The Temporary Assistance for
March 31December 7, 2022 , 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, territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin TANF provides fixed funding for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, 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 Islands), and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required
in total to to contribute, from their own funds, contribute, from their own funds,
at least $10.3 billion annually under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement. under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement.
The basic block grant isBoth the basic block grant and the required MOE spending are based on expenditures in pre-TANF programs in the early- to mid-1990s.
The basic block grant and required spending under the MOE are not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. Adjusted for inflation, in not adjusted for changes in circumstances (e.g., inflation, population) over time. Adjusted for inflation, in
FY2021FY2022, the TANF basic block grant was , the TANF basic block grant was
4045% below what its value was in % below what its value was in
FY1997. The MOE requirements have also not been adjusted for inflation. 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.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.
The TANF Assistance Caseload
A total of A total of
1.00.9 million families, composed of 2. million families, composed of 2.
65 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in
November 2020March 2022. The bulk of the . The bulk of the
“recipients”recipients were children—1. were children—1.
98 million in that month. 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 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 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.
Assistance Benefits
TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2020, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of two (single TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2020, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of two (single
parent and one child) ranged from $862 in New Hampshire to $146 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the parent and one child) ranged from $862 in New Hampshire to $146 in Mississippi. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the
federal poverty level) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level federal poverty level) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty-level
income. 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 standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In
FY2020FY2021, states achieved, on average, an , states achieved, on average, an
all-family participation rate of all-family participation rate of
3933.6% and a two-parent rate of .6% and a two-parent rate of
4637.9%. .9%.
In FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and Oregon did not meet theirIn FY2020, all jurisdictions met the all-family all-family
participation standardparticipation standard
, but six jurisdictions (California, Guam, Nevada. California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, , North Carolina,
Oregon, Rhode Island, and WyomingRhode Island, and Wyoming
) did not did not
meet meet
thetheir two-parent two-parent
standardparticipation standard. Jurisdictions that did not meet their standards are at risk of being penalized through a reduction in their block grants, though they may either enter into a corrective compliance plan or claim good cause to avoid the penalty. .
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Funding and Expenditures ............................................................................................................... 1
What Is TANF’s Funding Status? ............................................................................................. 1
How Are State TANF Programs Funded? ................................................................................. 1
How Much Has the Value of the TANF Basic Block Grant Changed Over Time? ................... 1
How Have States Used TANF Funds? ...................................................................................... 3
How Much of the TANF Grant Has Gone Unspent? ................................................................ 4
The Caseload ................................................................................................................................... 4
How Many Families Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded Benefits and Services? ....................... 4
How Many Families and People Currently Receive TANF- or MOE-Funded
Assistance? ............................................................................................................................. 45
How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with Historical Levels? ............. 5
What Are the Characteristics of Families Receiving TANF Assistance? .................................. 6
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family Receive in TANF Cash Per Month? .................. 7
TANF Work Participation Standards ............................................................................................... 98
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet? ........................................ 9
Have There Been Changes in the Work Participation Rules Enacted Since the 1996
Welfare Reform Law? ............................................................................................................ 9
8 What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?...................................................... 9 10
Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2020 .................................................... 34
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, June 1959 to November 2020 ..................... 6
Figure 3. Composition of the AFDC/TANF Assistance Caseload by Family Type:
Selected Years, FY1988 to FY2019 .................................................................March 2022 ............................ 7
6 Figure 43. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, 50 States and the District of Columbia, July 2020 ..................... 8
Figure 54. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2020 .FY2021 ........................................................................................................................ 1110
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ............................... 2
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF Assistance, November 2020 March 2022 .............................................. 5
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-2019 ................................................... 12
Table A-2. Families Receiving AFDC/TANF Assistance by Family Category,
Selected Years, FY1988-FY2019 .........2021 ...................................................................................... 14
11 Table B-1. Use of FY2020 TANF and MOE Funds by Category .................................................. 1514
Table B-2. Uses of FY2020 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total
Federal TANF and State MOE Spending ................................................................................... 18
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Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2020 ............................................................... 2120
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, November 2020 March 2022 .................................................................................. 22... 21
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, NovemberMarch of Selected Years ................................................................................... 23
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Table B-6. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, By Jurisdiction, July 2020 ........................................................ 2625
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction for All Families:
FY2020FY2021 ....................................................................................................................................... 2827
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-Parent
Families: FY2020FY2021 ....................................................................................................................... 3029
Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables .............................................................................................. 12. 11
Appendix B. State Tables .............................................................................................................. 1514
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 31
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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataccess to information and dat
a. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timassistance over tim
e. 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
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), enacted March 15FY2023 Continuing Appropriation and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations (P.L. 117-180), enacted September 30, 2022, funds TANF , 2022, funds TANF
through the end of FY2022 (September 30, 2022).through December 16, 2022.1
How Are State TANF Programs Funded?
TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds. TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds.
In FY2018, TANF 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.Virgin Islands, and American Indian tribes.
2 There is also a contingency fund available that 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 spendStates are required to spend
a minimum of at least at least
7580% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor % of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s predecessor
programs. The programs. The
minimum MOE amount, in total, is $10.3 billion per year for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories.1MOE spending requirement is reduced in states that met their work participation standards to 75% of what a state spent in FY1994.
