
10.122
10.122
1.567
1.567
7.981
7.981
1.835
1.835
18.884
18.884
104.949
104.949
Vermont
Vermont
13.716
13.716
32.255
32.255
1.923
1.923
19.420
19.420
0.000
0.000
6.998
6.998
5.533
5.533
1.447
1.447
14.856
14.856
96.147
96.147
Virginia
Virginia
62.525
62.525
38.527
38.527
37.792
37.792
0.524
0.524
4.009
4.009
55.156
55.156
49.769
49.769
4.556
4.556
34.619
34.619
287.476
287.476
Washington
Washington
141.868
141.868
144.488
144.488
99.704
99.704
0.000
0.000
50.235
50.235
4.152
4.152
87.620
87.620
63.991
63.991
416.008
416.008
1,008.066
1,008.066
West Virginia
West Virginia
25.140
25.140
10.021
10.021
0.344
0.344
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
31.140
31.140
12.543
12.543
14.229
14.229
23.623
23.623
117.041
117.041
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
71.793
71.793
201.426
201.426
31.826
31.826
69.700
69.700
0.000
0.000
6.413
6.413
31.914
31.914
38.011
38.011
126.522
126.522
577.606
577.606
Wyoming
Wyoming
8.321
8.321
2.883
2.883
4.742
4.742
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
4.329
4.329
3.294
3.294
1.982
1.982
25.551
25.551
Totals
Totals
6,510.603
6,510.603
5,044.598
5,044.598
3,231.368
3,231.368
2,761.975 2,601.063 2,589.039
2,761.975 2,601.063 2,589.039
2,224.139
2,224.139
1,326.224 4,614.682 30,903.691
1,326.224 4,614.682 30,903.691
Source: Congressional Congressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS). (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories Excludes TANF funds used in the territories
and in tribal TANF programs. and in tribal TANF programs.
CRS-17
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 andEmergency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
and 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
Alabama
9.8%
9.8%
3.1%
3.1%
4.2%
4.2%
0.0%
0.0%
12.4%
12.4%
21.6%
21.6%
7.3%
7.3%
21.6%
21.6%
19.9%
19.9%
100.0%
100.0%
Alaska
Alaska
43.8
43.8
17.4
17.4
12.0
12.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.3
7.3
0.4
0.4
19.1
19.1
100.0
100.0
Arizona
Arizona
12.6
12.6
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
61.0
61.0
4.6
4.6
7.7
7.7
13.9
13.9
100.0
100.0
Arkansas
Arkansas
6.1
6.1
3.3
3.3
17.5
17.5
0.0
0.0
37.6
37.6
0.3
0.3
20.6
20.6
6.0
6.0
8.5
8.5
100.0
100.0
California
California
33.7
33.7
12.2
12.2
26.9
26.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.2
8.2
4.2
4.2
14.8
14.8
100.0
100.0
Colorado
Colorado
19.7
19.7
3.2
3.2
3.0
3.0
20.0
20.0
15.5
15.5
13.1
13.1
4.8
4.8
4.7
4.7
15.9
15.9
100.0
100.0
Connecticut
Connecticut
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.3
2.2
2.2
11.8
11.8
16.5
16.5
14.1
14.1
7.7
7.7
4.2
4.2
26.8
26.8
100.0
100.0
Delaware
Delaware
9.8
9.8
68.4
68.4
1.6
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.2
4.2
1.6
1.6
14.5
14.5
100.0
100.0
District
District
of Columbia of Columbia
44.8
44.8
16.1
16.1
9.4
9.4
6.4
6.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.6
2.6
18.8
18.8
1.9
1.9
100.0
100.0
Florida
Florida
16.1
16.1
32.1
32.1
5.1
5.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
