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

Changes from September 14, 2021 to November 30, 2021

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The Temporary Assistance for
~~September 14~~November 30, 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). This report responds to some Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). This report responds to some

frequently asked questions about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS frequently asked questions about TANF; it does not describe TANF rules (see, instead, CRS
Report RL32748, Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: A Primer
For a copy of the full report, For a copy of the full report,
on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
please call 7-5700 or visit please call 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 also of Columbia, the territories, and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also
required in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) required in total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE)
requirement. The basic block grant is not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. In requirement. The basic block grant is not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. In
FY2020, the TANF basic block grant was 38% below what its value (adjusting for inflation) was in FY1997. FY2020, 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 1.0 million families, composed of 2.6 million recipients, received TANF- or A total of 1.0 million families, composed of 2.6 million recipients, received TANF- or
MOE-funded assistance in November 2020. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—1.9 million in that month. The MOE-funded assistance in November 2020. The bulk of the “recipients” were children—1.9 million in that month. The
assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The type of family once thought of as the “typical” assistance family—one with an
unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2019. Additionally, 26% of cash assistance unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 32% of all families on the rolls in FY2019. 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 had 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., families include those with disabled adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), adults who are nonparents (e.g.,
grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents. grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents.
Assistance Benefits. TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2019, the maximum monthly benefit for a TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2019, the maximum monthly benefit for a
family of three ranged from $1,066 in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal family of three ranged from $1,066 in New Hampshire to $170 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal
poverty guidelines) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income. poverty guidelines) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income.
Work Requirements. TANF’s main federal work requirement is a performance measure that applies to the states. States TANF’s main federal work requirement is a performance measure that applies to the states. States
determine the work rules that apply to individual recipients. TANF law requires states to engage 50% of all families and 90% determine the work rules that apply to individual recipients. TANF law requires states to engage 50% of all families and 90%
of two-parent families with work-eligible individuals in work activities, though these standards can be reduced by “credits.” of two-parent families with work-eligible individuals in work activities, though these standards can be reduced by “credits.”
Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In FY2020, states Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In FY2020, states
achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 39.6% and a two-parent rate of 46.9%. In FY2020, all jurisdictions achieved, on average, an all-family participation rate of 39.6% and a two-parent rate of 46.9%. In FY2020, all jurisdictions
met the all-family participation standard, but six jurisdictions (California, Guam, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and met the all-family participation standard, but six jurisdictions (California, Guam, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and
Wyoming) did not meet the two-parent standard. Wyoming) did not meet the two-parent standard.
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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataccess to information and data. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timassistance over time. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance. expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block
Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What Is TANF’s Funding Status?
~~The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260 ) extends TANF funding through the~~
~~end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021).~~
The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43), enacted September 30, 2021, funds TANF through December 3, 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 billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the states, totaling $16.5 billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Virgin Islands, and American Indian tribes. There is also a contingency fund available that Virgin Islands, and American Indian tribes. There is also a contingency fund available that
provides extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions. provides extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions.
Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and
TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
States are required to spend at least 75% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor States are required to spend at least 75% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor
programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 billion per year for the 50 states, the programs. The minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 billion per year for the 50 states, the
District of Columbia, and the territories. District of Columbia, and the territories.
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed
Over Time?
TANF was created 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 nationally and for each 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—both nationally 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 billion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount territories, and tribes was $16.6 billion 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 billion. grant amount is $16.5 billion.
Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-
adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through 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 Billions of $) (In Billions of $)
State Family
State
Assistance
Family
Grant: 50
Assistance
States, DC,
Grant
Cumulative
Fiscal 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 Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Notes: Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for al all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
How Have States Used TANF Funds?
In FY2019, a total of $30.9 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either In FY2019, a total of $30.9 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to expended or transferred to other block grant programs. Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.5 billion) of total FY2019 TANF and MOE families to meet basic needs—represented 21% ($6.5 billion) 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 billion (16% of all TANF and TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2019, $5.0 billion (16% of all TANF and
MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the MOE funds) were either expended on child care or transferred to the child care block grant (the
Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF work-related activities (including education
and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.2 billion, or 10% of and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.2 billion, 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 billion, or 9% of total TANF MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2019 totaled $2.8 billion, 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 billion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child expenditures for that category at $2.6 billion. 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 billion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term spending about $2.6 billion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social serviceand emergency benefits and a wide range of other social services. Figure 1 shows the uses of shows the uses of
federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2019. federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2019.
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2019
(Dollars in (Dollars in ~~Billions~~billions) )

