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

Changes from December 14, 2021 to March 31, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

The Temporary Assistance for
~~December 14, 2021~~March 31, 2022
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 of Columbia, TANF provides fixed funding for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, ~~the~~ territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands), and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required in Virgin Islands), and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required in
total to contribute, from their own funds, at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement. 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. Adjusted for The basic block grant is not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. Adjusted for
inflation, in FY2021, the TANF basic block grant was 40% below what its value was in FY1997. inflation, in FY2021, the TANF basic block grant was 40% below what its value 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 FY2020, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $7.1 MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2020, expenditures on basic assistance totaled $7.1
billion—22% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash and on an billion—22% 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 pre-kindergarten programs toward the MOE requirement. count expenditures in pre-kindergarten 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 MOE-funded assistance in November 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 assistance caseload is heterogeneous. The 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 unemployed adult recipient—accounted for 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 families had an employed adult, while 42% 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 include those with disabled adults 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., grandparents, aunts, uncles) caring for 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. children, and families consisting of citizen children and ineligible noncitizen parents.
Assistance Benefits
TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July ~~2019~~2020, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of , the maximum monthly benefit for a family of ~~three ranged~~
~~from $1,066~~two (single parent and one child) ranged from $862 in New Hampshire to $ in New Hampshire to $~~170~~146 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal poverty in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal poverty ~~guidelines~~level) had ) had
a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level income. 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 determine the work rules 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% of two-parent families 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.” Therefore, the effective 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 achieved, on average, an 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 met the all-family 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 Wyoming) did not participation standard, but six jurisdictions (California, Guam, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not
meet the two-parent standard. 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 The ~~Further Extending Government Funding Act (P.L. 117-70 ), enacted December 3, 2021~~Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), enacted March 15, 2022, funds , funds
TANF through TANF through ~~February 18, 2022~~the end of FY2022 (September 30, 2022). .
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 District of Columbia, and ~~the~~three territories. territories.1
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 $16.5 billion.
1 American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands do not operate TANF programs. The former is eligible but does not operate programs; the latter is ineligible for TANF funds. Congressional Research Service 1 link to page 6 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and real (inflation-
adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2021. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2021. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, the
FY2021 block grant was 40% below its value in FY1997. FY2021 block grant was 40% below its value in FY1997.
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Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
($ in billions) ($ in billions)
State Family
State
Assistance
Family
Cumulative
Grant: 50
Assistance
Percentage
States, DC,
Grant
Change,
Fiscal
Tribes, and
Constant
Constant
Year
Territories
1997 dollars
1997 dollars
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
2021 2021
16.512 16.512
9.893 9.893
-40.3 -40.3
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), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance; and the U.S. Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance; and the U.S.
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Notes: Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
Congressional Research Service 2 link to page 7 link to page 19 link to page 22 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs How Have States Used TANF Funds?
In FY2020, a total of $31.6 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either In FY2020, a total of $31.6 billion of both federal TANF and state MOE expenditures were either
expended or transferred to other block grant programs. (This total excludes expenditures in tribal expended or transferred to other block grant programs. (This total excludes expenditures in tribal
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TANF programs or those operated in the territories.) Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to TANF programs or those operated in the territories.) Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 22% ($7.1 billion) of total FY2020 TANF and MOE families to meet basic needs—represented 22% ($7.1 billion) of total FY2020 TANF and MOE
dollars. dollars.
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2020, $5.2 billion (17% of all TANF and TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2020, $5.2 billion (17% 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 $3.0 billion, or 10% of and training) were the third-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $3.0 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 FY2020 totaled $2.8 billion, or 9% of total TANF MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2020 totaled $2.8 billion, or 9% of total TANF
and MOE spending. and MOE spending.
TANF and MOE funds also help fund state pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2020 TANF and MOE funds also help fund state pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, with total FY2020
expenditures for that category at $2.7 billion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child expenditures for that category at $2.7 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 FY2020. federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2020.

Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2020
($ in billions) ($ in billions)

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance. Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
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.
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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 FY2020 (September 30, 2020), a total of $6.0 billion of federal TANF funding At the end of FY2020 (September 30, 2020), a total of $6.0 billion of federal TANF funding
remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of these unspent funds represent monies remained neither transferred nor spent. However, some of these unspent funds represent monies
that states had already committed to spend later. Of this amount, states had made such that states had already committed to spend later. Of this amount, states had made such
commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $0.9 billion. At the end of FY2020, commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $0.9 billion. At the end of FY2020,
states had $5.2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are available to states to make states had $5.2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are available to states to make new
spending commitmentspending commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds by state. shows unspent TANF funds by state.
The Caseload
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits
and Services?
This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving
only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services. benefits and services.
“Assistance” is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs. “Assistance” is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.12 It is most 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.million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in November 2020.23 The bulk of 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.

12 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF 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. regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. §Section 260.31. 260.31.
23 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted data on families and recipients of TANF assistance 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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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 Adults
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 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.decline.34 In November 2020, the number of families receiving assistance was reported at 1.0 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.