27.7
27.7
9.8
9.8
0.1
0.1
9.0
9.0
100.0
100.0
Georgia
Georgia
20.0
20.0
0.0
0.0
1.7
1.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
62.5
62.5
3.8
3.8
1.1
1.1
10.9
10.9
100.0
100.0
Hawai Hawaii
15.0
15.0
5.8
5.8
20.4
20.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.8
0.8
7.1
7.1
4.0
4.0
46.9
46.9
100.0
100.0
Idaho
Idaho
17.1
17.1
27.4
27.4
6.7
6.7
0.0
0.0
3.1
3.1
4.1
4.1
14.1
14.1
25.9
25.9
1.5
1.5
100.0
100.0
Il inois
Il inois
4.0
4.0
45.5
45.5
1.5
1.5
8.3
8.3
10.0
10.0
22.0
22.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
8.6
8.6
100.0
100.0
Indiana
Indiana
3.6
3.6
35.0
35.0
1.8
1.8
7.2
7.2
0.0
0.0
2.6
2.6
8.7
8.7
0.1
0.1
41.1
41.1
100.0
100.0
Iowa
Iowa
14.6
14.6
27.7
27.7
4.7
4.7
12.4
12.4
0.0
0.0
26.8
26.8
3.1
3.1
0.2
0.2
10.4
10.4
100.0
100.0
Kansas
Kansas
7.0
7.0
3.9
3.9
0.4
0.4
23.7
23.7
10.6
10.6
20.4
20.4
6.2
6.2
0.0
0.0
27.7
27.7
100.0
100.0
Kentucky
Kentucky
69.3
69.3
11.4
11.4
10.4
10.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.3
4.3
0.0
0.0
4.7
4.7
100.0
100.0
Louisiana
Louisiana
9.3
9.3
5.8
5.8
18.5
18.5
6.3
6.3
21.8
21.8
10.6
10.6
9.1
9.1
4.2
4.2
14.4
14.4
100.0
100.0
CRS-18
CRS-18
Emer-
Work,
gency andEmergency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
and 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
Maine
25.0
25.0
21.9
21.9
7.3
7.3
6.0
6.0
0.5
0.5
8.2
8.2
3.8
3.8
4.4
4.4
23.0
23.0
100.0
100.0
Maryland
Maryland
23.1
23.1
1.3
1.3
5.8
5.8
30.6
30.6
13.7
13.7
3.3
3.3
6.0
6.0
7.6
7.6
8.6
8.6
100.0
100.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
19.5
19.5
29.7
29.7
15.7
15.7
15.2
15.2
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.4
3.4
3.4
9.2
9.2
6.9
6.9
100.0
100.0
Michigan
Michigan
6.0
6.0
2.3
2.3
0.3
0.3
3.3
3.3
15.3
15.3
6.1
6.1
4.7
4.7
1.4
1.4
60.6
60.6
100.0
100.0
Minnesota
Minnesota
14.4
14.4
30.6
30.6
10.7
10.7
26.2
26.2
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
8.2
8.2
4.4
4.4
4.6
4.6
100.0
100.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
5.5
5.5
1.7
1.7
25.1
25.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
26.8
26.8
11.3
11.3
0.0
0.0
29.6
29.6
100.0
100.0
Missouri
Missouri
8.7
8.7
8.7
8.7
17.7
17.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
29.3
29.3
2.8
2.8
18.6
18.6
14.2
14.2
100.0
100.0
Montana
Montana
36.8
36.8
17.4
17.4
5.7
5.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.4
7.4
10.2
10.2
4.0
4.0
18.4
18.4
100.0
100.0
Nebraska
Nebraska
24.3
24.3
23.3
23.3
9.3
9.3
33.2
33.2
0.0
0.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
0.1
0.1
0.8
0.8
100.0
100.0
Nevada
Nevada
27.2
27.2
17.7
17.7
3.9
3.9
0.0
0.0
2.4
2.4
21.7
21.7
8.3
8.3
5.6
5.6
13.1
13.1
100.0
100.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
35.2
35.2
12.7
12.7
7.8
7.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.1
6.1
11.6
11.6
8.6
8.6
18.1
18.1
100.0
100.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
5.1
5.1
12.0
12.0
5.1
5.1
27.4
27.4
41.1
41.1
0.0
0.0
3.6
3.6
1.1
1.1
4.7
4.7
100.0
100.0
New Mexico
New Mexico
20.4
20.4
14.2
14.2
7.4
7.4
19.6
19.6
20.5
