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

Changes from December 7, 2022 to February 27, 2023

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

The Temporary Assistance for
~~December 7, 2022~~February 27, 2023
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 to contribute, Islands), and American Indian tribes. The basic block grant totals $16.5 billion per year. States are also required to contribute,
from their own funds, under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement. Both the basic block grant and the required MOE from their own funds, under a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement. Both the basic block grant and the required MOE
spending are based on expenditures in pre-TANF programs in the early- to mid-1990s. 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, 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 FY2022, the TANF basic block grant was 45% below what its value was in population) over time. Adjusted for inflation, in FY2022, the TANF basic block grant was 45% below what its value was in
FY1997. The MOE requirements have also not been adjusted for inflation. FY1997. The MOE requirements have also not been adjusted for inflation.
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 MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In ~~FY2020~~FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in federal TANF and state MOE dollars. Of that FY2021 total, expenditures on basic assistance , expenditures on basic assistance ~~totaled $7.1~~
were $6.9 billion—22billion—22.6% of total federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash % 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~~on a monthly basis. The remainder of TANF and MOE funds were spent on a wide range of benefits, services, and activities: child care, employment 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.
The TANF Assistance Caseload
A total of A total of ~~0.9~~1.0 million families, composed of 2. million families, composed of 2.58 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in ~~March~~September
2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—~~1.8~~2.0 million in that month. million in that month.
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 FY2021, states achieved, on average, an standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In FY2021, states achieved, on average, an
all-family participation rate of 33.6% and a two-parent rate of 37.9%. all-family participation rate of 33.6% and a two-parent rate of 37.9%.
In FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and Oregon did not meet their all-family participation standard. California, Florida, Guam, In FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and Oregon did not meet their all-family participation standard. California, Florida, Guam,
Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming did not meet their two-parent Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming did not meet their two-parent
participation standard. Jurisdictions that did not meet their standards are at risk of being penalized through a reduction in their participation 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. block grants, though they may either enter into a corrective compliance plan or claim good cause to avoid the penalty.
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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataccess to information and data. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timassistance over time. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance. expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block
Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What Isis TANF’s ~~Funding Status?~~
~~The FY2023 Continuing Appropriation and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations (P.L. 117-180),~~
~~enacted September 30, 2022, funds TANF through December 16, 2022.1~~
~~How Are State TANF Programs Funded~~funding status? The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) extended TANF funding through the end of FY2023 (September 30, 2023). How are state TANF programs funded?
TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds. TANF has two TANF programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds. TANF has two
federal grants to states. The bulk of the TANF funding is in a basic block grant to the states, 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 Virgin totaling $16.5 billion for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin
Islands, and American Indian tribes.Islands, and American Indian tribes.21 There is also a contingency fund available that provides There is also a contingency fund available that provides
extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions. extra federal funds to states that meet certain conditions.
Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and Additionally, states are required to expend a minimum amount of their own funds for TANF and
TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. TANF-related activities under what is known as the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
States are required to spend a minimum of at least 80% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s States are required to spend a minimum of at least 80% of what they spent in FY1994 on TANF’s
predecessor programs. The MOE spending requirement is reduced in states that met their work predecessor programs. The MOE spending requirement is reduced in states that met their work
participation standards to 75% of what a state spent in FY1994. 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~~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