34 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs – in particular, unemployment insurance—that In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs – in particular, unemployment insurance—that
might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See CRS Report R46687, might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See CRS Report R46687, ~~Current Status of~~
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates . For estimates
of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see Laura Wheaton, Linda of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see 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.
Note: TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward
the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. 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~~one child (family of (family of ~~three~~two) in July ) in July ~~2019.4~~2020.5 For a family of For a family of ~~three~~two, the maximum TANF benefit , the maximum TANF benefit
paid in July paid in July ~~2019~~2020 varied from $ varied from $~~170~~146 per month in Mississippi to $ per month in Mississippi to $~~1,066~~862 per month in New 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 benefit amounts in general in the South in the South ~~than in~~compared to other regions. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal 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~~One Child, 50 States and the District of Columbia, July ~~2019~~2020

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the ~~Urban Institute’s~~ ~~Welfare Rules~~
~~Database. The welfare rules database~~Welfare Rules Database, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and maintained by the Urban Institute. The Welfare Rules Database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have 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 information on TANF assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands or tribal TANF Virgin Islands or tribal TANF
~~programs.~~
~~TANF Work Participation Standards~~
~~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~~
~~recipients.~~
programs. Table B-6 shows these benefit amounts by state in dollars and as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL).
45 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF 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 states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual 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.number of hours.56 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion 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~~The statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.” 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. back to the 1996 welfare reform law. ~~However, the~~The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA, P.L. 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”
6 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. Congressional Research Service 9 link to page 15 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work
participation calculation. participation calculation.
 States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.  States were required to develop plans and procedures to verify work activities.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5), a law enacted in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5), a law enacted in
response to the sharp economic downturn of 2007-2009, held states “harmless” for caseload response to the sharp economic downturn of 2007-2009, held states “harmless” for caseload
increases affecting the work participation standards for FY2009 through FY2011. It did so by increases affecting the work participation standards for FY2009 through FY2011. It did so by
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.

~~5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families~~
~~where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible~~
~~noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who~~
~~does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.~~
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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.for work.67 The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in 2018 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 and 2019 from its 2017 high of 53.0%. In FY2020, a year affected by ~~the~~ COVID-19 COVID-19 ~~virus~~ and its 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).
~~Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,~~
~~FY2002-FY2020~~

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

67 See CRS In Focus IF10856, See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. .
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Figure 5. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families, FY2002-FY2020 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In FY2020, five~~In FY2020, 5~~ states (California, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) as well as 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-67 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-78 provides that information for two-parent families. The table provides that information for two-parent families. The table
shows that 26 jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving assistance funded by TANF shows that 26 jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving assistance funded by TANF
or MOE funds (denoted with an “NA” in the table). or MOE funds (denoted with an “NA” in the table).
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.”possible.”78 HHS has not revised this statement under the HHS has not revised this statement under the ~~current,~~ Biden Administration. Biden Administration.

78 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, 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
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage Percentage
Families
Recipients
Adults
Children
of All
of All Poor
Year
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Children
Children
1992 1992
4.829 4.829
13.773 13.773
4.470 4.470
9.303 9.303
13.9 13.9
59.9 59.9
1993 1993
5.012 5.012
14.205 14.205
4.631 4.631
9.574 9.574
14.1 14.1
60.0 60.0
1994 1994
5.033 5.033
14.161 14.161
4.593 4.593
9.568 9.568
13.9 13.9
61.7 61.7
1995 1995
4.791 4.791
13.418 13.418
4.284 4.284
9.135 9.135
13.1 13.1
61.5 61.5
1996 1996
4.434 4.434
12.321 12.321
3.928 3.928
8.600 8.600
12.3 12.3
58.7 58.7
1997 1997
3.740 3.740
10.376 10.376
NA NA
NA NA
10.0 10.0
50.1 50.1
1998 1998
3.050 3.050
8.347 8.347
NA NA
NA NA
8.1 8.1
42.9 42.9
1999 1999
2.578 2.578
6.924 6.924
NA NA
NA NA
6.7 6.7
39.4 39.4
2000 2000
2.303 2.303
6.143 6.143
1.655 1.655
4.479 4.479
6.1 6.1
38.1 38.1
2001 2001
2.192 2.192
5.717 5.717
1.514 1.514
4.195 4.195
5.7 5.7
35.3 35.3
2002 2002
2.187 2.187
5.609 5.609
1.479 1.479
4.119 4.119
5.6 5.6
33.6 33.6
2003 2003
2.180 2.180
5.490 5.490
1.416 1.416
4.063 4.063
5.5 5.5
31.3 31.3
2004 2004
2.153 2.153
5.342 5.342
1.362 1.362
3.969 3.969
5.4 5.4
30.2 30.2
2005 2005
2.061 2.061
5.028 5.028
1.261 1.261
3.756 3.756
5.1 5.1
28.9 28.9
2006 2006
1.906 1.906
4.582 4.582
1.120 1.120
3.453 3.453
4.6 4.6
26.7 26.7
2007 2007
1.730 1.730
4.075 4.075
0.956 0.956
3.119 3.119
4.2 4.2
23.2 23.2
2008 2008
1.701 1.701
4.005 4.005
0.946 0.946
3.059 3.059
4.1 4.1
21.6 21.6
2009 2009
1.838 1.838
4.371 4.371
1.074 1.074
3.296 3.296
4.4 4.4
21.2 21.2
2010 2010
1.919 1.919
4.598 4.598
1.163 1.163
3.435 3.435
4.6 4.6
20.9 20.9
2011 2011
1.907 1.907
4.557 4.557
1.149 1.149
3.408 3.408
4.6 4.6
20.9 20.9
2012 2012
1.852 1.852
4.402 4.402
1.104 1.104
3.298 3.298
4.4 4.4
20.3 20.3
2013 2013
1.726 1.726
4.042 4.042
0.993 0.993
3.050 3.050
4.1 4.1
19.1 19.1
2014 2014
1.650 1.650
3.957 3.957
1.007 1.007
2.950 2.950
4.0 4.0
18.9 18.9
2015 2015
1.609 1.609
4.126 4.126
1.155 1.155
2.971 2.971
4.0 4.0
20.4 20.4
2016 2016
1.479 1.479
3.780 3.780
1.037 1.037
2.743 2.743
3.7 3.7
20.7 20.7
2017 2017
1.358 1.358
3.516 3.516
0.930 0.930
2.577 2.577
3.5 3.5
20.1 20.1
2018 2018
1.196 1.196
3.150 3.150
0.833 0.833
2.317 2.317
3.2 3.2
19.5 19.5
2019 2019
1.093 1.093
2.866 2.866
0.747 0.747
2.199 2.199
2.9 2.9
20.2 20.2
Source: 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 https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See 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 FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-%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 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 estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. underestimated, as responses to the survey used to estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