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 grant amount is $16.5 billion.
1
1 Section 150 of P.L. 117-180. 2 American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands do not operate TANF programs. The 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. former is eligible but does not operate programs; the latter is ineligible for TANF funds.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 billion.
Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and
real constant 1997 (inflation-(inflation-
adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through
FY2021. In real (FY2022. In inflation-adjustedinflation-adjusted
) terms, terms,
the FY2022the FY2021 block grant was block grant was
4045% below its value in FY1997. % below its value in FY1997.
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
($ in billions)
($ in billions)
State Family
State
Assistance
Family
Cumulative
Grant: 50
Assistance
PercentageCumulative
State Family
Assistance
Percent Change
Assistance Grant: 50
Grant
Since FY1997,
States, DC, Tribes,
States, DC,
Grant
Change,
Fiscal
Tribes, and
Constant
Constant 1997
Fiscal
Year
and Territories
1997 dollars
1997 dollars Dollars
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
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State Family
Cumulative
State Family
Assistance
Percent Change
Assistance Grant: 50
Grant
Since FY1997,
States, DC, Tribes,
Constant
Constant 1997
Fiscal Year
and Territories
1997 Dollars
Dollars
2022
16.512
9.168
-44.7
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).
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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
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 $2.6 billion on such activities. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social serviceand emergency benefits and a wide range of other social service
s. Figure 1 shows the uses of shows the uses of
federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2020. federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2020.
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Figure 1. Uses of TANF Funds by Spending Category, FY2020
($ 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 commitment
s. 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.
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“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.
23 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 provides assistance caseload information. A total of
1.0 millionapproximately 940,000 families, composed of 2. families, composed of 2.
6 5 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in
November 2020.3 March 2022. The bulk of The bulk of
the “recipients”the recipients were children—1. were children—1.
98 million in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads, million in that month. For state-by-state assistance caseloads,
see Table B-4.
2 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. Section 260.31.
3 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted data on families and recipients of TANF assistance through December 2020. However, the data reported for Oregon are erroneous. Therefore, this report will show TANF assistance family and recipient data for November 2020, as the most recent data available for all states as of the update of this report.
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see Table B-4.
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF Assistance, November 2020March 2022
Families
Families
1,002,327939,480
Recipients
Recipients
2,
2,
598,799498,736
Children
Children
1,
1,
912,820808,872
Adults
Adults
685,979689,864
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).
Data as of 3/10/22 and are subject to revision. 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 assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to
November 2020March 2022. The shaded . 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
3 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. Section 260.31.
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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.4decline.4
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.
4 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, Unemployment Insurance
(UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see Laura Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures, Urban Institute, July 2021.
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Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, June 1959 to November 2020March 2022
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).
Data as of 3/10/22 and are subject to revision. 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 recipients of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to
20192021.
4 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, Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates of the impact of the poverty interventions in response to COVID-19’s economic downturn, see Laura Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures, Urban Institute, July 2021.
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Table B-5 shows recent trends in the number of cash assistance families by state. .
Table B-5 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 (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 major shift in the composition of the rolls.
Figure 3 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 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 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 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 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 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
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assistance program. In FY2019, families with an employed adult comprised 26% of all TANF families.
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-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, 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 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. Note: TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family
Receive in TANF Cash Per Month?
There are There are
no federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family. federal rules that help determine the amount of TANF cash benefits paid to a family.
(There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all (There are also no federal rules that require states to use TANF to pay cash benefits, though all
states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states. states do so.) Benefit amounts are determined solely by the states.
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
Most states base TANF cash benefit amounts on family size, paying larger cash benefits to larger
families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash families on the presumption that they have greater financial needs. The maximum monthly cash
benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned benefit is usually paid to a family that receives no other income (e.g., no earned or unearned
income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid income) and complies with program rules. Families with income other than TANF often are paid
a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program a reduced benefit. Moreover, some families are financially sanctioned for not meeting a program
requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit. requirement (e.g., a work requirement), and are also paid a lower benefit.
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Figure 4Figure 3 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
one child (family of two) in July 2020.5 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in one child (family of two) in July 2020.5 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in
July 2020 varied from $146 per month in Mississippi to $862 per month in New Hampshire. The July 2020 varied from $146 per month in Mississippi to $862 per month in New Hampshire. The
map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts map shows a regional pattern to the maximum monthly benefit paid, with lower benefit amounts
in general in the South compared to other regions. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal in general in the South compared to 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 One Child, 50 States and the District of Columbia, July 2020
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 by 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.
Table B-6 shows these benefit amounts by state in dollars and as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL).
5 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF 5 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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Figure 3. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, 50 States and the District of Columbia, July 2020
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 by 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.
Table B-6 shows these benefit amounts by state in dollars and as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL).
TANF Work Participation Standards
TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the TANF’s main federal work requirement is actually a performance measure that applies to the
states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual states, rather than individual recipients. States determine the work rules that apply to individual
recipients. recipients.
What Is the TANF Work Participation Standard States Must Meet?
The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum
number of hours.6 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion number of hours.6 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.