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in Detail may not add to totals because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in
tribal TANF programs. tribal TANF programs.
For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see Table B-1 andand Table B-2.
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent?
TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in
timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected
occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters). occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters).
At the end of FY2019 (September 30, 2019 At the end of FY2019 (September 30, 2019~~, the most recent data currently available~~), a total of ), a total of
$5.8 billion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of $5.8 billion of federal TANF funding remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of
these unspent funds represent monies that states had already committed to spend later. At the end these unspent funds represent monies that states had already committed to spend later. At the end
of 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
billion. At the end of FY2019, billion. At the end of FY2019, ~~states had $4.5 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are~~
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states had $4.5 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are available to states to make available to states to make new spending commitment spending commitments. 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) allotments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash (SNAP) allotments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash
assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for
immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet
an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance. an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance.
As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 21% As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 21%
of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families
receiving assistance are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-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 1.0 million families, composed of 2.6 provides assistance caseload information. A total of 1.0 million families, composed of 2.6
million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in November 2020.2 The bulk of million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in November 2020.2 The bulk of
the “recipients” were children—1.9 million in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads, the “recipients” were children—1.9 million in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads,
seesee Table B-4.
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF Assistance, November 2020

Families Families
1,002,327 1,002,327

Recipients Recipients
2,598,799 2,598,799

Children Children
1,912,820 1,912,820

~~Adults~~
~~685,979~~
Adults 685,979 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
1 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF 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) requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31. regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31.
2 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted data on families and recipients of TANF assistance 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 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 assistance family and recipient data for November 2020, as the most recent data available for all states as of the update
of this report. 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 TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
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 November 2020. The shaded assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to November 2020. The shaded
areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though the areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though the
health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-
term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a
pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods
of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy
changes) also have influenced the caseload trend. changes) also have influenced the caseload trend.
The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to
the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving
assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in
the late 1990s, after 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 million families in August 2008, peaking in aftermath, the caseload began to rise from 1.7 million families in August 2008, peaking in
December 2010 at close to 2.0 million families. The number of families receiving assistance December 2010 at close to 2.0 million families. The number of families receiving assistance
declined by almost half (to a little over 1 million families) during the long economic expansion of declined by almost half (to a little over 1 million families) during the long economic expansion of
2010 through 2019. 2010 through 2019.
During 2020, a year when the economy was affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 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 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. 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 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 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. 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 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. Seemight have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See: CRS Report R46687, CRS Report R46687, Current Status of
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates . For estimates
of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, seeof the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see: Laura Wheaton, Linda Laura Wheaton, Linda
Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures, ,
Urban Institute, July 2021. 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 Congressional Research Service (CRS), with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Shaded areas denote months when the national economy was in recession. Information represents Shaded areas denote months when the national economy was in recession. Information represents
families receiving cash assistance from Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent families receiving cash assistance from Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent
Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through the last month shown, includes families receiving 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 assistance from Separate State Programs (SSPs) with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of
effort requirement.effort requirement. See Table A-1 for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child
recipients of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019. recipients of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2019.

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
(usually the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also typically been (usually the mother) with one or two children. That single parent had also typically 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 all cash assistance families. This decline occurred, in large part, as the represented 32% of all 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 million families per components of the assistance caseload. In FY1994, a monthly average of 3.8 million 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 individual working. individuals, with no adult recipient or work-eligible individual working.
With the decline in families headed by unemployed adults, the share of the caseload represented With the decline in families headed by unemployed adults, the share of the caseload represented
by families with employed adults and “child-only” families has increased. 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 all TANF assistance program. In FY2019, families with an employed adult comprised 26% of all 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 all assistance families. Families with ineligible, (grandparents, aunts, uncles) represented 17% of all 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 all assistance families in FY2019. Income (SSI) and the children received TANF made up 9% of all assistance families in FY2019.
Figure 3. Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type:
Selected Years, FY1988 to FY2019

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files. Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the TANF national data files.
Notes: TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family
Receive in TANF Cash Per Month?
There are There are no federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family. federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family.
(There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all (There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all
states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states. states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states.
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash
benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned
income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid
a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program
requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit. requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit.
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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 2019.4 For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit two children (family of three) in July 2019.4 For a family of three, the maximum TANF benefit
paid in July 2019 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,066 per month in New paid in July 2019 varied from $170 per month in Mississippi to $1,066 per month in New
Hampshire. The map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower Hampshire. The map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower
benefit amounts in the South than in other regions. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal benefit amounts 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 poverty guidelines) had a maximum TANF cash assistance amount for this sized family in excess
of 50% of poverty-level income. of 50% of poverty-level income.
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 2019

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Urban Institute’s Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Urban Institute’s Welfare Rules
Database. The welfare rules database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have . The welfare rules database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have
information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands or tribal TANF
programs. programs.

4 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF 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 state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute
and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Some states vary their benefit amounts for other 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 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. housing costs and substate geography.