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 Paper no. 2020-10, September 15, 2020. , U.S. Census Bureau, SEHSD Working Paper no. 2020-10, September 15, 2020.
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category,
Selected Years, FY1988-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 FY2020 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
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
$16.378 $16.378
$24.228 $24.228
$6.875 $6.875
$0.000 $0.000
$10.660 $10.660
$40.010 $40.010
$24.372 $24.372
$46.281 $46.281
$35.511 $35.511
$204.316 $204.316
Alaska Alaska
45.590 45.590
13.968 13.968
12.085 12.085
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
6.905 6.905
0.326 0.326
12.898 12.898
91.771 91.771
Arizona Arizona
45.033 45.033
0.000 0.000
0.565 0.565
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
238.209 238.209
18.940 18.940
9.179 9.179
43.640 43.640
355.567 355.567
Arkansas Arkansas
4.257 4.257
7.798 7.798
12.439 12.439
0.000 0.000
26.742 26.742
0.913 0.913
14.984 14.984
5.902 5.902
11.093 11.093
84.129 84.129
California California
2,598.201 2,598.201
762.874 762.874
1,574.497 1,574.497
0.000 0.000
0.101 0.101
0.062 0.062
549.893 549.893
261.704 261.704
955.710 955.710
6,703.043 6,703.043
Colorado Colorado
80.602 80.602
15.238 15.238
8.473 8.473
72.077 72.077
91.198 91.198
53.148 53.148
51.730 51.730
21.549 21.549
57.943 57.943
451.957 451.957
Connecticut Connecticut
36.207 36.207
62.591 62.591
10.506 10.506
58.091 58.091
70.878 70.878
68.389 68.389
42.288 42.288
18.565 18.565
138.266 138.266
505.781 505.781
Delaware Delaware
11.544 11.544
82.878 82.878
6.475 6.475
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
5.367 5.367
2.433 2.433
17.632 17.632
126.329 126.329
District of Columbia District of Columbia
185.408 185.408
37.433 37.433
39.216 39.216
23.842 23.842
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
11.578 11.578
11.552 11.552
7.327 7.327
316.355 316.355
Florida Florida
133.883 133.883
341.154 341.154
50.224 50.224
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
244.252 244.252
97.793 97.793
0.877 0.877
81.413 81.413
949.598 949.598
Georgia Georgia
109.858 109.858
22.183 22.183
8.286 8.286
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
228.090 228.090
22.445 22.445
5.799 5.799
87.628 87.628
484.290 484.290
Hawaii Hawaii
38.679 38.679
9.974 9.974
41.531 41.531
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
1.417 1.417
15.754 15.754
7.929 7.929
105.609 105.609
220.893 220.893
Idaho Idaho
7.915 7.915
10.965 10.965
2.946 2.946
0.000 0.000
1.487 1.487
1.726 1.726
6.480 6.480
11.798 11.798
0.415 0.415
43.731 43.731
Il inois Il inois
50.912 50.912
560.158 560.158
17.587 17.587
86.933 86.933
104.551 104.551
239.565 239.565
0.000 0.000
0.879 0.879
96.901 96.901
1,157.486 1,157.486
Indiana Indiana
16.013 16.013
114.016 114.016
5.707 5.707
24.845 24.845
0.000 0.000
2.759 2.759
28.415 28.415
0.290 0.290
141.256 141.256
333.302 333.302
Iowa Iowa
30.373 30.373
52.604 52.604
8.490 8.490
25.390 25.390
0.000 0.000
46.660 46.660
6.518 6.518
0.347 0.347
20.756 20.756
191.137 191.137
Kansas Kansas
13.061 13.061
6.673 6.673
0.641 0.641
38.493 38.493
18.375 18.375
42.921 42.921
9.903 9.903
0.000 0.000
47.006 47.006
177.072 177.072
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
179.973 179.973
32.666 32.666
29.722 29.722
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
12.107 12.107
0.000 0.000
9.214 9.214
263.682 263.682
Louisiana Louisiana
15.122 15.122
12.653 12.653
35.222 35.222
19.933 19.933
51.151 51.151
26.963 26.963
16.848 16.848
6.898 6.898
29.031 29.031
213.821 213.821
Maine Maine
37.473 37.473
19.990 19.990
11.593 11.593
7.579 7.579
0.507 0.507
9.802 9.802
6.317 6.317
5.177 5.177
29.047 29.047
127.485 127.485
Maryland Maryland