~~1 Section 150 of P.L. 117-180.~~
2its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block grant amount is $16.5 billion. 1 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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~~its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block~~
~~grant amount is $16.5 billion.~~
Table 1 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and constant 1997 shows the state family assistance grant, in both nominal (actual) and constant 1997
(inflation-adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2022. In inflation-adjusted terms, (inflation-adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2022. In inflation-adjusted terms,
the FY2022 block grant was 45% below its value in FY1997. the FY2022 block grant was 45% below its value in FY1997.
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars
( ($dollars in billions) in billions)
State Family
Cumulative
State Family
Assistance
~~Percent~~Percentage Change
Assistance Grant: 50
Grant
Since FY1997,
States, DC, Tribes,
Constant
Constant 1997
Fiscal Year
and Territories
1997 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 2022
16.512 16.512
9.168 9.168
-44.7 -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).
Congressional Research Service 2 link to page 8 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs How have states used TANF funds? In FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in combined
~~How Have States Used TANF Funds?~~
~~In FY2020, a total of $31.6 billion of both~~ federal TANF and state MOE federal TANF and state MOE ~~expenditures were either~~
~~expended or~~dollars (this total includes dollars transferred to other block grant transferred to other block grant ~~programs. (This total~~program, but excludes expenditures in tribal excludes expenditures in tribal
TANF programs or those operated in the territoriesTANF programs or those operated in the territories.)). Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 22families to meet basic needs—represented 22.6% ($% ($~~7.1~~6.9 billion) of total billion) of total ~~FY2020~~FY2021 TANF and MOE TANF and MOE
dollars. dollars.
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In ~~FY2020, $5.2~~FY2021, $4.9 billion ( billion (1716.2% of all TANF and % of all TANF and
MOE funds) were either expended on child care MOE funds) were either expended on child care directly within TANF or transferred to the child care block grant (the or transferred to the child care block grant (the
Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF 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~~
~~total TANF and MOE funds.~~ and MOE funds also help fund state pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, with FY2021 expenditures for pre-K programs totaling $2.9 billion. TANF is also a major contributor to the child welfare system, which provides foster care, adoption assistance, and services to families with children who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, child abuse or neglect, spending about $2.7 billion on such activities. TANF also helps low-wage parents by helping to finance state 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)refundable tax credits, such as state add-ons to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or state refundable child credits. TANF and . TANF and
MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in ~~FY2020~~FY2021 totaled $2. totaled $2.86 billion, or billion, or 98.5% of total TANF % of total TANF
and MOE spending. and MOE spending.
TANF 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~~
~~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,~~
~~spending about $2.6 billion on such activities~~work-related activities (including education and training) were the fifth-largest TANF and MOE spending category at $2.3 billion, or 7.6% of total TANF and MOE funds. TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term . TANF and MOE funds are also used for short-term
and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social ~~service~~s. services. Figure 1 shows the uses of shows the uses of
federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in ~~FY2020.~~

FY2021. Note that the data in this figure exclude spending from the Pandemic Emergency Fund, a temporary $1 billion fund enacted in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA, P.L. 117-2) to help meet needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. States, tribes, and territories could use Pandemic Emergency Fund dollars only on “non-recurring short-term benefits.” Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

Figure 1. Uses of ~~TANF~~Federal TANF and MOE Funds by Spending Category, ~~FY2020~~
($FY2021 (dollars 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 Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in
tribal TANF programs. tribal TANF programs.