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TANF Work Participation Standards
TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the
states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual
recipients. recipients.
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet?
The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum
number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion
of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation
standards. standards.
However, the statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.” However, the statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.”
The caseload reduction credit reduces the participation standard one percentage point for each The caseload reduction credit reduces the participation standard one percentage point for each
percentage point decline in a state’s caseload. Additionally, under a regulatory provision, a state percentage point decline in a state’s caseload. Additionally, under a regulatory provision, a state
may get “extra” credit for caseload reduction if it spends more than required under the TANF may get “extra” credit for caseload reduction if it spends more than required under the TANF
MOE. Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% and 90% targets, MOE. Therefore, the effective standards states face are often less than the 50% and 90% targets,
and vary by state and by year. and vary by state and by year.
States that do not meet the TANF work participation standard are at States that do not meet the TANF work participation standard are at risk of being penalized of being penalized
through a reduction in their block grant. However, penalties can be forgiven if a state claims, and through a reduction in their block grant. However, penalties can be forgiven if a state claims, and
the Secretary of HHS finds, that it had “reasonable cause” for not meeting the standard. Penalties the Secretary of HHS finds, that it had “reasonable cause” for not meeting the standard. Penalties
can also be forgiven for states that enter into “corrective compliance plans,” and subsequently can also be forgiven for states that enter into “corrective compliance plans,” and subsequently
meet the work standard. meet the work standard.
Have There Been Changes in the Work Participation Rules Enacted
Since the 1996 Welfare Reform Law?
The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as well as the caseload reduction credit, date The 50% and 90% target standards that states face, as well as the caseload reduction credit, date
back to the 1996 welfare reform law. However, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA, 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 allowable TANF work activities  HHS was instructed to provide definition to the allowable TANF work activities
listed in law. HHS was also required to define what is meant by a “work-eligible” listed in law. HHS was also required to define what is meant by a “work-eligible”
individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work
participation calculation. participation calculation.
 States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.  States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.

5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families 5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families
where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible
noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who
does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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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
allowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011 allowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011
standards. standards.
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?
HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the
effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-
families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective
standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent
work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the
state’s caseload reduction credit). state’s caseload reduction credit).
Figure 5 shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2020. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work FY2020. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work
participation rate hovering around 30%. The work participation rate increased since then. In participation rate hovering around 30%. The work participation rate increased since then. In
FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important
to note that the increase in the work participation rate has not come from an increase in the to note that the increase in the work participation rate has not come from an increase in the
number of recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job number of recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job
preparation activities. This increase stems mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” preparation activities. This increase stems mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement”
programs that use TANF funds to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programs that use TANF funds to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs
for work.6 The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in 2018 for work.6 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 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 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 FY2020 all states met their all-families TANF work participation standards despite this decline
(in FY2019, only Montana did not meet its standard). (in FY2019, only Montana did not meet its standard).

6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, 6 See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. .
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Figure 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 Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
In FY2020, 5 states (California, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) as well as In FY2020, 5 states (California, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) as well as
Guam failed the separate, higher two-parent standarGuam failed the separate, higher two-parent standard. Table B-6 provides information for each provides information for each
jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for
all families for FY2020all families for FY2020. Table B-7 provides that information for two-parent families. However, provides that information for two-parent families. However,
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability to reduce or waive the the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability to reduce or waive the
penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation standard. HHS, under the penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation standard. HHS, under the
Administration of President Donald Trump, said that it would exercise its authority to provide Administration of President Donald Trump, said that it would exercise its authority to provide
states with relief from the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent states with relief from the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent
possible.”7 HHS has not revised this statement under the current, Biden Administration. possible.”7 HHS has not revised this statement under the current, Biden Administration.

7 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, 7 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance,
Questions and answers about TANF and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, TANF-ACF-Pi-2020-, TANF-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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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: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau. Services (HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Notes: NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult
and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of all children and percent and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percent of all children and percent
of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in Welfare Indicators and Risk Factors, Annual Report to
Congress, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See , Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See
https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-
%20FINAL%209%2022%2015.pdf. For 2019, the ratio of TANF recipient children to all children in poverty might %20FINAL%209%2022%2015.pdf. For 2019, the ratio of TANF recipient children to all children in poverty might
be overstated. This is because child poverty might have been underestimated, as responses to the survey used to be overstated. This is because child poverty might have been underestimated, as responses to the survey used to
estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