153.087 153.087
5.484 5.484
30.478 30.478
154.133 154.133
76.530 76.530
29.930 29.930
23.337 23.337
27.518 27.518
44.909 44.909
545.407 545.407
Massachusetts Massachusetts
240.784 240.784
265.421 265.421
203.514 203.514
220.172 220.172
0.000 0.000
6.559 6.559
33.135 33.135
103.344 103.344
78.870 78.870
1,151.798 1,151.798
Michigan Michigan
129.478 129.478
27.019 27.019
1.958 1.958
43.518 43.518
191.413 191.413
78.645 78.645
53.354 53.354
20.648 20.648
794.532 794.532
1,340.566 1,340.566
Minnesota Minnesota
93.963 93.963
159.106 159.106
52.951 52.951
177.877 177.877
5.700 5.700
0.000 0.000
42.407 42.407
22.554 22.554
18.005 18.005
572.564 572.564
Mississippi Mississippi
4.074 4.074
1.715 1.715
22.769 22.769
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
21.756 21.756
9.419 9.419
0.000 0.000
17.110 17.110
76.844 76.844
Missouri Missouri
31.551 31.551
27.504 27.504
62.874 62.874
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
112.570 112.570
9.297 9.297
73.252 73.252
54.188 54.188
371.236 371.236
Montana Montana
17.448 17.448
10.621 10.621
2.664 2.664
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
1.927 1.927
4.709 4.709
2.038 2.038
9.057 9.057
48.464 48.464
Nebraska Nebraska
28.344 28.344
18.375 18.375
12.299 12.299
32.472 32.472
0.000 0.000
6.100 6.100
2.977 2.977
0.090 0.090
3.238 3.238
103.896 103.896
Nevada Nevada
33.047 33.047
13.902 13.902
1.302 1.302
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
28.275 28.275
9.894 9.894
8.956 8.956
18.736 18.736
114.112 114.112
New Hampshire New Hampshire
34.201 34.201
4.582 4.582
7.225 7.225
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
4.544 4.544
11.407 11.407
2.373 2.373
16.217 16.217
80.549 80.549
New Jersey New Jersey
82.639 82.639
218.423 218.423
73.767 73.767
361.436 361.436
614.997 614.997
0.000 0.000
50.883 50.883
16.103 16.103
72.455 72.455
1,490.702 1,490.702
New Mexico New Mexico
68.684 68.684
34.278 34.278
20.737 20.737
74.691 74.691
70.361 70.361
1.019 1.019
6.133 6.133
6.369 6.369
22.966 22.966
305.238 305.238
New York New York
1,444.193 1,444.193
479.272 479.272
120.136 120.136
1,296.116 1,296.116
496.529 496.529
348.868 348.868
431.817 431.817
212.620 212.620
330.864 330.864
5,160.413 5,160.413
North Carolina North Carolina
34.722 34.722
226.371 226.371
4.005 4.005
0.000 0.000
92.153 92.153
135.889 135.889
43.433 43.433
3.574 3.574
44.245 44.245
584.392 584.392
North Dakota North Dakota
3.857 3.857
1.239 1.239
3.915 3.915
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
24.228 24.228
4.941 4.941
0.079 0.079
0.926 0.926
39.184 39.184
Ohio Ohio
247.480 247.480
423.168 423.168
82.829 82.829
0.000 0.000
0.158 0.158
18.212 18.212
99.060 99.060
76.521 76.521
248.456 248.456
1,195.884 1,195.884
Oklahoma Oklahoma
19.303 19.303
59.713 59.713
9.208 9.208
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
13.408 13.408
8.399 8.399
0.587 0.587
34.063 34.063
144.682 144.682
Oregon Oregon
83.504 83.504
11.102 11.102
18.507 18.507
3.381 3.381
11.599 11.599
14.496 14.496
36.467 36.467
23.731 23.731
42.954 42.954
245.739 245.739
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
130.776 130.776
482.527 482.527
86.953 86.953
0.000 0.000
219.345 219.345
0.000 0.000
62.785 62.785
9.851 9.851
142.789 142.789
1,135.026 1,135.026
Rhode Island Rhode Island
21.679 21.679
41.607 41.607
9.897 9.897
22.214 22.214
1.190 1.190
26.256 26.256
5.141 5.141
0.000 0.000
26.679 26.679
154.664 154.664
South Carolina South Carolina
48.818 48.818
4.085 4.085
8.203 8.203
0.000 0.000
27.777 27.777
5.063 5.063
18.961 18.961
0.000 0.000
53.150 53.150
166.057 166.057
South Dakota South Dakota
13.022 13.022
0.803 0.803
2.798 2.798
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
3.494 3.494
2.205 2.205
3.792 3.792
2.823 2.823
28.937 28.937