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.
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The statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.” The
The statutory work participation standards are reduced by a “caseload reduction credit.” The
caseload reduction credit reduces the participation standard one percentage point for each 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 back to the 1996 welfare reform law. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA, P.L. 109-171) made several changes to the work participation rules effective in FY2007.
The caseload reduction credit was changed to measure caseload reduction from
FY2005, rather than the original law’s FY1995.
The work participation standards were broadened to include families receiving
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 countable toward the TANF MOE.
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”
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.
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individual, expanding the number of families that are included in the work participation calculation.
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 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 allowing states to “freeze” caseload reduction credits at pre-recession levels through the FY2011 standards.
What Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved?
HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the HHS computes two work participation rates for each state that are then compared with the
effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-effective (after-credit) standard to determine if it has met the TANF work standard. An “all-
families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective families” work participation rate is computed and compared with the all-families effective
standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent standard (50% minus the state’s caseload reduction credit). HHS also computes a two-parent
work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the work participation rate that is compared with the two-parent effective standard (90% minus the
state’s caseload reduction credit). state’s caseload reduction credit).
Figure 54 shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2020FY2021. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work . For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work
participation rate hovering around 30%. participation rate hovering around 30%.
TheThen, work participation rate increased work participation rate increased
since then. In . 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 to note that the increase in the work participation rate
hasdid not come from an increase in the 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 preparation activities. This increase
stemsstemmed mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” 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.
7
The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in 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 yearFY2018 through FY2021. In FY2020 and FY2021, years affected by COVID-19 and its affected by COVID-19 and its
economic fallout, the national average all-families rate economic fallout, the national average all-families rate
fell by 7.5 percentage points. However, in FY2020was 33.6%. In FY2020, all states met their all-families TANF work participation standards despite this decline all states met their all-families TANF work participation standards despite this decline
(in FY2019, only Montana did not meet its standard).
7 See CRS In Focus IF10856, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Work Requirements. . However, in FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and Oregon did not meet their “all families” work participation standard.
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Figure 54. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2020FY2021
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
In FY2021, ten jurisdictions
In FY2020, five states (California, (California,
NevadaFlorida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, , North Carolina,
Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) Rhode Island, and Wyoming)
as well as Guam faileddid not meet the separate, higher two-parent the separate, higher two-parent
standardstandard. Table B-7 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 all families for
FY2020FY2021. Table B-8 provides that information for two-parent families. The table provides that information for two-parent families. The table
shows that 26 shows that 26
jurisdictionjurisdictions did not have two-parent families receiving assistance funded by TANF 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 TrumpTrump Administration, said that it would exercise its authority to provide , 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.”