13 13

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, See Jonathan Rothbaum and Adam Bee, Coronavirus
Infects Surveys, Too: Nonresponse Bias During the Pandemic in the CPS ASEC, U.S. Census Bureau, SEHSD Working , 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 Parent/Not Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible 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 Parent/Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible 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 Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
51,764 51,764
146,227 146,227
4,968 4,968
3,391 3,391
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker 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 Parent/Not Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working
83.7% 83.7%
75.3% 75.3%
46.1% 46.1%
32.0% 32.0%
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible 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 Parent Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
1.4 1.4
2.9 2.9
0.3 0.3
0.3 0.3
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative Child-Only/Caretaker 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 Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulations of the FY1988 and FY1994 AFDC Quality Control
(QC) data files and the 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 receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) with FY2010 and FY2019 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) with
expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

14 14

Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Use of FY2019 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
($ in Billions) ($ in Billions)
Work,
Emergency
Other
Educa-
Refundable
Pre-
and Short-
Benefits
Basic
Child
tion, and
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 of Columbia District 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
Hawaii 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

Work,
Emergency
Other
Educa-
Refundable
Pre-
and Short-
Benefits
Basic
Child
tion, and
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

Work,
Emergency
Other
Educa-
Refundable
Pre-
and Short-
Benefits
Basic
Child
tion, and
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 Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.
CRS-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
Work,
Emergency
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 of Columbia District 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
Hawaii 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

Work,
Emergency
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

Work,
Emergency
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 Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.

CRS-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 Millions) (September 30, 2019; $ in Millions)
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 of Columbia District 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
Hawaii 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 Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.

Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, November 2020
State
Families
Recipients Children
Adults
Alabama Alabama
7,228 7,228
16,719 16,719
13,642 13,642
3,077 3,077
Alaska Alaska
2,013 2,013
5,376 5,376
3,692 3,692
1,684 1,684
Arizona Arizona
7,581 7,581
15,342 15,342
12,680 12,680
2,662 2,662
Arkansas Arkansas
1,953 1,953
4,492 4,492
3,431 3,431
1,061 1,061
California California
308,432 308,432
984,915 984,915
704,151 704,151
280,764 280,764
Colorado Colorado
12,359 12,359
30,023 30,023
22,338 22,338
7,685 7,685
Connecticut Connecticut
6,320 6,320
13,403 13,403
9,791 9,791
3,612 3,612
Delaware Delaware
2,650 2,650
7,356 7,356
4,296 4,296
3,060 3,060
District of Columbia District of Columbia
7,465 7,465
21,847 21,847
16,103 16,103
5,744 5,744
Florida Florida
41,491 41,491
75,073 75,073
59,340 59,340
15,733 15,733
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

22 22

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

State
Families
Recipients Children
Adults
Georgia Georgia
8,060 8,060
15,222 15,222
13,889 13,889
1,333 1,333
Guam Guam
437 437
1,078 1,078
834 834
244 244
Hawaii Hawaii
6,881 6,881
21,265 21,265
13,595 13,595
7,670 7,670
Idaho Idaho
1,773 1,773
2,496 2,496
2,456 2,456
40 40
Il inois Il inois
10,735 10,735
21,098 21,098
18,996 18,996
2,102 2,102
Indiana Indiana
8,327 8,327
19,721 19,721
15,351 15,351
4,370 4,370
Iowa Iowa
7,504 7,504
17,947 17,947
13,759 13,759
4,188 4,188
Kansas Kansas
3,520 3,520
3,520 3,520
1,882 1,882
1,638 1,638
Kentucky Kentucky
14,168 14,168
28,696 28,696
24,903 24,903
3,793 3,793
Louisiana Louisiana
3,855 3,855
8,982 8,982
7,555 7,555
1,427 1,427
Maine Maine
11,778 11,778
39,372 39,372
24,821 24,821
14,551 14,551
Maryland Maryland
23,055 23,055
56,580 56,580
39,938 39,938
16,642 16,642
Massachusetts Massachusetts
41,560 41,560
108,953 108,953
77,773 77,773
31,180 31,180
Michigan Michigan
10,762 10,762
26,774 26,774
21,444 21,444
5,330 5,330
Minnesota Minnesota
19,680 19,680
47,585 47,585
35,101 35,101
12,484 12,484
Mississippi Mississippi
1,877 1,877
3,158 3,158
2,888 2,888
270 270
Missouri Missouri
8,776 8,776
20,513 20,513
15,579 15,579
4,934 4,934
Montana Montana
2,438 2,438
5,696 5,696
4,557 4,557
1,139 1,139
Nebraska Nebraska
4,737 4,737
11,759 11,759
9,644 9,644
2,115 2,115
Nevada Nevada
6,658 6,658
17,198 17,198
12,826 12,826
4,372 4,372
New Hampshire New Hampshire
4,422 4,422
10,342 10,342
7,713 7,713
2,629 2,629
New Jersey New Jersey
9,459 9,459
22,892 22,892
16,902 16,902
5,990 5,990
New Mexico New Mexico
11,582 11,582
29,935 29,935
21,739 21,739
8,196 8,196
New York New York
113,201 113,201
289,625 289,625
198,575 198,575
91,050 91,050
North Carolina North Carolina
13,775 13,775
25,289 25,289
22,273 22,273
3,016 3,016
North Dakota North Dakota
1,078 1,078
2,820 2,820
2,244 2,244
576 576
Ohio Ohio
51,566 51,566
94,341 94,341
84,268 84,268
10,073 10,073
Oklahoma Oklahoma
5,592 5,592
12,901 12,901
10,932 10,932
1,969 1,969
Oregon Oregon
25,192 25,192
72,859 72,859
48,144 48,144
24,715 24,715
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
29,869 29,869
71,549 71,549
55,079 55,079
16,470 16,470
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
4,357 4,357
11,800 11,800
7,195 7,195
4,605 4,605
Rhode Island Rhode Island
2,577 2,577
6,094 6,094
4,622 4,622
1,472 1,472
South Carolina South Carolina
8,133 8,133
18,749 18,749
15,127 15,127
3,622 3,622
South Dakota South Dakota
2,716 2,716
5,495 5,495
5,051 5,051
444 444
Tennessee Tennessee
15,578 15,578
32,436 32,436
26,923 26,923
5,513 5,513
Texas Texas
21,404 21,404
44,545 44,545
37,455 37,455
7,090 7,090
Utah Utah
2,657 2,657
6,195 6,195
4,621 4,621
1,574 1,574
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