Tennessee Tennessee
23.612 23.612
57.000 57.000
23.053 23.053
0.000 0.000
83.207 83.207
0.000 0.000
32.009 32.009
0.000 0.000
2.907 2.907
221.788 221.788
Texas Texas
45.249 45.249
0.000 0.000
85.947 85.947
0.000 0.000
339.179 339.179
377.214 377.214
68.821 68.821
4.337 4.337
63.466 63.466
984.212 984.212
Utah Utah
17.343 17.343
22.619 22.619
14.777 14.777
0.000 0.000
12.486 12.486
1.348 1.348
6.507 6.507
1.983 1.983
19.620 19.620
96.684 96.684
Vermont Vermont
13.144 13.144
33.365 33.365
0.734 0.734
19.246 19.246
0.000 0.000
8.364 8.364
5.114 5.114
0.674 0.674
14.094 14.094
94.735 94.735
Virginia Virginia
65.836 65.836
38.566 38.566
36.533 36.533
0.186 0.186
6.635 6.635
56.980 56.980
48.434 48.434
5.392 5.392
41.402 41.402
299.964 299.964
Washington Washington
139.722 139.722
150.607 150.607
131.210 131.210
0.000 0.000
51.343 51.343
28.400 28.400
54.971 54.971
76.080 76.080
424.139 424.139
1,056.473 1,056.473
West Virginia West Virginia
40.212 40.212
21.096 21.096
0.587 0.587
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
26.446 26.446
14.834 14.834
13.620 13.620
27.733 27.733
144.529 144.529
Wisconsin Wisconsin
73.364 73.364
195.758 195.758
28.987 28.987
69.700 69.700
0.000 0.000
7.317 7.317
28.730 28.730
32.356 32.356
129.978 129.978
566.190 566.190
Wyoming Wyoming
11.461 11.461
1.554 1.554
5.192 5.192
0.000 0.000
1.709 1.709
0.000 0.000
3.517 3.517
3.220 3.220
2.841 2.841
29.494 29.494
Totals Totals
7,051.079 7,051.079
5,226.926 5,226.926
3,049.091 3,049.091
2,832.324 2,677.958 2,632.197 2,832.324 2,677.958 2,632.197
2,181.733 2,181.733
1,169.148 4,731.712 31,552.168 1,169.148 4,731.712 31,552.168
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Office of Family Assistance. (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
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 FY2020 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
8.0% 8.0%
11.9% 11.9%
3.4% 3.4%
0.0% 0.0%
5.2% 5.2%
19.6% 19.6%
11.9% 11.9%
22.7% 22.7%
17.4% 17.4%
100.0% 100.0%
Alaska Alaska
49.7 49.7
15.2 15.2
13.2 13.2
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
7.5 7.5
0.4 0.4
14.1 14.1
100.0 100.0
Arizona Arizona
12.7 12.7
0.0 0.0
0.2 0.2
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
67.0 67.0
5.3 5.3
2.6 2.6
12.3 12.3
100.0 100.0
Arkansas Arkansas
5.1 5.1
9.3 9.3
14.8 14.8
0.0 0.0
31.8 31.8
1.1 1.1
17.8 17.8
7.0 7.0
13.2 13.2
100.0 100.0
California California
38.8 38.8
11.4 11.4
23.5 23.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
8.2 8.2
3.9 3.9
14.3 14.3
100.0 100.0
Colorado Colorado
17.8 17.8
3.4 3.4
1.9 1.9
15.9 15.9
20.2 20.2
11.8 11.8
11.4 11.4
4.8 4.8
12.8 12.8
100.0 100.0
Connecticut Connecticut
7.2 7.2
12.4 12.4
2.1 2.1
11.5 11.5
14.0 14.0
13.5 13.5
8.4 8.4
3.7 3.7
27.3 27.3
100.0 100.0
Delaware Delaware
9.1 9.1
65.6 65.6
5.1 5.1
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
4.2 4.2
1.9 1.9
14.0 14.0
100.0 100.0
District of Columbia District of Columbia
58.6 58.6
11.8 11.8
12.4 12.4
7.5 7.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
3.7 3.7
3.7 3.7
2.3 2.3
100.0 100.0
Florida Florida
14.1 14.1
35.9 35.9
5.3 5.3
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
25.7 25.7
10.3 10.3
0.1 0.1
8.6 8.6
100.0 100.0
Georgia Georgia
22.7 22.7
4.6 4.6
1.7 1.7
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
47.1 47.1
4.6 4.6
1.2 1.2
18.1 18.1
100.0 100.0
Hawaii Hawaii
17.5 17.5
4.5 4.5
18.8 18.8
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.6 0.6
7.1 7.1
3.6 3.6
47.8 47.8
100.0 100.0
Idaho Idaho
18.1 18.1
25.1 25.1
6.7 6.7
0.0 0.0
3.4 3.4
3.9 3.9
14.8 14.8
27.0 27.0
0.9 0.9
100.0 100.0
Il inois Il inois
4.4 4.4
48.4 48.4
1.5 1.5
7.5 7.5
9.0 9.0
20.7 20.7
0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1
8.4 8.4
100.0 100.0
Indiana Indiana
4.8 4.8