20.5
0.1
0.1
2.1
2.1
4.1
4.1
11.6
11.6
100.0
100.0
New York
New York
27.9
27.9
8.9
8.9
3.1
3.1
25.1
25.1
9.3
9.3
6.4
6.4
8.0
8.0
5.0
5.0
6.3
6.3
100.0
100.0
North Carolina
North Carolina
5.8
5.8
35.2
35.2
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
16.0
16.0
23.3
23.3
8.5
8.5
0.9
0.9
9.2
9.2
100.0
100.0
North Dakota
North Dakota
12.2
12.2
3.5
3.5
11.6
11.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
57.6
57.6
11.5
11.5
0.0
0.0
3.6
3.6
100.0
100.0
Ohio
Ohio
20.8
20.8
35.6
35.6
6.8
6.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.7
1.7
9.7
9.7
4.9
4.9
20.3
20.3
100.0
100.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
14.0
14.0
25.5
25.5
8.6
8.6
0.0
0.0
7.1
7.1
15.0
15.0
6.6
6.6
0.5
0.5
22.8
22.8
100.0
100.0
Oregon
Oregon
35.6
35.6
5.0
5.0
8.2
8.2
1.4
1.4
5.0
5.0
5.8
5.8
10.4
10.4
12.2
12.2
16.3
16.3
100.0
100.0
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
12.3
12.3
41.2
41.2
8.1
8.1
0.0
0.0
19.2
19.2
0.0
0.0
6.5
6.5
1.2
1.2
11.6
11.6
100.0
100.0
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
13.1
13.1
24.8
24.8
6.6
6.6
12.4
12.4
0.0
0.0
18.2
18.2
2.7
2.7
15.2
15.2
6.9
6.9
100.0
100.0
CRS-19
CRS-19
Emer-
Work,
gency andEmergency
Other
Education,
Refund-
Pre-
and 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
South Carolina
31.7
31.7
2.5
2.5
5.9
5.9
0.0
0.0
16.4
16.4
4.0
4.0
12.8
12.8
0.0
0.0
26.6
26.6
100.0
100.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
48.4
48.4
2.9
2.9
11.9
11.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
11.4
11.4
6.7
6.7
8.3
8.3
10.4
10.4
100.0
100.0
Tennessee
Tennessee
30.6
30.6
0.0
0.0
10.3
10.3
0.0
0.0
43.6
43.6
0.0
0.0
14.2
14.2
0.0
0.0
1.3
1.3
100.0
100.0
Texas
Texas
4.0
4.0
0.0
0.0
8.4
8.4
0.0
0.0
35.2
35.2
32.7
32.7
12.0
12.0
0.6
0.6
7.1
7.1
100.0
100.0
Utah
Utah
21.5
21.5
21.8
21.8
18.2
18.2
0.0
0.0
9.6
9.6
1.5
1.5
7.6
7.6
1.7
1.7
18.0
18.0
100.0
100.0
Vermont
Vermont
14.3
14.3
33.5
33.5
2.0
2.0
20.2
20.2
0.0
0.0
7.3
7.3
5.8
5.8
1.5
1.5
15.5
15.5
100.0
100.0
Virginia
Virginia
21.7
21.7
13.4
13.4
13.1
13.1
0.2
0.2
1.4
1.4
19.2
19.2
17.3
17.3
1.6
1.6
12.0
12.0
100.0
100.0
Washington
Washington
14.1
14.1
14.3
14.3
9.9
9.9
0.0
0.0
5.0
5.0
0.4
0.4
8.7
8.7
6.3
6.3
41.3
41.3
100.0
100.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
21.5
21.5
8.6
8.6
0.3
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
26.6
26.6
10.7
10.7
12.2
12.2
20.2
20.2
100.0
100.0
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
12.4
12.4
34.9
34.9
5.5
5.5
12.1
12.1
0.0
0.0
1.1
1.1
5.5
5.5
6.6
6.6
21.9
21.9
100.0
100.0
Wyoming
Wyoming
32.6
32.6
11.3
11.3
18.6
18.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
16.9
16.9
12.9
12.9
7.8
7.8
100.0
100.0
Totals
Totals
21.1
21.1
16.3
16.3
10.5
10.5
8.9
8.9
8.4
8.4
8.4
8.4
7.2
7.2
4.3
4.3
14.9
14.9
100.0
100.0
Source: Congressional Congressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS). (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories Excludes TANF funds used in the territories
and in tribal TANF programs. and in tribal TANF programs.