Excludes spending from the Pandemic Emergency Assistance fund, which is reported separately. For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see For state-specific information on the use of TANF funds, see Table B-1 andand Table B-2.
How ~~Much~~much of the TANF ~~Grant Has Gone Unspent~~grant has gone unspent?
TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in
timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected
occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters). occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters).
At the end of At the end of ~~FY2020~~FY2021 (September 30, (September 30, ~~2020~~2021), a total of $), a total of $68.0 billion of federal TANF funding .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 commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of $0approximately $1.9 billion. At the end .9 billion. At the end of FY2021, ~~of FY2020,~~
states had states had $5approximately $6.2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are available to states to make .2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are available to states to make new
spending commitmentspending commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds by state. shows unspent TANF funds by state.
The Caseload
How ~~Many Families Receive~~many families receive TANF- or MOE-~~Funded Benefits~~
~~and Services~~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.32 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~~many families and people currently receive TANF- or MOE-funded assistance?
Table 2 provides assistance caseload information. A total of approximately provides assistance caseload information. A total of approximately ~~940,000~~1.0 million families, families,
composed of 2.composed of 2.58 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in ~~March~~ September 2022. 2022.
The bulk of the recipients were children—The bulk of the recipients were children—~~1.8~~2.0 million in that month. For state-by-state assistance million in that month. For state-by-state assistance
caseloads, seecaseloads, see Table B-4.
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF ~~Assistance, March 2022~~
~~Families~~
~~939,480~~
~~Recipients~~
~~2,498,736~~
~~Children~~
~~1,808,872~~
~~Adults~~
~~689,864~~and MOE-funded Assistance, September 2022 Total Families 1,019,898 Total Recipients 2,820,773 Total Child Recipients 2,015,874 Total Adult Recipients 804,899
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Data as of Services (HHS). Data as of ~~3/10/22 and are~~ December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. How does the current assistance caseload level compare with historical levels~~subject to revision.~~
Notes: TANF assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
~~toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.~~
~~How Does the Current Assistance Caseload Level Compare with~~
~~Historical Levels~~?
Figure 2 provides a long-term historical perspective on the number of families receiving provides a long-term historical perspective on the number of families receiving
assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to ~~March~~September 2022. The shaded 2022. The shaded
areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though the areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though the
health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-
term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a
pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods
of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy
changes) also have influenced the caseload trend. changes) also have influenced the caseload trend.
The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to
the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving
assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in
32 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF
requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
regulations define assistance at 45 C.F.R. Section 260.31. 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~~
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 During 2020, a year when the economy was affected by the ~~Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-~~
~~19)~~COVID-19 pandemic, there was a pandemic, there was a brief uptick in the number of families receiving assistance. That response to the pandemic was short-lived.3 The number of families receiving assistance declined until late 2021, but has recently been rising. The number of families receiving assistance increased by 113,000 nationwide from September 2021 to September 2022. From September 2021 to September 2022, 24 jurisdictions had increases in the number of families receiving assistance, while 30 jurisdictions had decreases. The increase in families receiving assistance is concentrated in a small number of larger-population states (California, Massachusetts, and New York). Table B-5 shows recent trends in the number of cash assistance families by state. Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, July 1959 to September 2022 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Data as of December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. 3 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs—~~brief uptick in the number of families receiving assistance. The~~
~~number of families receiving assistance increased in the April through June 2020 period.~~
~~However, after June 2020, the number of families receiving TANF assistance again began to~~
~~decline.4~~
~~Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, June 1959 to March 2022~~

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), with data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
~~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
~~families receiving cash assistance from Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent~~
~~Children (AFDC), and TANF. For October 1999 through the last month shown, includes families receiving~~
~~assistance from Separate State Programs (SSPs) with expenditures countable toward the TANF maintenance of~~
~~effort requirement. See Table A-1 for average annual data on families, recipients, adult recipients, and child~~
~~recipients of ADC, AFDC, and TANF cash assistance for 1961 to 2021.~~

~~4 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs –~~ in particular, unemployment insurance—that in particular, unemployment insurance—that
might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See CRS Report R46687, might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. See CRS Report R46687, Unemployment Insurance
(UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. For estimates of the impact of the . For estimates of the impact of the
poverty interventions in response to poverty interventions in response to ~~COVID-19’s economic downturn~~the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, see Laura Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and , see Laura Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and
Ilham Dehry, Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and Stimulus Measures, Urban Institute, July , Urban Institute, July
2021. 2021.
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Table B-5 shows recent trends in the number of cash assistance families by state.
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.
Figure 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.one child (family of two) in July 2020.54 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in 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.

54 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF
state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute
and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Some states vary their benefit amounts for other and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Some states vary their benefit amounts for other
family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States also vary their benefits by other factors such as family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States also vary their benefits by other factors such as
housing costs and substate geography. housing costs and substate geography.
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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 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 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 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. 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 shows these benefit amounts by state in dollars and as a percentage of the federal
poverty level (FPL). 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~~is the TANF work participation standard states must meet?
The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum
number of hours.number of hours.65 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion
of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation
standards. standards.