34.2 34.2
1.7 1.7
7.5 7.5
0.0 0.0
0.8 0.8
8.5 8.5
0.1 0.1
42.4 42.4
100.0 100.0
Iowa Iowa
15.9 15.9
27.5 27.5
4.4 4.4
13.3 13.3
0.0 0.0
24.4 24.4
3.4 3.4
0.2 0.2
10.9 10.9
100.0 100.0
Kansas Kansas
7.4 7.4
3.8 3.8
0.4 0.4
21.7 21.7
10.4 10.4
24.2 24.2
5.6 5.6
0.0 0.0
26.5 26.5
100.0 100.0
Kentucky Kentucky
68.3 68.3
12.4 12.4
11.3 11.3
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
4.6 4.6
0.0 0.0
3.5 3.5
100.0 100.0
Louisiana Louisiana
7.1 7.1
5.9 5.9
16.5 16.5
9.3 9.3
23.9 23.9
12.6 12.6
7.9 7.9
3.2 3.2
13.6 13.6
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
29.4 29.4
15.7 15.7
9.1 9.1
5.9 5.9
0.4 0.4
7.7 7.7
5.0 5.0
4.1 4.1
22.8 22.8
100.0 100.0
Maryland Maryland
28.1 28.1
1.0 1.0
5.6 5.6
28.3 28.3
14.0 14.0
5.5 5.5
4.3 4.3
5.0 5.0
8.2 8.2
100.0 100.0
Massachusetts Massachusetts
20.9 20.9
23.0 23.0
17.7 17.7
19.1 19.1
0.0 0.0
0.6 0.6
2.9 2.9
9.0 9.0
6.8 6.8
100.0 100.0
Michigan Michigan
9.7 9.7
2.0 2.0
0.1 0.1
3.2 3.2
14.3 14.3
5.9 5.9
4.0 4.0
1.5 1.5
59.3 59.3
100.0 100.0
Minnesota Minnesota
16.4 16.4
27.8 27.8
9.2 9.2
31.1 31.1
1.0 1.0
0.0 0.0
7.4 7.4
3.9 3.9
3.1 3.1
100.0 100.0
Mississippi Mississippi
5.3 5.3
2.2 2.2
29.6 29.6
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
28.3 28.3
12.3 12.3
0.0 0.0
22.3 22.3
100.0 100.0
Missouri Missouri
8.5 8.5
7.4 7.4
16.9 16.9
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
30.3 30.3
2.5 2.5
19.7 19.7
14.6 14.6
100.0 100.0
Montana Montana
36.0 36.0
21.9 21.9
5.5 5.5
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
4.0 4.0
9.7 9.7
4.2 4.2
18.7 18.7
100.0 100.0
Nebraska Nebraska
27.3 27.3
17.7 17.7
11.8 11.8
31.3 31.3
0.0 0.0
5.9 5.9
2.9 2.9
0.1 0.1
3.1 3.1
100.0 100.0
Nevada Nevada
29.0 29.0
12.2 12.2
1.1 1.1
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
24.8 24.8
8.7 8.7
7.8 7.8
16.4 16.4
100.0 100.0
New Hampshire New Hampshire
42.5 42.5
5.7 5.7
9.0 9.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
5.6 5.6
14.2 14.2
2.9 2.9
20.1 20.1
100.0 100.0
New Jersey New Jersey
5.5 5.5
14.7 14.7
4.9 4.9
24.2 24.2
41.3 41.3
0.0 0.0
3.4 3.4
1.1 1.1
4.9 4.9
100.0 100.0
New Mexico New Mexico
22.5 22.5
11.2 11.2
6.8 6.8
24.5 24.5
23.1 23.1
0.3 0.3
2.0 2.0
2.1 2.1
7.5 7.5
100.0 100.0
New York New York
28.0 28.0
9.3 9.3
2.3 2.3
25.1 25.1
9.6 9.6
6.8 6.8
8.4 8.4
4.1 4.1
6.4 6.4
100.0 100.0
North Carolina North Carolina
5.9 5.9
38.7 38.7
0.7 0.7
0.0 0.0
15.8 15.8
23.3 23.3
7.4 7.4
0.6 0.6
7.6 7.6
100.0 100.0
North Dakota North Dakota
9.8 9.8
3.2 3.2
10.0 10.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
61.8 61.8
12.6 12.6
0.2 0.2
2.4 2.4
100.0 100.0
Ohio Ohio
20.7 20.7
35.4 35.4
6.9 6.9
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
1.5 1.5
8.3 8.3
6.4 6.4
20.8 20.8
100.0 100.0
Oklahoma Oklahoma
13.3 13.3
41.3 41.3
6.4 6.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
9.3 9.3
5.8 5.8
0.4 0.4
23.5 23.5
100.0 100.0
Oregon Oregon
34.0 34.0
4.5 4.5
7.5 7.5
1.4 1.4
4.7 4.7
5.9 5.9
14.8 14.8
9.7 9.7
17.5 17.5
100.0 100.0
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
11.5 11.5
42.5 42.5
7.7 7.7
0.0 0.0
19.3 19.3
0.0 0.0
5.5 5.5
0.9 0.9
12.6 12.6
100.0 100.0
Rhode Island Rhode Island
14.0 14.0
26.9 26.9
6.4 6.4
14.4 14.4
0.8 0.8
17.0 17.0
3.3 3.3
0.0 0.0
17.2 17.2
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
29.4 29.4
2.5 2.5
4.9 4.9
0.0 0.0
16.7 16.7
3.0 3.0
11.4 11.4
0.0 0.0
32.0 32.0
100.0 100.0
South Dakota South Dakota
45.0 45.0
2.8 2.8
9.7 9.7
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
12.1 12.1
7.6 7.6
13.1 13.1
9.8 9.8
100.0 100.0
Tennessee Tennessee
10.6 10.6
25.7 25.7
10.4 10.4
0.0 0.0
37.5 37.5
0.0 0.0
14.4 14.4
0.0 0.0
1.3 1.3
100.0 100.0
Texas Texas
4.6 4.6
0.0 0.0
8.7 8.7
0.0 0.0
34.5 34.5
38.3 38.3
7.0 7.0
0.4 0.4
6.4 6.4
100.0 100.0
Utah Utah
17.9 17.9
23.4 23.4
15.3 15.3