CRS-20
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
(September 30, 2019; $ in
Mil ionsMillions) )
Unliquidated
State
Obligations
Unobligated Balance
Alabama
Alabama
$50.8
$50.8
$59.6
$59.6
Alaska
Alaska
1.9
1.9
30.5
30.5
Arizona
Arizona
0.0
0.0
41.8
41.8
Arkansas
Arkansas
40.9
40.9
49.2
49.2
California
California
259.3
259.3
0.0
0.0
Colorado
Colorado
0.0
0.0
103.1
103.1
Connecticut
Connecticut
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Delaware
Delaware
3.1
3.1
29.7
29.7
District
District
of Columbia of Columbia
0.0
0.0
31.1
31.1
Florida
Florida
64.5
64.5
0.0
0.0
Georgia
Georgia
39.7
39.7
48.1
48.1
Hawai Hawaii
23.7
23.7
328.1
328.1
Idaho
Idaho
0.0
0.0
8.7
8.7
Il inois
Il inois
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Indiana
Indiana
5.0
5.0
32.4
32.4
Iowa
Iowa
0.0
0.0
0.9
0.9
Kansas
Kansas
3.3
3.3
69.4
69.4
Kentucky
Kentucky
0.0
0.0
48.7
48.7
Louisiana
Louisiana
45.5
45.5
4.0
4.0
Maine
Maine
25.5
25.5
102.9
102.9
Maryland
Maryland
0.0
0.0
29.5
29.5
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Michigan
Michigan
0.0
0.0
99.2
99.2
Minnesota
Minnesota
0.0
0.0
64.4
64.4
Mississippi
Mississippi
0.0
0.0
15.7
15.7
Missouri
Missouri
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Montana
Montana
0.0
0.0
14.4
14.4
Nebraska
Nebraska
0.0
0.0
79.4
79.4
Nevada
Nevada
0.0
0.0
28.9
28.9
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
0.0
0.0
35.9
35.9
New Jersey
New Jersey
54.8
54.8
6.3
6.3
New Mexico
New Mexico
0.0
0.0
94.1
94.1
New York
New York
17.4
17.4
649.1
649.1
North Carolina
North Carolina
64.6
64.6
0.0
0.0
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
21
21
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Unliquidated
State
Obligations
Unobligated Balance
North Dakota
North Dakota
0.0
0.0
5.3
5.3
Ohio
Ohio
582.4
582.4
0.0
0.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
0.8
0.8
212.6
212.6
Oregon
Oregon
0.0
0.0
33.5
33.5
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
93.2
93.2
403.3
403.3
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
0.0
0.0
12.6
12.6
South Carolina
South Carolina
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
0.0
0.0
22.0
22.0
Tennessee
Tennessee
0.0
0.0
731.9
731.9
Texas
Texas
0.0
0.0
330.3
330.3
Utah
Utah
0.0
0.0
55.9
55.9
Vermont
Vermont
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Virginia
Virginia
6.7
6.7
133.6
133.6
Washington
Washington
0.0
0.0
111.9
111.9
West Virginia
West Virginia
0.0
0.0
101.8
101.8
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
0.0
0.0
186.5
186.5
Wyoming
Wyoming
0.0
0.0
28.6
28.6
Totals
Totals
1,383.0
1,383.0
4,475.2
4,475.2
Source: Congressional Congressional
Research ServiceResearch Service
(CRS), based on data from(CRS), based on data from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human the U.S. Department of Health and Human
ServicesServices
(HHS). (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories Excludes TANF funds used in the territories
and in tribal TANF programs. and in tribal TANF programs.
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, JuneNovember 2020
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama
Alabama
7,
7,
040
15,951
13,138
2,813228
16,719
13,642
3,077
Alaska
Alaska
2,
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
874013
5,376
3,692
1,684
Arizona
7,581
15,342
12,680
2,662
Arkansas
1,953
4,492
3,431
1,061
California
308,432
984,915
704,151
280,764
Colorado
12,359
30,023
22,338