87 HHS has not revised this statement under the Biden Administration. HHS has not revised this statement under the Biden Administration.
87 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: 1961-20192021
TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage Percentage
Calendar
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
1211
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
TANF Child Recipients
As a
As a
Percentage Percentage
Calendar
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
2020
1.052
2.757
0.728
2.029
2.8
17.2
2021
0.931
2.450
0.661
1.788
2.5
16.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) 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
Congressional Research Service
12
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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
13
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
3,136,566
3,798,997
879,922
358,761
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working
243,573
378,620
287,146
286,373
Child-Only/SSI Parent
59,988
171,391
181,852
104,397
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
47,566
184,397
217,487
108,249
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
51,764
146,227
4,968
3,391
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
188,598
328,290
254,088
190,494
Child-Only/Unknown
19,897
38,341
84,378
68,743
Totals
3,747,952
5,046,263
1,909,841
1,120,407
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Not Working
83.7%
75.3%
46.1%
32.0%
Adult Recipient or Work-Eligible Parent/Working
6.5
7.5
15.0
25.6
Child-Only/SSI Parent
1.6
3.4
9.5
9.3
Child-Only/Noncitizen Parent
1.3
3.7
11.4
9.7
Child-Only/Other Ineligible Parent
1.4
2.9
0.3
0.3
Child-Only/Caretaker Relative
5.0
6.5
13.3
17.0
Child-Only/Unknown
0.5
0.8
4.4
6.1
Totals
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Source: 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. Notes: FY2010 and FY2019 data include families receiving assistance from separate state programs (SSPs) with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
Congressional Research Service
14
Congressional Research Service
13
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-
CRS-
1514
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-
CRS-
1615
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-
CRS-
1716
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-
CRS-
1817
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-
CRS-
1918
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-
CRS-
2019
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
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2120
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 2020March 2022
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama
Alabama
7,228
16,719
13,642
3,077
Alaska
2,013
5,376
3,692
1,684
Arizona
7,581
15,342
12,680
2,662
Arkansas
1,953
4,492
3,431
1,061
California
308,432
984,915
704,151
280,764
Colorado
12,359
30,023
22,338
7,685
Connecticut
6,320
13,403
9,791
3,612
Delaware
2,650
7,356
4,296
3,060
District of Columbia
7,465
21,847
16,103
5,744
Florida
41,491
75,073
59,340
15,733
Congressional Research Service
225,607
12,514
10,498
2,016
Alaska
1,619
4,244
2,968
1,276
Arizona
5,938
12,448
10,335
2,113
Arkansas
1,229
2,661
2,182
479
California
316,819
1,027,878
720,028
307,850
Colorado
12,036
29,087
21,349
7,738
Connecticut
4,670
10,008
7,519
2,489
Delaware
2,755
7,732
4,596
3,136
District of Columbia
3,834
10,691
8,590
2,101
Florida
25,517
40,224
33,638
6,586
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Georgia
Georgia
8,060
15,222
13,889
1,333
Guam
437
1,078
834
244
Hawaii
6,881
21,265
13,595
7,670
Idaho
1,773
2,496
2,456
40
Il inois
10,735
21,098
18,996
2,102
Indiana
8,327
19,721
15,351
4,370
Iowa
7,504
17,947
13,759
4,188
Kansas
3,520
3,520
1,882
1,638
Kentucky
14,168
28,696
24,903
3,793
Louisiana
3,855
8,982
7,555
1,427
Maine
11,778
39,372
24,821
14,551
Maryland
23,055
56,580
39,938
16,642
Massachusetts
41,560
108,953
77,773
31,180
Michigan
10,762
26,774
21,444
5,330
Minnesota
19,680
47,585
35,101
12,484
Mississippi
1,877
3,158
2,888
270
Missouri
8,776
20,513
15,579
4,934
Montana
2,438
5,696
4,557
1,139
Nebraska
4,737
11,759
9,644
2,115
Nevada
6,658
17,198
12,826
4,372
New Hampshire
4,422
10,342
7,713
2,629
New Jersey
9,459
22,892
16,902
5,990
New Mexico
11,582
29,935
21,739
8,196
New York
113,201
289,625
198,575
91,050
North Carolina
13,775
25,289
22,273
3,016
North Dakota
1,078
2,820
2,244
576
Ohio
51,566
94,341
84,268
10,073
Oklahoma
5,592
12,901
10,932
1,969
Oregon
25,192
72,859
48,144
24,715
Pennsylvania
29,869
71,549
55,079
16,470
Puerto Rico
4,357
11,800
7,195
4,605
Rhode Island
2,577
6,094
4,622
1,472
South Carolina
8,133
18,749
15,127
3,622
South Dakota
2,716
5,495
5,051
444
Tennessee
15,578
32,436
26,923
5,513
Texas
21,404
44,545
37,455
7,090
Utah
2,657
6,195
4,621
1,574
Congressional Research Service
23
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Families
Recipients Children
Adults
Vermont
2,052
4,305
3,233
1,072