0.0 0.0
12.9 12.9
1.4 1.4
6.7 6.7
2.1 2.1
20.3 20.3
100.0 100.0
Vermont Vermont
13.9 13.9
35.2 35.2
0.8 0.8
20.3 20.3
0.0 0.0
8.8 8.8
5.4 5.4
0.7 0.7
14.9 14.9
100.0 100.0
Virginia Virginia
21.9 21.9
12.9 12.9
12.2 12.2
0.1 0.1
2.2 2.2
19.0 19.0
16.1 16.1
1.8 1.8
13.8 13.8
100.0 100.0
Washington Washington
13.2 13.2
14.3 14.3
12.4 12.4
0.0 0.0
4.9 4.9
2.7 2.7
5.2 5.2
7.2 7.2
40.1 40.1
100.0 100.0
West Virginia West Virginia
27.8 27.8
14.6 14.6
0.4 0.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
18.3 18.3
10.3 10.3
9.4 9.4
19.2 19.2
100.0 100.0
Wisconsin Wisconsin
13.0 13.0
34.6 34.6
5.1 5.1
12.3 12.3
0.0 0.0
1.3 1.3
5.1 5.1
5.7 5.7
23.0 23.0
100.0 100.0
Wyoming Wyoming
38.9 38.9
5.3 5.3
17.6 17.6
0.0 0.0
5.8 5.8
0.0 0.0
11.9 11.9
10.9 10.9
9.6 9.6
100.0 100.0
Totals Totals
22.3 22.3
16.6 16.6
9.7 9.7
9.0 9.0
8.5 8.5
8.3 8.3
6.9 6.9
3.7 3.7
15.0 15.0
100.0 100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Office of Family Assistance. (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
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 FY2020
(September 30, 2020; $ in millions) (September 30, 2020; $ in millions)
Unliquidated
State
Obligations
Unobligated Balance
Alabama Alabama
$5.000 $5.000
$96.385 $96.385
Alaska Alaska
3.823 3.823
17.833 17.833
Arizona Arizona
0.000 0.000
38.786 38.786
Arkansas Arkansas
42.772 42.772
56.406 56.406
California California
100.860 100.860
0.000 0.000
Colorado Colorado
0.000 0.000
87.486 87.486
Connecticut Connecticut
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Delaware Delaware
5.356 5.356
35.457 35.457
District of Columbia District of Columbia
0.000 0.000
15.236 15.236
Florida Florida
50.819 50.819
0.000 0.000
Georgia Georgia
26.758 26.758
79.824 79.824
Hawaii Hawaii
15.302 15.302
364.301 364.301
Idaho Idaho
0.000 0.000
8.269 8.269
Il inois Il inois
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Indiana Indiana
13.406 13.406
18.647 18.647
Iowa Iowa
11.008 11.008
0.000 0.000
Kansas Kansas
3.567 3.567
57.065 57.065
Kentucky Kentucky
0.000 0.000
38.810 38.810
Louisiana Louisiana
0.000 0.000
65.375 65.375
Maine Maine
22.300 22.300
93.075 93.075
Maryland Maryland
0.000 0.000
0.051 0.051
Massachusetts Massachusetts
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Michigan Michigan
0.000 0.000
94.231 94.231
Minnesota Minnesota
0.000 0.000
103.991 103.991
Mississippi Mississippi
0.000 0.000
47.037 47.037
Missouri Missouri
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Montana Montana
0.000 0.000
19.455 19.455
Nebraska Nebraska
39.053 39.053
52.068 52.068
Nevada Nevada
33.445 33.445
1.769 1.769
New Hampshire New Hampshire
0.000 0.000
44.926 44.926
New Jersey New Jersey
27.786 27.786
25.000 25.000
New Mexico New Mexico
1.195 1.195
60.053 60.053
New York New York
311.017 311.017
586.125 586.125
North Carolina North Carolina
55.335 55.335
0.000 0.000
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
0.000 0.000
1.500 1.500
Ohio Ohio
0.000 0.000
582.599 582.599
Oklahoma Oklahoma
0.000 0.000
264.061 264.061
Oregon Oregon
0.000 0.000
45.203 45.203
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
88.075 88.075
410.985 410.985
Rhode Island Rhode Island
0.000 0.000
25.051 25.051
South Carolina South Carolina
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
South Dakota South Dakota
0.000 0.000
22.795 22.795
Tennessee Tennessee
0.000 0.000
789.634 789.634
Texas Texas
0.000 0.000
281.369 281.369
Utah Utah
0.000 0.000
59.430 59.430
Vermont Vermont
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Virginia Virginia
7.366 7.366
125.804 125.804
Washington Washington
25.809 25.809
105.845 105.845
West Virginia West Virginia
0.000 0.000
101.445 101.445
Wisconsin Wisconsin
0.000 0.000
204.997 204.997
Wyoming Wyoming
0.000 0.000
27.231 27.231