7,685
Connecticut
6,320
13,403
9,791
3,612
Delaware
2,650
7,356
4,296
3,060
District of Columbia
7,465
21,847
16,103
5,744
Florida
41,491
75,073
59,340
15,733
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
22
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Families
Recipients Children
Adults
Georgia
8,060
15,222
13,889
1,333
Children
Adults
Guam
Guam
490437
1,
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
1,649078
834
244
Hawaii
6,881
21,265
13,595
7,670
Idaho
1,773
2,496
2,456
40
Il inois
10,735
21,098
18,996
2,102
Indiana
8,327
19,721
15,351
4,370
Iowa
7,504
17,947
13,759
4,188
Kansas
3,520
3,520
1,882
1,638
Kentucky
14,168
28,696
24,903
3,793
Louisiana
3,855
8,982
7,555
1,427
Maine
11,778
39,372
24,821
14,551
Maryland
23,055
56,580
39,938
16,642
Massachusetts
41,560
108,953
77,773
31,180
Michigan
10,762
26,774
21,444
5,330
Minnesota
19,680
47,585
35,101
12,484
Mississippi
1,877
3,158
2,888
270
Missouri
8,776
20,513
15,579
4,934
Montana
2,438
5,696
4,557
1,139
Nebraska
4,737
11,759
9,644
2,115
Nevada
6,658
17,198
12,826
4,372
New Hampshire
4,422
10,342
7,713
2,629
New Jersey
9,459
22,892
16,902
5,990
New Mexico
11,582
29,935
21,739
8,196
New York
113,201
289,625
198,575
91,050
North Carolina
13,775
25,289
22,273
3,016
North Dakota
1,078
2,820
2,244
576
Ohio
51,566
94,341
84,268
10,073
Oklahoma
5,592
12,901
10,932
1,969
Oregon
25,192
72,859
48,144
24,715
Pennsylvania
29,869
71,549
55,079
16,470
Puerto Rico
4,357
11,800
7,195
4,605
Rhode Island
2,577
6,094
4,622
1,472
South Carolina
8,133
18,749
15,127
3,622
South Dakota
2,716
5,495
5,051
444
Tennessee
15,578
32,436
26,923
5,513
Texas
21,404
44,545
37,455
7,090
Utah
2,657
6,195
4,621
1,574
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Vermont
Vermont
2,
2,
100052
4,
4,
386305
3,
3,
320233
1,
1,
066072
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
73
242
168
7469
225
156
69
Virginia
18,311
34,337
26,552
7,785
Washington
41,979
99,966
66,093
33,873
West Virginia
5,703
11,121
9,379
1,742
Wisconsin
16,495
37,683
30,420
7,263
Wyoming
487
1,136
869
267
Totals
1,002,327
2,598,799
1,912,820
685,979
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notes:
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 TANF cash assistance
caseload includes familiescaseload includes families
receiving receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance
of effort (MOE) requirement. of effort (MOE) requirement.
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, JuneNovember of Selected Years
Percentage Change to
Change
to
2020 from …
State 1994-
2019-
1994
2010
2019
2020
1994
2019
2020
2020
Alabama
48,142
23,954
7,456
7,228
-85.0%
-3.1%
Alaska
12,145
3,423
2,110
2,013
-83.4
-4.6
Arizona
72,171
19,406
7,108
7,581
-89.5
6.7
Arkansas
25,039
8,525
2,364
1,953
-92.2
-17.4
California
914,344
593,714
363,509
308,432
-66.3
-15.2
Colorado
39,171
11,998
13,671
12,359
-68.4
-9.6
Connecticut
60,846
16,922
7,659
6,320
-89.6
-17.5
Delaware
11,102
5,794
3,226
2,650
-76.1
-17.9
District of Columbia
27,390
9,963
7,243
7,465
-72.7
3.1
Florida
239,902
57,861
38,479
41,491
-82.7
7.8
Georgia
141,307
20,630
8,719
8,060
-94.3
-7.6
Guam
2,060
1,289
422
437
-78.8
3.6
Hawaii
21,415
10,019
4,022
6,881
-67.9
71.1
Idaho
8,608
1,809
2,014
1,773
-79.4
-12.0
Il inois
239,840
26,014
10,957
10,735
-95.5
-2.0
Indiana
70,161
33,553
5,410
8,327
-88.1
53.9Alabama
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