65 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families
where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible
noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who
does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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The 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.
What ~~Work Participation Rates Have the States Achieved~~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 4 shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through shows the national average all-families work participation rate for FY2002 through
FY2021. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work FY2021. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work
participation rate hovering around 30%. Then, work participation rate increased. In FY2016, it participation rate hovering around 30%. Then, work participation rate increased. In FY2016, it
exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important to note that exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, it is important to note that
the increase in the work participation rate did not come from an increase in the number of the increase in the work participation rate did not come from an increase in the number of
recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job preparation recipients in regular TANF assistance programs who are either working or in job preparation
activities. This increase stemmed mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” activities. This increase stemmed 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.
The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in FY2018 through The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined in FY2018 through
FY2021. In FY2020 and FY2021, years affected by COVID-19 and its economic fallout, the FY2021. In FY2020 and FY2021, years affected by COVID-19 and its economic fallout, the
national average all-families rate was 33.6%. In FY2020, all states met their all-families TANF national average all-families rate was 33.6%. In FY2020, all states met their all-families TANF
work participation standards despite this decline.work participation standards despite this decline. However, in FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and However, in FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and
Oregon did not meet their “all families” work participation standard. Oregon did not meet their “all families” work participation standard.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Figure 4. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2021

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 (California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North In FY2021, ten jurisdictions (California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North
Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not meet the separate, higher two-parent Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not meet the separate, higher two-parent
standardstandard. Table B-7 provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard,
caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for all families for FY2021caseload reduction credit, and work participation rate for all families for FY2021. Table B-8
provides that information for two-parent families. The table shows that 26 jurisdictions did not provides that information for two-parent families. The table shows that 26 jurisdictions did not
have two-parent families receiving assistance funded by TANF or MOE funds (denoted with an have two-parent families receiving assistance funded by TANF or MOE funds (denoted with an
“NA” in the table). “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
Trump Administration, said that it would exercise its authority to provide states with relief from Trump Administration, said that it would exercise its authority to provide states with relief from
the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent possible.”the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent possible.”76 HHS has HHS has
not revised this statement under the Biden Administration. not revised this statement under the Biden Administration.

76 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: 1961-2021

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
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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 2020
1.052 1.052
2.757 2.757
0.728 0.728
2.029 2.029
2.8 2.8
17.2 17.2
2021 2021
0.931 0.931
2.450 2.450
0.661 0.661
1.788 1.788
2.5 2.5
16.0 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 and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a ~~percent~~percentage of all children and of all children and ~~percent~~
percentage 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 Congressional Research Service

12 12

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

Report to Congress, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/, Table TANF 2, p. A-7. See https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/116161/
FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-%20FINAL%209%2022%2015.pdf. For 2019, the ratio of TANF recipient FINAL%20Fourteenth%20Report%20-%20FINAL%209%2022%2015.pdf. For 2019, the ratio of TANF recipient
children to all children in poverty might be overstated. This is because child poverty might have been children to all children in poverty might be overstated. This is because child poverty might have been
underestimated, as responses to the survey used to estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. underestimated, as responses to the survey used to estimate poverty were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