Totals Totals
890.054 890.054
5,155.608 5,155.608
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), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance. Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
Note: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.

Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, 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 1,912,820 2,598,799 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).
Note: 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 Iowa
37,941 37,941
21,478 21,478
8,787 8,787
7,504 7,504
-80.2 -80.2
-14.6 -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
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Percentage Change

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

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 West Virginia
39,299 39,299
10,747 10,747
6,361 6,361
5,703 5,703
-85.5 -85.5
-10.3 -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
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Percentage Change

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

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).
Note: 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 Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single- Parent Family with One Child, By Jurisdiction, July 2020 Monthly Dollar Amount and as a Percentage of the Federal Poverty Level for 2020 Maximum Monthly Benefit as a Percentage of the Maximum Monthly Federal Poverty Benefit ($) Level Alabama $190 13.2% Alaska 821 45.7 Arizona 220 15.3 Arkansas 162 11.3 California 696 48.4 Colorado 400 27.8 Connecticut 487 33.9 Delaware 270 18.8 District of Columbia 515 35.8 Florida 241 16.8 Georgia 235 16.4 Hawaii 485 29.3 Idaho 309 21.5 Il inois 423 29.4 Indiana 229 15.9 Iowa 361 25.1 Kansas 352 24.5 Kentucky 225 15.7 Congressional Research Service 26 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Maximum Monthly Benefit as a Percentage of the Maximum Monthly Federal Poverty Benefit ($) Level Louisiana 188 13.1 Maine 456 31.7 Maryland 575 40.0 Massachusetts 531 37.0 Michigan 403 28.1 Minnesota 537 37.4 Mississippi 146 10.2 Missouri 234 16.3 Montana 467 32.5 Nebraska 393 27.4 Nevada 320 22.3 New Hampshire 862 60.0 New Jersey 425 29.6 New Mexico 357 24.8 New York 574 40.0 North Carolina 236 16.4 North Dakota 385 26.8 Ohio 412 28.7 Oklahoma 225 15.7 Oregon 432 30.1 Pennsylvania 316 22.0 Rhode Island 449 31.3 South Carolina 237 16.5 South Dakota 550 38.3 Tennessee 215 15.0 Texas 262 18.2 Utah 399 27.8 Vermont 580 40.4 Virginia 422 29.4 Washington 459 31.9 West Virginia 331 23.0 Wisconsin 653 45.5 Wyoming 669 46.6 Maximum State 862 60.0 Congressional Research Service 27 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Maximum Monthly Benefit as a Percentage of the Maximum Monthly Federal Poverty Benefit ($) Level Minimum State 146 10.2 Median State 399 27.8 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Welfare Rules Database, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and maintained at the Urban Institute. 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 U.S. Virgin Islands or tribal TANF programs. Federal poverty level is from HHS at https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines/prior-hhs-poverty-guidelines-federal-register-references/2020-poverty-guidelines. Table B-7. TANF ~~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 Louisiana
50.0 50.0
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
3.5 3.5
Yes Yes
~~Maine~~
~~50.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~50.0~~
~~83.5~~
~~Yes~~
~~Maryland~~
~~50.0~~
~~50.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~14.3~~
~~Yes~~
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard
Rate
Standard? Maine 50.0 0.0 50.0 83.5 Yes Maryland 50.0 50.0 0.0 14.3 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
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Table B-78. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for
Two-Parent Families: FY2020
(NA (NA ~~Denotes that the Jurisdiction Did Not Have Two-Parent Families Receiving TANF or MOE-Funded~~
~~Assistance~~denotes that the jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving TANF or MOE-funded assistance) )
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
Nebraska Nebraska
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Nevada Nevada
90.0 90.0
39.2 39.2
50.8 50.8
38.3 38.3
No No
New Hampshire New Hampshire
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
New Jersey New Jersey
90.0 90.0
82.9 82.9
7.1 7.1
94.2 94.2
Yes Yes
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Effective
Caseload
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction
credit
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Credit
standard)
Rate
Standard?
New Mexico New Mexico
90.0 90.0
64.4 64.4
25.6 25.6
32.0 32.0
Yes Yes
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).

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~~CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations. produced this report’s data visualizations.
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Disclaimer
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