Virgin Islands
69
225
156
69
Virginia
18,311
34,337
26,552
7,785
Washington
41,979
99,966
66,093
33,873
West Virginia
5,703
11,121
9,379
1,742
Wisconsin
16,495
37,683
30,420
7,263
Wyoming
487
1,136
869
267
Totals
1,002,327
2,598,799 1,912,820
685,979
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 6,387
12,321
11,095
1,226
Guam
354
943
705
238
Hawaii
4,660
13,690
9,082
4,608
Idaho
1,545
2,176
2,151
25
Il inois
10,346
20,842
18,335
2,507
Indiana
4,362
9,202
8,023
1,179
Iowa
5,506
13,381
10,290
3,091
Kansas
3,134
3,134
1,597
1,537
Kentucky
11,767
23,665
20,319
3,346
Louisiana
3,090
7,229
6,135
1,094
Maine
11,668
39,396
24,792
14,604
Maryland
22,633
58,961
40,929
18,032
Massachusetts
50,001
133,740
93,886
39,854
Michigan
8,665
22,397
17,742
4,655
Minnesota
14,586
34,333
25,878
8,455
Mississippi
1,621
2,994
2,561
433
Missouri
6,348
14,463
11,274
3,189
Montana
1,936
4,364
3,601
763
Nebraska
3,186
7,431
6,451
980
Nevada
6,109
15,903
11,684
4,219
New Hampshire
3,816
9,031
6,778
2,253
New Jersey
9,254
23,158
16,707
6,451
New Mexico
10,978
28,314
20,222
8,092
New York
113,612
291,748
195,755
95,993
North Carolina
11,583
20,640
18,358
2,282
North Dakota
691
1,678
1,451
227
Ohio
42,519
74,989
69,067
5,922
Oklahoma
3,800
8,177
7,304
873
Oregon
35,050
102,976
67,611
35,365
Pennsylvania
29,101
71,531
54,830
16,701
Puerto Rico
3,579
9,641
5,933
3,708
Rhode Island
2,768
7,189
5,196
1,993
South Carolina
6,559
15,172
12,383
2,789
South Dakota
2,342
4,563
4,304
259
Tennessee
13,536
27,856
23,022
4,834
Texas
11,590
21,417
19,110
2,307
Utah
2,058
4,627
3,483
1,144
Congressional Research Service
22
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Vermont
1,997
4,348
3,214
1,134
Virgin Islands
70
234
163
71
Virginia
19,202
38,869
29,399
9,470
Washington
38,956
95,653
63,864
31,789
West Virginia
5,312
10,268
8,738
1,530
Wisconsin
12,706
27,493
22,895
4,598
Wyoming
473
1,112
852
260
Totals
939,480
2,498,736
1,808,872
689,864
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Data as of 3/10/22 and are subject to revision. 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, NovemberMarch of Selected Years
Percentage Change
to 2020 from …
1994-
2019-
Percentage Change
1994
2010
2019
2020
2020
2020
Alabama
48,142
23,954
7,456
7,228
-85.0%
-3.1%
Alaska
12,145
3,423
2,110
2,013
-83.4
-4.6
Arizona
72,171
19,406
7,108
7,581
-89.5
6.7
Arkansas
25,039
8,525
2,364
1,953
-92.2
-17.4
California
914,344
593,714
363,509
308,432
-66.3
-15.2
Colorado
39,171
11,998
13,671
12,359
-68.4
-9.6
Connecticut
60,846
16,922
7,659
6,320
-89.6
-17.5
Delaware
11,102
5,794
3,226
2,650
-76.1
-17.9
District of Columbia
27,390
9,963
7,243
7,465
-72.7
3.1
Florida
239,902
57,861
38,479
41,491
-82.7
7.8
Georgia
141,307
20,630
8,719
8,060
-94.3
-7.6
Guam
2,060
1,289
422
437
-78.8
3.6
Hawaii
21,415
10,019
4,022
6,881
-67.9
71.1
Idaho
8,608
1,809
2,014
1,773
-79.4
-12.0
Il inois
239,840
26,014
10,957
10,735
-95.5
-2.0
Indiana
70,161
33,553
5,410
8,327
-88.1
53.9
Iowa
37,941
21,478
8,787
7,504
-80.2
-14.6
Kansas
28,774
15,563
3,984
3,520
-87.8
-11.6
Congressional Research Service
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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
77,403
31,175
16,234
14,168
-81.7
-12.7
Louisiana
84,031
11,062
4,478
3,855
-95.4
-13.9
Maine
21,782
15,397
14,586
11,778
-45.9
-19.3
Maryland
80,480
25,347
16,761
23,055
-71.4
37.6
Massachusetts
106,736
50,878
50,505
41,560
-61.1
-17.7
Michigan
211,259
68,790
11,119
10,762
-94.9
-3.2
Minnesota
61,352
24,759
15,087
19,680
-67.9
30.4
Mississippi
53,652
12,052
3,011
1,877
-96.5
-37.7
Missouri
91,205
39,737
9,687
8,776
-90.4
-9.4
Montana
11,464
3,650
3,266
2,438
-78.7
-25.4
Nebraska
15,543
8,381
4,346
4,737
-69.5
9.0
Nevada
15,330
10,778
7,821
6,658
-56.6
-14.9
New Hampshire
11,154
6,097
5,286
4,422
-60.4
-16.3
New Jersey
113,444
34,996
9,003
9,459
-91.7
5.1
New Mexico
34,906
21,447
9,901
11,582
-66.8
17.0
New York
462,309
157,247
112,549
113,201
-75.5
0.6
North Carolina
127,829
23,879
14,236
13,775
-89.2
-3.2
North Dakota
5,290
1,967
972
1,078
-79.6
10.9
Ohio
239,144
104,370
43,736
51,566
-78.4
17.9
Oklahoma
45,863
9,380
5,650
5,592
-87.8
-1.0
Oregon
39,763
32,548
36,514
25,192
-36.6
-31.0
Pennsylvania
209,875
59,090
39,133
29,869
-85.8
-23.7
Puerto Rico
56,378
13,953
4,410
4,357
-92.3
-1.2
Rhode Island
22,581
6,648
3,846
2,577
-88.6
-33.0
South Carolina
50,351
19,371
8,220
8,133
-83.8
-1.1
South Dakota
6,434
3,247
2,928
2,716
-57.8
-7.2
Tennessee
107,498
63,925
18,804
15,578
-85.5
-17.2
Texas
281,897
52,970
21,904
21,404
-92.4
-2.3
Utah
17,387
7,097
3,133
2,657
-84.7
-15.2
Vermont
9,691
3,264
2,665
2,052
-78.8
-23.0
Virgin Islands
1,222
526
101
69
-94.4
-31.7
Virginia
73,692
37,478
16,586
18,311
-75.2
10.4
Washington
102,718
67,762
35,846
41,979
-59.1
17.1
West Virginia
39,299
10,747
6,361
5,703
-85.5
-10.3
Wisconsin
73,730
25,056
14,839
16,495
-77.6
11.2
Congressional Research Service
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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