13 13

Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Use of ~~FY2020~~FY2021 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
( ($dollars in millions) in millions)
Work,
Emergency
~~Other~~
~~Educa-~~
~~Refundable~~
~~Pre-~~
Pre-K Education and Short-
~~Benefits~~
Basic
Child
~~tion, and~~
~~Tax~~
~~K/Head~~
Head- Child
~~Adminis-~~
~~Term~~Refundable
and
~~Total~~Term
State
Assistance
Care
~~Training~~
~~Credits~~
~~Start~~
~~Welfare~~
~~tration~~
~~Benefits~~
~~Services Spending~~
~~Alabama~~
~~$16.378~~
~~$24.228~~
~~$6.875~~
~~$0.000~~
~~$10.660~~
~~$40.010~~
~~$24.372~~
~~$46.281~~
~~$35.511~~
~~$204.316~~
~~Alaska~~
~~45.590~~
~~13.968~~
~~12.085~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~6.905~~
~~0.326~~
~~12.898~~
~~91.771~~
~~Arizona~~
~~45.033~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.565~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~238.209~~
~~18.940~~
~~9.179~~
~~43.640~~
~~355.567~~
~~Arkansas~~
~~4.257~~
~~7.798~~
~~12.439~~
~~0.000~~
~~26.742~~
~~0.913~~
~~14.984~~
~~5.902~~
~~11.093~~
~~84.129~~
~~California~~
~~2,598.201~~
~~762.874~~
~~1,574.497~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.101~~
~~0.062~~
~~549.893~~
~~261.704~~
~~955.710~~
~~6,703.043~~
~~Colorado~~
~~80.602~~
~~15.238~~
~~8.473~~
~~72.077~~
~~91.198~~
~~53.148~~
~~51.730~~
~~21.549~~
~~57.943~~
~~451.957~~
~~Connecticut~~
~~36.207~~
~~62.591~~
~~10.506~~
~~58.091~~
~~70.878~~
~~68.389~~
~~42.288~~
~~18.565~~
~~138.266~~
~~505.781~~
~~Delaware~~
~~11.544~~
~~82.878~~
~~6.475~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~5.367~~
~~2.433~~
~~17.632~~
~~126.329~~
~~District of Columbia~~
~~185.408~~
~~37.433~~
~~39.216~~
~~23.842~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~11.578~~
~~11.552~~
~~7.327~~
~~316.355~~
~~Florida~~
~~133.883~~
~~341.154~~
~~50.224~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~244.252~~
~~97.793~~
~~0.877~~
~~81.413~~
~~949.598~~
~~Georgia~~
~~109.858~~
~~22.183~~
~~8.286~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~228.090~~
~~22.445~~
~~5.799~~
~~87.628~~
~~484.290~~
~~Hawaii~~
~~38.679~~
~~9.974~~
~~41.531~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~1.417~~
~~15.754~~
~~7.929~~
~~105.609~~
~~220.893~~
~~Idaho~~
~~7.915~~
~~10.965~~
~~2.946~~
~~0.000~~
~~1.487~~
~~1.726~~
~~6.480~~
~~11.798~~
~~0.415~~
~~43.731~~
~~Il inois~~
~~50.912~~
~~560.158~~
~~17.587~~
~~86.933~~
~~104.551~~
~~239.565~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.879~~
~~96.901~~
~~1,157.486~~
~~Indiana~~
~~16.013~~
~~114.016~~
~~5.707~~
~~24.845~~
~~0.000~~
~~2.759~~
~~28.415~~
~~0.290~~
~~141.256~~
~~333.302~~
~~Iowa~~
~~30.373~~
~~52.604~~
~~8.490~~
~~25.390~~
~~0.000~~
~~46.660~~
~~6.518~~
~~0.347~~
~~20.756~~
~~191.137~~
~~Kansas~~
~~13.061~~
~~6.673~~
~~0.641~~
~~38.493~~
~~18.375~~
~~42.921~~
~~9.903~~
~~0.000~~
~~47.006~~
~~177.072~~
~~CRS-14~~