State
Families
Recipients Children
Adults
Vermont Vermont
2,052 2,052
4,305 4,305
3,233 3,233
1,072 1,072
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
69 69
225 225
156 156
69 69
Virginia Virginia
18,311 18,311
34,337 34,337
26,552 26,552
7,785 7,785
Washington Washington
41,979 41,979
99,966 99,966
66,093 66,093
33,873 33,873
West Virginia West Virginia
5,703 5,703
11,121 11,121
9,379 9,379
1,742 1,742
Wisconsin Wisconsin
16,495 16,495
37,683 37,683
30,420 30,420
7,263 7,263
Wyoming Wyoming
487 487
1,136 1,136
869 869
267 267

Totals Totals
1,002,327 1,002,327
2,598,799 2,598,799
1,912,820 1,912,820
685,979 685,979
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, November of Selected Years
Percentage Change

to 2020 from …
1994-
2019-
1994
2010
2019
2020
2020
2020

Alabama Alabama
48,142 48,142
23,954 23,954
7,456 7,456
7,228 7,228
-85.0% -85.0%
-3.1% -3.1%
Alaska Alaska
12,145 12,145
3,423 3,423
2,110 2,110
2,013 2,013
-83.4 -83.4
-4.6 -4.6
Arizona Arizona
72,171 72,171
19,406 19,406
7,108 7,108
7,581 7,581
-89.5 -89.5
6.7 6.7
Arkansas Arkansas
25,039 25,039
8,525 8,525
2,364 2,364
1,953 1,953
-92.2 -92.2
-17.4 -17.4
California California
914,344 914,344
593,714 593,714
363,509 363,509
308,432 308,432
-66.3 -66.3
-15.2 -15.2
Colorado Colorado
39,171 39,171
11,998 11,998
13,671 13,671
12,359 12,359
-68.4 -68.4
-9.6 -9.6
Connecticut Connecticut
60,846 60,846
16,922 16,922
7,659 7,659
6,320 6,320
-89.6 -89.6
-17.5 -17.5
Delaware Delaware
11,102 11,102
5,794 5,794
3,226 3,226
2,650 2,650
-76.1 -76.1
-17.9 -17.9
District of Columbia District of Columbia
27,390 27,390
9,963 9,963
7,243 7,243
7,465 7,465
-72.7 -72.7
3.1 3.1
Florida Florida
239,902 239,902
57,861 57,861
38,479 38,479
41,491 41,491
-82.7 -82.7
7.8 7.8
Georgia Georgia
141,307 141,307
20,630 20,630
8,719 8,719
8,060 8,060
-94.3 -94.3
-7.6 -7.6
Guam Guam
2,060 2,060
1,289 1,289
422 422
437 437
-78.8 -78.8
3.6 3.6
Hawaii Hawaii
21,415 21,415
10,019 10,019
4,022 4,022
6,881 6,881
-67.9 -67.9
71.1 71.1
Idaho Idaho
8,608 8,608
1,809 1,809
2,014 2,014
1,773 1,773
-79.4 -79.4
-12.0 -12.0
Il inois Il inois
239,840 239,840
26,014 26,014
10,957 10,957
10,735 10,735
-95.5 -95.5
-2.0 -2.0
Indiana Indiana
70,161 70,161
33,553 33,553
5,410 5,410
8,327 8,327
-88.1 -88.1
53.9 53.9
Iowa 37,941 21,478 8,787 7,504 -80.2 -14.6 Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