5,457
302
482
487
-91.1
1.0
Totals
4,968,507
1,947,288
1,071,146
1,002,327
-79.8
-6.4
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 2022
1994-2022
2019-2022
Alabama
46,690
22,992
6,946
5,607
-88.0%
-19.3%
Alaska
13,132
3,743
2,202
1,619
-87.7
-26.5
Arizona
70,692
18,198
6,766
5,938
-91.6
-12.2
Arkansas
24,666
8,114
2,237
1,229
-95.0
-45.1
California
933,062
608,644
351,909
316,819
-66.0
-10.0
Colorado
39,426
12,894
13,396
12,036
-69.5
-10.2
Connecticut
61,890
16,449
7,278
4,670
-92.5
-35.8
Delaware
10,871
5,418
3,119
2,755
-74.7
-11.7
District of Columbia
26,971
8,900
7,165
3,834
-85.8
-46.5
Florida
231,670
55,671
35,438
25,517
-89.0
-28.0
Georgia
140,246
19,717
8,331
6,387
-95.4
-23.3
Guam
2,124
1,309
399
354
-83.3
-11.3
Hawaii
21,665
9,982
3,969
4,660
-78.5
17.4
Idaho
9,495
1,847
1,995
1,545
-83.7
-22.6
Il inois
239,781
27,759
10,765
10,346
-95.7
-3.9
Indiana
68,610
28,526
5,378
4,362
-93.6
-18.9
Iowa
37,053
20,781
8,175
5,506
-85.1
-32.6
Kansas
28,592
14,870
3,740
3,134
-89.0
-16.2
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Percentage Change
1994
2010
2019
2022
1994-2022
2019-2022
Kentucky
76,252
30,772
15,545
11,767
-84.6
-24.3
Louisiana
80,888
10,346
3,050
3,090
-96.2
1.3
Maine
22,086
15,699
13,770
11,668
-47.2
-15.3
Maryland
80,607
24,874
16,020
22,633
-71.9
41.3
Massachusetts
102,126
50,653
48,685
50,001
-51.0
2.7
Michigan
204,589
65,898
10,968
8,665
-95.8
-21.0
Minnesota
61,673
25,205
15,137
14,586
-76.3
-3.6
Mississippi
52,661
11,352
2,731
1,621
-96.9
-40.6
Missouri
91,523
39,084
9,338
6,348
-93.1
-32.0
Montana
11,833
3,412
3,053
1,936
-83.6
-36.6
Nebraska
15,470
8,034
4,215
3,186
-79.4
-24.4
Nevada
16,305
10,765
7,654
6,109
-62.5
-20.2
New Hampshire
11,093
6,079
5,107
3,816
-65.6
-25.3
New Jersey
112,121
34,821
8,914
9,254
-91.7
3.8
New Mexico
34,538
20,085
9,433
10,978
-68.2
16.4
New York
462,611
158,342
110,781
113,612
-75.4
2.6
North Carolina
128,711
22,806
13,833
11,583
-91.0
-16.3
North Dakota
5,316
1,799
936
691
-87.0
-26.2
Ohio
230,613
99,971
50,600
42,519
-81.6
-16.0
Oklahoma
45,674
8,823
5,400
3,800
-91.7
-29.6
Oregon
40,499
33,814
35,483
35,050
-13.5
-1.2
Pennsylvania
207,424
57,759
35,557
29,101
-86.0
-18.2
Puerto Rico
55,066
15,397
4,291
3,579
-93.5
-16.6
Rhode Island
22,494
6,410
3,599
2,768
-87.7
-23.1
South Carolina
49,960
17,244
7,587
6,559
-86.9
-13.5
South Dakota
6,410
3,211
2,801
2,342
-63.5
-16.4
Tennessee
104,027
61,666
17,585
13,536
-87.0
-23.0
Texas
274,450
47,643
19,629
11,590
-95.8
-41.0
Utah
16,910
5,885
3,010
2,058
-87.8
-31.6
Vermont
9,802
3,296
2,501
1,997
-79.6
-20.2
Virgin Islands
1,303
443
70
70
-94.6
0.0
Virginia
73,974
35,892
16,045
19,202
-74.0
19.7
Washington
104,130
62,392
36,727
38,956
-62.6
6.1
West Virginia
38,849
10,343
6,283
5,312
-86.3
-15.5
Wisconsin
73,641
25,961
14,362
12,706
-82.7
-11.5
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Percentage Change
1994
2010
2019
2022
1994-2022
2019-2022
Wyoming
5,380
324
518
473
-91.2
-8.7
Totals
4,937,645
1,922,314
1,040,426
939,480
-81.0
-9.7
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Data as of 3/10/22 and are subject to revision. 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
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
Alabama
$190
$190
13.2%
13.2%
Alaska
Alaska
821
821
45.7
45.7
Arizona
Arizona
220
220
15.3
15.3
Arkansas
Arkansas
162
162
11.3
11.3
California
California
696
696
48.4
48.4
Colorado
Colorado
400
400
27.8
27.8
Connecticut
Connecticut
487
487
33.9
33.9
Delaware
Delaware
270
270
18.8
18.8
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
515
515
35.8
35.8
Florida
Florida
241
241
16.8
16.8
Georgia
Georgia
235
235
16.4
16.4
Hawaii
Hawaii
485
485
29.3
29.3
Idaho
Idaho
309
309
21.5
21.5
Il inois
Il inois
423
423
29.4
29.4
Indiana
Indiana
229
229
15.9
15.9
Iowa
Iowa
361
361
25.1
25.1
Kansas
Kansas
352
352
24.5
24.5
Kentucky
Kentucky
225
225
15.7
15.7
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Maximum Monthly
Benefit as a
Percentage of the
Maximum Monthly
Federal Poverty
Benefit ($)
Level
Louisiana
Louisiana
188
188
13.1
13.1
Maine
Maine
456
456
31.7
31.7
Maryland
Maryland
575
575
40.0
40.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
531
531
37.0
37.0
Michigan
Michigan
403
403
28.1
28.1
Minnesota
Minnesota
537
537
37.4
37.4
Mississippi
Mississippi
146
146
10.2
10.2
Missouri
Missouri
234
234
16.3
16.3
Montana
Montana
467
467
32.5
32.5
Nebraska
Nebraska
393
393
27.4
27.4
Nevada
Nevada
320
320
22.3
22.3
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
862
862
60.0
60.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
425
425
29.6
29.6
New Mexico
New Mexico
357
357
24.8
24.8
New York
New York
574
574
40.0
40.0
North Carolina
North Carolina
236
236
16.4
16.4
North Dakota
North Dakota
385
385
26.8
26.8
Ohio
Ohio
412
412
28.7
28.7
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
225
225
15.7
15.7
Oregon
Oregon
432
432
30.1
30.1
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
316
316
22.0
22.0
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