~~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~~
~~179.973~~
~~32.666~~
~~29.722~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~12.107~~
~~0.000~~
~~9.214~~
~~263.682~~
~~Louisiana~~
~~15.122~~
~~12.653~~
~~35.222~~
~~19.933~~
~~51.151~~
~~26.963~~
~~16.848~~
~~6.898~~
~~29.031~~
~~213.821~~
~~Maine~~
~~37.473~~
~~19.990~~
~~11.593~~
~~7.579~~
~~0.507~~
~~9.802~~
~~6.317~~
~~5.177~~
~~29.047~~
~~127.485~~
~~Maryland~~
~~153.087~~
~~5.484~~
~~30.478~~
~~154.133~~
~~76.530~~
~~29.930~~
~~23.337~~
~~27.518~~
~~44.909~~
~~545.407~~
~~Massachusetts~~
~~240.784~~
~~265.421~~
~~203.514~~
~~220.172~~
~~0.000~~
~~6.559~~
~~33.135~~
~~103.344~~
~~78.870~~
~~1,151.798~~
~~Michigan~~
~~129.478~~
~~27.019~~
~~1.958~~
~~43.518~~
~~191.413~~
~~78.645~~
~~53.354~~
~~20.648~~
~~794.532~~
~~1,340.566~~
~~Minnesota~~
~~93.963~~
~~159.106~~
~~52.951~~
~~177.877~~
~~5.700~~
~~0.000~~
~~42.407~~
~~22.554~~
~~18.005~~
~~572.564~~
~~Mississippi~~
~~4.074~~
~~1.715~~
~~22.769~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~21.756~~
~~9.419~~
~~0.000~~
~~17.110~~
~~76.844~~
~~Missouri~~
~~31.551~~
~~27.504~~
~~62.874~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~112.570~~
~~9.297~~
~~73.252~~
~~54.188~~
~~371.236~~
~~Montana~~
~~17.448~~
~~10.621~~
~~2.664~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~1.927~~
~~4.709~~
~~2.038~~
~~9.057~~
~~48.464~~
~~Nebraska~~
~~28.344~~
~~18.375~~
~~12.299~~
~~32.472~~
~~0.000~~
~~6.100~~
~~2.977~~
~~0.090~~
~~3.238~~
~~103.896~~
~~Nevada~~
~~33.047~~
~~13.902~~
~~1.302~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~28.275~~
~~9.894~~
~~8.956~~
~~18.736~~
~~114.112~~
~~New Hampshire~~
~~34.201~~
~~4.582~~
~~7.225~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~4.544~~
~~11.407~~
~~2.373~~
~~16.217~~
~~80.549~~
~~New Jersey~~
~~82.639~~
~~218.423~~
~~73.767~~
~~361.436~~
~~614.997~~
~~0.000~~
~~50.883~~
~~16.103~~
~~72.455~~
~~1,490.702~~
~~New Mexico~~
~~68.684~~
~~34.278~~
~~20.737~~
~~74.691~~
~~70.361~~
~~1.019~~
~~6.133~~
~~6.369~~
~~22.966~~
~~305.238~~
~~New York~~
~~1,444.193~~
~~479.272~~
~~120.136~~
~~1,296.116~~
~~496.529~~
~~348.868~~
~~431.817~~
~~212.620~~
~~330.864~~
~~5,160.413~~
~~North Carolina~~
~~34.722~~
~~226.371~~
~~4.005~~
~~0.000~~
~~92.153~~
~~135.889~~
~~43.433~~
~~3.574~~
~~44.245~~
~~584.392~~
~~North Dakota~~
~~3.857~~
~~1.239~~
~~3.915~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~24.228~~
~~4.941~~
~~0.079~~
~~0.926~~
~~39.184~~
~~Ohio~~
~~247.480~~
~~423.168~~
~~82.829~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.158~~
~~18.212~~
~~99.060~~
~~76.521~~
~~248.456~~
~~1,195.884~~
~~Oklahoma~~
~~19.303~~
~~59.713~~
~~9.208~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~13.408~~
~~8.399~~
~~0.587~~
~~34.063~~
~~144.682~~
~~Oregon~~
~~83.504~~
~~11.102~~
~~18.507~~
~~3.381~~
~~11.599~~
~~14.496~~
~~36.467~~
~~23.731~~
~~42.954~~
~~245.739~~
~~CRS-15~~