24 24

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

Percentage 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 Kansas
28,774 28,774
15,563 15,563
3,984 3,984
3,520 3,520
-87.8 -87.8
-11.6 -11.6
Kentucky Kentucky
77,403 77,403
31,175 31,175
16,234 16,234
14,168 14,168
-81.7 -81.7
-12.7 -12.7
Louisiana Louisiana
84,031 84,031
11,062 11,062
4,478 4,478
3,855 3,855
-95.4 -95.4
-13.9 -13.9
Maine Maine
21,782 21,782
15,397 15,397
14,586 14,586
11,778 11,778
-45.9 -45.9
-19.3 -19.3
Maryland Maryland
80,480 80,480
25,347 25,347
16,761 16,761
23,055 23,055
-71.4 -71.4
37.6 37.6
Massachusetts Massachusetts
106,736 106,736
50,878 50,878
50,505 50,505
41,560 41,560
-61.1 -61.1
-17.7 -17.7
Michigan Michigan
211,259 211,259
68,790 68,790
11,119 11,119
10,762 10,762
-94.9 -94.9
-3.2 -3.2
Minnesota Minnesota
61,352 61,352
24,759 24,759
15,087 15,087
19,680 19,680
-67.9 -67.9
30.4 30.4
Mississippi Mississippi
53,652 53,652
12,052 12,052
3,011 3,011
1,877 1,877
-96.5 -96.5
-37.7 -37.7
Missouri Missouri
91,205 91,205
39,737 39,737
9,687 9,687
8,776 8,776
-90.4 -90.4
-9.4 -9.4
Montana Montana
11,464 11,464
3,650 3,650
3,266 3,266
2,438 2,438
-78.7 -78.7
-25.4 -25.4
Nebraska Nebraska
15,543 15,543
8,381 8,381
4,346 4,346
4,737 4,737
-69.5 -69.5
9.0 9.0
Nevada Nevada
15,330 15,330
10,778 10,778
7,821 7,821
6,658 6,658
-56.6 -56.6
-14.9 -14.9
New Hampshire New Hampshire
11,154 11,154
6,097 6,097
5,286 5,286
4,422 4,422
-60.4 -60.4
-16.3 -16.3
New Jersey New Jersey
113,444 113,444
34,996 34,996
9,003 9,003
9,459 9,459
-91.7 -91.7
5.1 5.1
New Mexico New Mexico
34,906 34,906
21,447 21,447
9,901 9,901
11,582 11,582
-66.8 -66.8
17.0 17.0
New York New York
462,309 462,309
157,247 157,247
112,549 112,549
113,201 113,201
-75.5 -75.5
0.6 0.6
North Carolina North Carolina
127,829 127,829
23,879 23,879
14,236 14,236
13,775 13,775
-89.2 -89.2
-3.2 -3.2
North Dakota North Dakota
5,290 5,290
1,967 1,967
972 972
1,078 1,078
-79.6 -79.6
10.9 10.9
Ohio Ohio
239,144 239,144
104,370 104,370
43,736 43,736
51,566 51,566
-78.4 -78.4
17.9 17.9
Oklahoma Oklahoma
45,863 45,863
9,380 9,380
5,650 5,650
5,592 5,592
-87.8 -87.8
-1.0 -1.0
Oregon Oregon
39,763 39,763
32,548 32,548
36,514 36,514
25,192 25,192
-36.6 -36.6
-31.0 -31.0
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
209,875 209,875
59,090 59,090
39,133 39,133
29,869 29,869
-85.8 -85.8
-23.7 -23.7
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
56,378 56,378
13,953 13,953
4,410 4,410
4,357 4,357
-92.3 -92.3
-1.2 -1.2
Rhode Island Rhode Island
22,581 22,581
6,648 6,648
3,846 3,846
2,577 2,577
-88.6 -88.6
-33.0 -33.0
South Carolina South Carolina
50,351 50,351
19,371 19,371
8,220 8,220
8,133 8,133
-83.8 -83.8
-1.1 -1.1
South Dakota South Dakota
6,434 6,434
3,247 3,247
2,928 2,928
2,716 2,716
-57.8 -57.8
-7.2 -7.2
Tennessee Tennessee
107,498 107,498
63,925 63,925
18,804 18,804
15,578 15,578
-85.5 -85.5
-17.2 -17.2
Texas Texas
281,897 281,897
52,970 52,970
21,904 21,904
21,404 21,404
-92.4 -92.4
-2.3 -2.3
Utah Utah
17,387 17,387
7,097 7,097
3,133 3,133
2,657 2,657
-84.7 -84.7
-15.2 -15.2
Vermont Vermont
9,691 9,691
3,264 3,264
2,665 2,665
2,052 2,052
-78.8 -78.8
-23.0 -23.0
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
1,222 1,222
526 526
101 101
69 69
-94.4 -94.4
-31.7 -31.7
Virginia Virginia
73,692 73,692
37,478 37,478
16,586 16,586
18,311 18,311
-75.2 -75.2
10.4 10.4
Washington Washington
102,718 102,718
67,762 67,762
35,846 35,846
41,979 41,979
-59.1 -59.1
17.1 17.1
West Virginia 39,299 10,747 6,361 5,703 -85.5 -10.3 Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