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Percentage Change to Change
to 2020 from …
1994-
2019-
1994
2010
2019
2020
2020
2020
Iowa
37,941
21,478
8,787
7,504
-80.2
-14.6
Kansas
28,774
15,563
3,984
3,520
-87.8
-11.6
Kentucky
77,403
31,175
16,234
14,168
-81.7
-12.7
Louisiana
84,031
11,062
4,478
3,855
-95.4
-13.9
Maine
21,782
15,397
14,586
11,778
-45.9
-19.3
Maryland
80,480
25,347
16,761
23,055
-71.4
37.6
Massachusetts
106,736
50,878
50,505
41,560
-61.1
-17.7
Michigan
211,259
68,790
11,119
10,762
-94.9
-3.2
Minnesota
61,352
24,759
15,087
19,680
-67.9
30.4
Mississippi
53,652
12,052
3,011
1,877
-96.5
-37.7
Missouri
91,205
39,737
9,687
8,776
-90.4
-9.4
Montana
11,464
3,650
3,266
2,438
-78.7
-25.4
Nebraska
15,543
8,381
4,346
4,737
-69.5
9.0
Nevada
15,330
10,778
7,821
6,658
-56.6
-14.9
New Hampshire
11,154
6,097
5,286
4,422
-60.4
-16.3
New Jersey
113,444
34,996
9,003
9,459
-91.7
5.1
New Mexico
34,906
21,447
9,901
11,582
-66.8
17.0
New York
462,309
157,247
112,549
113,201
-75.5
0.6
North Carolina
127,829
23,879
14,236
13,775
-89.2
-3.2
North Dakota
5,290
1,967
972
1,078
-79.6
10.9
Ohio
239,144
104,370
43,736
51,566
-78.4
17.9
Oklahoma
45,863
9,380
5,650
5,592
-87.8
-1.0
Oregon
39,763
32,548
36,514
25,192
-36.6
-31.0
Pennsylvania
209,875
59,090
39,133
29,869
-85.8
-23.7
Puerto Rico
56,378
13,953
4,410
4,357
-92.3
-1.2
Rhode Island
22,581
6,648
3,846
2,577
-88.6
-33.0
South Carolina
50,351
19,371
8,220
8,133
-83.8
-1.1
South Dakota
6,434
3,247
2,928
2,716
-57.8
-7.2
Tennessee
107,498
63,925
18,804
15,578
-85.5
-17.2
Texas
281,897
52,970
21,904
21,404
-92.4
-2.3
Utah
17,387
7,097
3,133
2,657
-84.7
-15.2
Vermont
9,691
3,264
2,665
2,052
-78.8
-23.0
Virgin Islands
1,222
526
101
69
-94.4
-31.7
Virginia
73,692
37,478
16,586
18,311
-75.2
10.4
Washington
102,718
67,762
35,846
41,979
-59.1
17.1
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Percentage Change
to 2020 from …
1994-
2019-
1994
2010
2019
2020
2020
2020
West Virginia
39,299
10,747
6,361
5,703
-85.5
-10.3
Wisconsin
73,730
25,056
14,839
16,495
-77.6
11.2
Wyoming
5,457
302
482
487
-91.1
1.0
Totals
4,968,507
1,947,288
1,071,146
1,002,327
-79.8
-6.4
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Notes:
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
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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 TANF cash assistance caseload
includes familiesincludes families
receiving receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort
(MOE) requirement. (MOE) requirement.
Table B-6. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction for All
Families: FY2020
Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard
Rate
Standard?
Alabama
50.0%
50.0%
0.0%
44.3%
Yes
Alaska
50.0
42.4
7.6
38.2
Yes
Arizona
50.0
50.0
0.0
15.2
Yes
Arkansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
17.4
Yes
California
50.0
25.3
24.7
50.5
Yes
Colorado
50.0
35.0
15.0
39.9
Yes
Connecticut
50.0
50.0
0.0
11.3
Yes
Delaware
50.0
50.0
0.0
28.6
Yes
District of Col.
50.0
47.7
2.3
49.9
Yes
Florida
50.0
39.0
11.0
19.1
Yes
Georgia
50.0
50.0
0.0
16.1
Yes
Guam
50.0
50.0
0.0
9.6
Yes
Hawaii
50.0
50.0
0.0
18.2
Yes
Idaho
50.0
0.0
50.0
54.7
Yes
Il inois
50.0
46.1
3.9
66.5
Yes
Indiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
21.3
Yes
Iowa
50.0
50.0
0.0
20.0
Yes
Kansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
31.8
Yes
Kentucky
50.0
50.0
0.0
41.0
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard
Rate
Standard?
Louisiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
3.5
Yes
Maine
50.0
0.0
50.0
83.5
Yes
Maryland
50.0
50.0
0.0
14.3
Yes
Massachusetts
50.0
25.1
24.9
56.9
Yes
Michigan
50.0
50.0
0.0
32.2
Yes
Minnesota
50.0
44.6
5.4
22.3
Yes
Mississippi
50.0
50.0
0.0
40.3
Yes
Missouri
50.0
50.0
0.0
17.1
Yes
Montana
50.0
18.4
31.6
35.5
Yes
Nebraska
50.0
50.0
0.0
10.2
Yes
Nevada
50.0
39.2
10.8
27.0
Yes
New Hampshire
50.0
0.0
50.0
55.1
Yes
New Jersey
50.0
50.0
0.0
17.4
Yes
New Mexico
50.0
50.0
0.0
25.8
Yes
New York
50.0
48.9
1.1
17.8
Yes
North Carolina
50.0
47.7
2.3
10.0
Yes
North Dakota
50.0
50.0
0.0
35.2
Yes
Ohio
50.0
42.5
7.5
29.4
Yes
Oklahoma
50.0
50.0
0.0
20.1
Yes
Oregon
50.0
0.0
50.0
59.6
Yes
Pennsylvania
50.0
50.0
0.0
14.5
Yes
Puerto Rico
50.0
50.0
0.0
6.6
Yes
Rhode Island
50.0
50.0
0.0
6.8
Yes
South Carolina
50.0
50.0
0.0
20.4
Yes
South Dakota
50.0
0.0
50.0
52.7
Yes
Tennessee
50.0
50.0
0.0
33.6
Yes
Texas
50.0
50.0
0.0
11.3
Yes
Utah
50.0
50.0
0.0
13.0
Yes
Vermont
50.0
46.7
3.3
39.7
Yes
Virgin Islands
50.0
50.0
0.0
4.1
Yes
Virginia
50.0
45.5
4.5
29.3
Yes
Washington
50.0
50.0
0.0
41.8
Yes
West Virginia
50.0
48.6
1.4
24.8
Yes
Wisconsin
50.0
42.2
7.8
37.3
Yes
Wyoming
50.0
0.0
50.0
76.0
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-
Parent Families: FY2020
Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard)
Rate
Standard?
Alabama
90.0%
90.0%
0.0%
48.1%
Yes
Alaska
90.0
54.8
35.2
52.1
Yes
Arizona
90.0
76.0
14.0
27.1
Yes
Arkansas
90.0
75.8
14.2
16.8
Yes
California
90.0
30.5
59.5
27.5
No
Colorado
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Connecticut
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Delaware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
District of Col.
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Florida
90.0
86.7
3.3
17.1
Yes
Georgia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Guam
90.0
52.9
37.1
9.5
No
Hawaii
90.0
77.9
12.1
26.4
Yes
Idaho
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Il inois
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Indiana
90.0
83.2
6.8
29.3
Yes
Iowa
90.0
84.5
5.5
13.1
Yes
Kansas
90.0
77.1
12.9
33.8
Yes
Kentucky
90.0
56.0
34.0
43.0
Yes
Louisiana
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Maine
90.0
0.0
90.0
94.0
Yes
Maryland
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Massachusetts
90.0
25.1
64.9
86.0
Yes
Michigan
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Minnesota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Mississippi
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Missouri
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Montana
90.0
54.8
35.2
41.8
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard)
Rate
Standard?
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevada
90.0
39.2
50.8
38.3
No
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
90.0
82.9
7.1
94.2
Yes
New Mexico
90.0
64.4
25.6
32.0
Yes
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
90.0
47.7
42.3
11.1
No
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
90.0
88.6
1.4
27.8
Yes
Oklahoma
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Oregon
90.0
0.0
90.0
97.8
Yes
Pennsylvania
90.0
89.6
0.4
20.5
Yes
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Rhode Island
90.0
62.4
27.6
7.3
No
South Carolina
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
South Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Tennessee
90.0
77.4
12.6
30.9
Yes
Texas
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Utah
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Vermont
90.0
63.7
26.3
63.0
Yes
Virgin Islands
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Washington
90.0
51.9
38.1
62.4
Yes
West Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wisconsin
90.0
63.4
26.6
45.9
Yes
Wyoming
90.0
0.0
90.0
78.6
No
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Author Information
Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Acknowledgments
Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
Table B-6. TANF Assistance Families by Number of Parents by Jurisdiction: June 2020
Single
Two
No
Total
Single
Two
No
State
Parent
Parent
Parent
Families
Parent
Parent
Parent
Alabama
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
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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 toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
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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
50.0
50.0
0.0
54.8
Alaska
50.0
31.0
19.0
48.5
Arizona
50.0
50.0
0.0
21.6
Arkansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.4
California
50.0
16.2
33.8
55.3
Colorado
50.0
38.3
11.7
34.7
Connecticut
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.7
Delaware
50.0
50.0
0.0
23.1
District of Col.