449
449
31.3
31.3
South Carolina
South Carolina
237
237
16.5
16.5
South Dakota
South Dakota
550
550
38.3
38.3
Tennessee
Tennessee
215
215
15.0
15.0
Texas
Texas
262
262
18.2
18.2
Utah
Utah
399
399
27.8
27.8
Vermont
Vermont
580
580
40.4
40.4
Virginia
Virginia
422
422
29.4
29.4
Washington
Washington
459
459
31.9
31.9
West Virginia
West Virginia
331
331
23.0
23.0
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
653
653
45.5
45.5
Wyoming
Wyoming
669
669
46.6
46.6
Maximum State
Maximum State
862
862
60.0
60.0
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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
Minimum State
146
146
10.2
10.2
Median State
Median State
399
399
27.8
27.8
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Welfare Rules Database, funded by the 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 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 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 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-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. guidelines-federal-register-references/2020-poverty-guidelines.
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction for All
Families: FY2020
Effective
Caseload
(after-FY2021
Caseload
Reduction
Credit
Effected (after
Work
Statutory
Reduction(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Creditpoints)
standard
Rate
Standardstandard?
Alabama
Alabama
50.0%
50.0%
-50.050.0
%
0.0%
0.0%
44.336.9% %
Yes
Yes
Alaska
Alaska
50.0
50.0
-42.42.
4
7.6
38.20
8.0
30.7
Yes
Yes
Arizona
Arizona
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
15.211.7
Yes
Yes
Arkansas
Arkansas
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
17.414.1
Yes
Yes
California
California
50.0
50.0
25.3
24.7
50.5-30.2
19.8
52.1
Yes
Yes
Colorado
Colorado
50.0
50.0
35.0
15.0
39.9-49.2
0.8
44.2
Yes
Yes
Connecticut
Connecticut
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
11.33.4
Yes
Yes
Delaware
Delaware
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
2827.6 .6
Yes
Yes
District of Col.
District of Col.
50.0
50.0
47-39.7 .7
210.3 .3
49.915.0
Yes
Yes
Florida
Florida
50.0
50.0
39.0
11.0
19.1
Yes-34.5
15.5
3.7
No
Georgia
Georgia
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
16.14.6
Yes
Yes
Guam
Guam
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
9.62.9
Yes
Yes
Hawaii
Hawaii
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
18.210.9
Yes
Yes
Idaho
Idaho
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
54.771.4
Yes
Yes
Il inois
Il inois
50.0
50.0
46.1
3.9
66.5-42.4
7.6
56.0
Yes
Yes
Indiana
Indiana
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
21.312.6
Yes
Yes
Iowa
Iowa
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
20.013.1
Yes
Yes
Kansas
Kansas
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
31.828.7
Yes
Yes
Kentucky
Kentucky
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
41.020.6
Yes
Yes
Louisiana
Louisiana
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
30.5 .5
Yes
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Effective
Caseload
(after-Caseload
Reduction
Credit
Effected (after
Work
Statutory
Reduction(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Creditpoints)
standard
Rate
Standardstandard?
Maine
Maine
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
83.579.7
Yes
Yes
Maryland
Maryland
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
14.3
Yes-35.7
14.3
3.2
No
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
50.0
50.0
25.1
24.9
56.9-29.3
20.7
53.8
Yes
Yes
Michigan
Michigan
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
3225.2 .2
Yes
Yes
Minnesota
Minnesota
50.0
50.0
44.6
5.4
22.3-47.3
2.7
14.9
Yes
Yes
Mississippi
Mississippi
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
40.341.7
Yes
Yes
Missouri
Missouri
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
17.
17.
14
Yes
Yes
Montana
Montana
50.0
50.0
18.4
31.6
35.5-39.1
10.9
36.3
Yes
Yes
Nebraska
Nebraska
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
10.29.6
Yes
Yes
Nevada
Nevada
50.0
50.0
39.2
10.8
27.0-45.8
4.2
22.8
Yes
Yes
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
55.158.9
Yes
Yes
New Jersey
New Jersey
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
17.44.3
Yes
Yes
New Mexico
New Mexico
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
25.87.2
Yes
Yes
New York
New York
50.0
50.0
48.9
1.1
17.8-50.0
0.0
10.3
Yes
Yes
North Carolina
North Carolina
50.0
50.0
47-48.7 .7
21.3 .3
10.04.7
Yes
Yes
North Dakota
North Dakota
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
35.28.5
Yes
Yes
Ohio
Ohio
50.0
50.0
42.5
7.5
29.4-41.2
8.8
31.9
Yes
Yes
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
20.113.7
Yes
Yes
Oregon
Oregon
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
59.6
Yes34.1
No
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
14.511.3
Yes
Yes
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
60.6 .6
Yes
Yes
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
6.