25 25

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

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 Wisconsin
73,730 73,730
25,056 25,056
14,839 14,839
16,495 16,495
-77.6 -77.6
11.2 11.2
Wyoming Wyoming
5,457 5,457
302 302
482 482
487 487
-91.1 -91.1
1.0 1.0

Totals Totals
4,968,507 4,968,507
1,947,288 1,947,288
1,071,146 1,071,146
1,002,327 1,002,327
-79.8 -79.8
-6.4 -6.4
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Table B-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 Alabama
50.0% 50.0%
50.0% 50.0%
0.0% 0.0%
44.3% 44.3%
Yes Yes
Alaska Alaska
50.0 50.0
42.4 42.4
7.6 7.6
38.2 38.2
Yes Yes
Arizona Arizona
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
15.2 15.2
Yes Yes
Arkansas Arkansas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
17.4 17.4
Yes Yes
California California
50.0 50.0
25.3 25.3
24.7 24.7
50.5 50.5
Yes Yes
Colorado Colorado
50.0 50.0
35.0 35.0
15.0 15.0
39.9 39.9
Yes Yes
Connecticut Connecticut
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
11.3 11.3
Yes Yes
Delaware Delaware
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
28.6 28.6
Yes Yes
District of Col. District of Col.
50.0 50.0
47.7 47.7
2.3 2.3
49.9 49.9
Yes Yes
Florida Florida
50.0 50.0
39.0 39.0
11.0 11.0
19.1 19.1
Yes Yes
Georgia Georgia
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
16.1 16.1
Yes Yes
Guam Guam
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
9.6 9.6
Yes Yes
Hawaii Hawaii
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
18.2 18.2
Yes Yes
Idaho Idaho
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
54.7 54.7
Yes Yes
Il inois Il inois
50.0 50.0
46.1 46.1
3.9 3.9
66.5 66.5
Yes Yes
Indiana Indiana
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
21.3 21.3
Yes Yes
Iowa Iowa
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
20.0 20.0
Yes Yes
Kansas Kansas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
31.8 31.8
Yes Yes
Kentucky Kentucky
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
41.0 41.0
Yes Yes Louisiana 50.0 50.0 0.0 3.5 Yes Maine 50.0 0.0 50.0 83.5 Yes
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

26 26

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 Maryland
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
14.3 14.3
Yes Yes
Massachusetts Massachusetts
50.0 50.0
25.1 25.1
24.9 24.9
56.9 56.9
Yes Yes
Michigan Michigan
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
32.2 32.2
Yes Yes
Minnesota Minnesota
50.0 50.0
44.6 44.6
5.4 5.4
22.3 22.3
Yes Yes
Mississippi Mississippi
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
40.3 40.3
Yes Yes
Missouri Missouri
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
17.1 17.1
Yes Yes
Montana Montana
50.0 50.0
18.4 18.4
31.6 31.6
35.5 35.5
Yes Yes
Nebraska Nebraska
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
10.2 10.2
Yes Yes
Nevada Nevada
50.0 50.0
39.2 39.2
10.8 10.8
27.0 27.0
Yes Yes
New Hampshire New Hampshire
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
55.1 55.1
Yes Yes
New Jersey New Jersey
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
17.4 17.4
Yes Yes
New Mexico New Mexico
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
25.8 25.8
Yes Yes
New York New York
50.0 50.0
48.9 48.9
1.1 1.1
17.8 17.8
Yes Yes
North Carolina North Carolina
50.0 50.0
47.7 47.7
2.3 2.3
10.0 10.0
Yes Yes
North Dakota North Dakota
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
35.2 35.2
Yes Yes
Ohio Ohio
50.0 50.0
42.5 42.5
7.5 7.5
29.4 29.4
Yes Yes
Oklahoma Oklahoma
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
20.1 20.1
Yes Yes
Oregon Oregon
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
59.6 59.6
Yes Yes
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
14.5 14.5
Yes Yes
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
6.6 6.6
Yes Yes
Rhode Island Rhode Island
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
6.8 6.8
Yes Yes
South Carolina South Carolina
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
20.4 20.4
Yes Yes
South Dakota South Dakota
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
52.7 52.7
Yes Yes
Tennessee Tennessee
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
33.6 33.6
Yes Yes
Texas Texas
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
11.3 11.3
Yes Yes
Utah Utah
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
13.0 13.0
Yes Yes
Vermont Vermont
50.0 50.0
46.7 46.7
3.3 3.3
39.7 39.7
Yes Yes
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
4.1 4.1
Yes Yes
Virginia Virginia
50.0 50.0
45.5 45.5
4.5 4.5
29.3 29.3
Yes Yes
Washington Washington
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
41.8 41.8
Yes Yes
West Virginia West Virginia
50.0 50.0
48.6 48.6
1.4 1.4
24.8 24.8
Yes Yes
Wisconsin Wisconsin
50.0 50.0
42.2 42.2
7.8 7.8
37.3 37.3
Yes Yes
Wyoming Wyoming
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
76.0 76.0
Yes Yes
~~Congressional Research Service~~