50.0
48.0
2.0
50.0
Florida
50.0
31.6
18.4
41.5
Georgia
50.0
50.0
0.0
26.6
Guam
50.0
47.5
2.5
24.1
Hawai
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.3
Idaho
50.0
0.0
50.0
59.6
Il inois
50.0
43.0
7.0
61.5
Indiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
30.5
Iowa
50.0
50.0
0.0
27.2
Kansas
50.0
50.0
0.0
32.4
Kentucky
50.0
45.5
4.5
55.6
Louisiana
50.0
50.0
0.0
5.8
Maine
50.0
0.0
50.0
87.7
Maryland
50.0
44.3
5.7
26.6
Massachusetts
50.0
20.5
29.5
66.4
Michigan
50.0
50.0
0.0
60.5
Minnesota
50.0
40.4
9.6
35.7
Mississippi
50.0
50.0
0.0
49.1
Missouri
50.0
50.0
0.0
24.3
Montanaa
50.0
10.9
39.1
37.2
Nebraska
50.0
50.0
0.0
43.9
Nevada
50.0
22.0
28.0
38.1
New Hampshire
50.0
0.0
50.0
62.9
New Jersey
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.8
New Mexico
50.0
50.0
0.0
42.5
Congressional Research Service
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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
50.0
44.4
5.6
21.7
North Carolina
50.0
44.6
5.4
26.4
North Dakota
50.0
50.0
0.0
54.1
Ohio
50.0
42.8
7.2
34.8
Oklahoma
50.0
46.9
3.1
31.5
Oregon
50.0
0.0
50.0
65.9
Pennsylvania
50.0
50.0
0.0
22.2
Puerto Rico
50.0
50.0
0.0
19.1
Rhode Island
50.0
50.0
0.0
8.9
South Carolina
50.0
50.0
0.0
29.9
South Dakota
50.0
0.0
50.0
57.7
Tennessee
50.0
50.0
0.0
33.2
Texas
50.0
50.0
0.0
21.8
Utah
50.0
50.0
0.0
11.8
Vermont
50.0
42.6
7.4
46.2
Virgin Islands
50.0
50.0
0.0
6.2
Virginia
50.0
50.0
0.0
40.5
Washington
50.0
46.8
3.2
50.5
West Virginia
50.0
45.6
4.4
34.7
Wisconsin
50.0
41.2
8.8
51.8
Wyoming
50.0
0.0
50.0
72.5
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). a. State did not meet its work participation standard.
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-
Parent Families: FY2019
Caseload
Effective
Work
Reduction
(After Credit)
Participation
State
Standard
Credit
Standard
Rate
Alabama
90.0
89.5
0.5
52.9
Alaska
90.0
39.5
50.5
64.2
Arizona
90.0
74.0
16.0
55.9
Arkansas
90.0
84.2
5.8
27.0
Californiaa
90.0
25.6
64.4
31.1
Colorado
NA
NA
NA
NA
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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
NA
NA
NA
NA
Delaware
NA
NA
NA
NA
District of Col.
NA
NA
NA
NA
Florida
90.0
80.8
9.2
44.3
Georgia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Guam
90.0
47.5
42.5
54.6
Hawai
90.0
75.3
14.7
46.4
Idaho
NA
NA
NA
NA
Il inois
NA
NA
NA
NA
Indiana
90.0
77.2
12.8
29.8
Iowa
90.0
80.2
9.8
22.3
Kansas
90.0
75.6
14.4
39.6
Kentucky
90.0
45.5
44.5
57.9
Louisiana
NA
NA
NA
NA
Maine
90.0
0.0
90.0
97.3
Maryland
NA
NA
NA
NA
Massachusetts
90.0
20.5
69.5
84.8
Michigan
NA
NA
NA
NA
Minnesota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Mississippi
NA
NA
NA
NA
Missouri
NA
NA
NA
NA
Montanaa
90.0
41.0
49.0
40.2
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevadaa
90.0
22.0
68.0
50.3
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
90.0
77.3
12.7
92.8
New Mexico
90.0
62.5
27.5
52.7
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
90.0
44.6
45.4
46.7
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
90.0
84.1
5.9
37.7
Oklahoma
NA
NA
NA
NA
Oregon
90.0
0.0
90.0
98.6
Pennsylvania
90.0
89.4
0.6
37.8
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
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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
58.8
31.2
11.8
South Carolina
NA
NA
NA
NA
South Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
Tennessee
90.0
69.4
20.6
32.8
Texas
NA
NA
NA
NA
Utah
NA
NA
NA
NA
Vermont
90.0
61.2
28.8
58.0
Virgin Islands
NA
NA
NA
NA
Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Washington
90.0
46.8
43.2
69.6
West Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wisconsin
90.0
68.3
21.7
66.5
Wyominga
90.0
0.0
90.0
77.6
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Note: NA = jurisdiction does not serve two-parent families in its TANF assistance program. a. State did not meet its two-parent family work participation standard.
Author Information
Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
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.
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