6.
85
Yes
Yes
South Carolina
South Carolina
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
20.49.0
Yes
Yes
South Dakota
South Dakota
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
52.758.8
Yes
Yes
Tennessee
Tennessee
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
33.624.8
Yes
Yes
Texas
Texas
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
11.33.1
Yes
Yes
Utah
Utah
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
13.010.5
Yes
Yes
Vermont
Vermont
50.0
50.0
46.7
3.3
39.7-48.9
1.1
35.4
Yes
Yes
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
4.11.2
Yes
Yes
Virginia
Virginia
50.0
50.0
45.5
4.5
29.3-50.0
0.0
14.5
Yes
Yes
Washington
Washington
50.0
50.0
-50.0 50.0
0.0
0.0
41.834.7
Yes
Yes
West Virginia
West Virginia
50.0
50.0
48.6
1.4
24-50.0
0.0
20.8 .8
Yes
Yes
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
50.0
50.0
-42.42.
25
7.
7.
8
37.35
36.9
Yes
Yes
Wyoming
Wyoming
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
76.0
Yes
73.8
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for
Two-Parent Families: FY2020FY2021
(NA denotes that the jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving TANF or
(NA denotes that the jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving TANF or
MOE-funded assistance)
MOE-funded assistance)
Caseload
Reduction
Effective
CaseloadCredit
(after-
Work
Statutory
Reduction(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
Creditpoints)
standard)
Rate
Standard?
Alabama
Alabama
90.0
90.0
%
-90.090.0
%
0.0
0.0
%
48.1%
55.7
Yes
Yes
Alaska
Alaska
90.0
90.0
54.8
35.2
52.1-52.1
37.9
40.9
Yes
Yes
Arizona
Arizona
90.0
90.0
76.0-75.9
14.
14.
0
271
15.1 .1
Yes
Yes
Arkansas
Arkansas
90.0
90.0
75.8
14.2
16.8-76.7
13.3
17.7
Yes
Yes
California
California
90.0
90.0
30.5
59.5
27.5-34.4
55.6
22.8
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
3.3
17.1
Yes-46.8
43.2
1.0
No
Georgia
Georgia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Guam
Guam
90.0
90.0
52.9
37.1
9.5-54.7
35.3
0.6
No
No
Hawaii
Hawaii
90.0
90.0
77.9
12.1
26.4
Yes-74.3
15.7
12.4
No
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
6.8
29.3-77.7
12.3
16.6
Yes
Yes
Iowa
Iowa
90.0
90.0
-84.84.
57
5.
5.
5
13.13
10.7
Yes
Yes
Kansas
Kansas
90.0
90.0
77.1
12.9
33.8-67.0
23.0
31.5
Yes
Yes
Kentucky
Kentucky
90.0
90.0
56.0
34.0
43.0-62.2
27.8
32.5
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
94.091.6
Yes
Yes
Maryland
Maryland
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
90.0
90.0
25.1
64.9
86.0-29.3
60.7
91.4
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
35.2
41.8
Yes
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevada
90.0
39.2
50.8
38.3
No
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
90.0
82.9
7.1
94.2
Yes
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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?
New Mexico
90.0
64.4
25.6
32.0
Yes
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
90.0
47.7
42.3
11.1
No
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
90.0
88.6
1.4
27.8
Yes
Oklahoma
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Oregon
90.0
0.0
90.0
97.8
Yes
Pennsylvania
90.0
89.6
0.4
20.5
Yes
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Rhode Island
90.0
62.4
27.6
7.3-70.4
19.6
38.5
Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Caseload
Reduction
Effective
Credit
(after
Work
Statutory
(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
Standard?
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevada
90.0
-45.8
44.2
29.0
No
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
90.0
-83.8
6.2
95.9
Yes
New Mexico
90.0
-66.2
23.8
8.5
No
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
90.0
-48.7
41.3
9.7
No
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
90.0
-83.0
7.0
29.6
Yes
Oklahoma
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Oregon
90.0
0.0
90.0
67.8
No
Pennsylvania
90.0
-90.0
0.0
34.0
Yes
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Rhode Island
90.0
-63.7
26.3
6.8
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
12.6
30.9-76.7
13.3
24.0
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
26.3
63.0-58.9
31.1
79.9
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
38.1
62.4-52.5
37.5
58.1
Yes
Yes
West Virginia
West Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
90.0
90.0
-63.63.
41
26.
26.
6
459
39.9 .9
Yes
Yes
Wyoming
Wyoming
90.0
90.0
0.0
0.0
90.0
90.0
78.670.4
No
No
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS) based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Author Information
Gene Falk Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Acknowledgments
CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations.
CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations.
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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