27

~~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 Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).

Congressional Research Service 27 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs 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 Alabama
90.0% 90.0%
90.0% 90.0%
0.0% 0.0%
48.1% 48.1%
Yes Yes
Alaska Alaska
90.0 90.0
54.8 54.8
35.2 35.2
52.1 52.1
Yes Yes
Arizona Arizona
90.0 90.0
76.0 76.0
14.0 14.0
27.1 27.1
Yes Yes
Arkansas Arkansas
90.0 90.0
75.8 75.8
14.2 14.2
16.8 16.8
Yes Yes
California California
90.0 90.0
30.5 30.5
59.5 59.5
27.5 27.5
No No
Colorado Colorado
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Connecticut Connecticut
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Delaware Delaware
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
District of Col. District of Col.
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Florida Florida
90.0 90.0
86.7 86.7
3.3 3.3
17.1 17.1
Yes Yes
Georgia Georgia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Guam Guam
90.0 90.0
52.9 52.9
37.1 37.1
9.5 9.5
No No
Hawaii Hawaii
90.0 90.0
77.9 77.9
12.1 12.1
26.4 26.4
Yes Yes
Idaho Idaho
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Il inois Il inois
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Indiana Indiana
90.0 90.0
83.2 83.2
6.8 6.8
29.3 29.3
Yes Yes
Iowa Iowa
90.0 90.0
84.5 84.5
5.5 5.5
13.1 13.1
Yes Yes
Kansas Kansas
90.0 90.0
77.1 77.1
12.9 12.9
33.8 33.8
Yes Yes
Kentucky Kentucky
90.0 90.0
56.0 56.0
34.0 34.0
43.0 43.0
Yes Yes
Louisiana Louisiana
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Maine Maine
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
94.0 94.0
Yes Yes
Maryland Maryland
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Massachusetts Massachusetts
90.0 90.0
25.1 25.1
64.9 64.9
86.0 86.0
Yes Yes
Michigan Michigan
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Minnesota Minnesota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Mississippi Mississippi
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Missouri Missouri
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Montana Montana
90.0 90.0
54.8 54.8
35.2 35.2
41.8 41.8
Yes Yes
~~Congressional Research Service~~

28

~~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~~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 Congressional Research Service 28 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?
New York New York
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
North Carolina North Carolina
90.0 90.0
47.7 47.7
42.3 42.3
11.1 11.1
No No
North Dakota North Dakota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Ohio Ohio
90.0 90.0
88.6 88.6
1.4 1.4
27.8 27.8
Yes Yes
Oklahoma Oklahoma
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Oregon Oregon
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
97.8 97.8
Yes Yes
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
90.0 90.0
89.6 89.6
0.4 0.4
20.5 20.5
Yes Yes
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Rhode Island Rhode Island
90.0 90.0
62.4 62.4
27.6 27.6
7.3 7.3
No No
South Carolina South Carolina
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
South Dakota South Dakota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Tennessee Tennessee
90.0 90.0
77.4 77.4
12.6 12.6
30.9 30.9
Yes Yes
Texas Texas
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Utah Utah
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Vermont Vermont
90.0 90.0
63.7 63.7
26.3 26.3
63.0 63.0
Yes Yes
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Virginia Virginia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Washington Washington
90.0 90.0
51.9 51.9
38.1 38.1
62.4 62.4
Yes Yes
West Virginia West Virginia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Wisconsin Wisconsin
90.0 90.0
63.4 63.4
26.6 26.6
45.9 45.9
Yes Yes
Wyoming Wyoming
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
78.6 78.6
No No
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).

~~Congressional Research Service~~

29

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

Author Information

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

Acknowledgments
Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations. Amber Wilhelm and Calvin DeSouza produced this report’s data visualizations.
Congressional Research Service 29 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Disclaimer
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