~~Work,~~
~~Emergency~~
~~Other~~
~~Educa-~~
~~Refundable~~
~~Pre-~~
~~and Short-~~
~~Benefits~~
~~Basic~~
~~Child~~
~~tion, and~~
~~Tax~~
~~K/Head~~
~~Child~~
~~Adminis-~~
~~Term~~
~~and~~
~~Total~~
~~State~~
~~Assistance~~
~~Care~~
~~Training~~
~~Credits~~
~~Start~~
~~Welfare~~
~~tration~~
~~Benefits~~
~~Services Spending~~
~~Pennsylvania~~
~~130.776~~
~~482.527~~
~~86.953~~
~~0.000~~
~~219.345~~
~~0.000~~
~~62.785~~
~~9.851~~
~~142.789~~
~~1,135.026~~
~~Rhode Island~~
~~21.679~~
~~41.607~~
~~9.897~~
~~22.214~~
~~1.190~~
~~26.256~~
~~5.141~~
~~0.000~~
~~26.679~~
~~154.664~~
~~South Carolina~~
~~48.818~~
~~4.085~~
~~8.203~~
~~0.000~~
~~27.777~~
~~5.063~~
~~18.961~~
~~0.000~~
~~53.150~~
~~166.057~~
~~South Dakota~~
~~13.022~~
~~0.803~~
~~2.798~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~3.494~~
~~2.205~~
~~3.792~~
~~2.823~~
~~28.937~~
~~Tennessee~~
~~23.612~~
~~57.000~~
~~23.053~~
~~0.000~~
~~83.207~~
~~0.000~~
~~32.009~~
~~0.000~~
~~2.907~~
~~221.788~~
~~Texas~~
~~45.249~~
~~0.000~~
~~85.947~~
~~0.000~~
~~339.179~~
~~377.214~~
~~68.821~~
~~4.337~~
~~63.466~~
~~984.212~~
~~Utah~~
~~17.343~~
~~22.619~~
~~14.777~~
~~0.000~~
~~12.486~~
~~1.348~~
~~6.507~~
~~1.983~~
~~19.620~~
~~96.684~~
~~Vermont~~
~~13.144~~
~~33.365~~
~~0.734~~
~~19.246~~
~~0.000~~
~~8.364~~
~~5.114~~
~~0.674~~
~~14.094~~
~~94.735~~
~~Virginia~~
~~65.836~~
~~38.566~~
~~36.533~~
~~0.186~~
~~6.635~~
~~56.980~~
~~48.434~~
~~5.392~~
~~41.402~~
~~299.964~~
~~Washington~~
~~139.722~~
~~150.607~~
~~131.210~~
~~0.000~~
~~51.343~~
~~28.400~~
~~54.971~~
~~76.080~~
~~424.139~~
~~1,056.473~~
~~West Virginia~~
~~40.212~~
~~21.096~~
~~0.587~~
~~0.000~~
~~0.000~~
~~26.446~~
~~14.834~~
~~13.620~~
~~27.733~~
~~144.529~~
~~Wisconsin~~
~~73.364~~
~~195.758~~
~~28.987~~
~~69.700~~
~~0.000~~
~~7.317~~
~~28.730~~
~~32.356~~
~~129.978~~
~~566.190~~
~~Wyoming~~
~~11.461~~
~~1.554~~
~~5.192~~
~~0.000~~
~~1.709~~
~~0.000~~
~~3.517~~
~~3.220~~
~~2.841~~
~~29.494~~
~~Totals~~
~~7,051.079~~
~~5,226.926~~
~~3,049.091~~
~~2,832.324 2,677.958 2,632.197~~
~~2,181.733~~
~~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
~~(ACF), Office of Family Assistance.~~
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs.
~~CRS-16~~

~~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~~
~~8.0%~~
~~11.9%~~
~~3.4%~~
~~0.0%~~
~~5.2%~~
~~19.6%~~
~~11.9%~~
~~22.7%~~
~~17.4%~~
~~100.0%~~
~~Alaska~~
~~49.7~~
~~15.2~~
~~13.2~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~7.5~~
~~0.4~~
~~14.1~~
~~100.0~~
~~Arizona~~
~~12.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.2~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~67.0~~
~~5.3~~
~~2.6~~
~~12.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Arkansas~~
~~5.1~~
~~9.3~~
~~14.8~~
~~0.0~~
~~31.8~~
~~1.1~~
~~17.8~~
~~7.0~~
~~13.2~~
~~100.0~~
~~California~~
~~38.8~~
~~11.4~~
~~23.5~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~8.2~~
~~3.9~~
~~14.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Colorado~~
~~17.8~~
~~3.4~~
~~1.9~~
~~15.9~~
~~20.2~~
~~11.8~~
~~11.4~~
~~4.8~~
~~12.8~~
~~100.0~~
~~Connecticut~~
~~7.2~~
~~12.4~~
~~2.1~~
~~11.5~~
~~14.0~~
~~13.5~~
~~8.4~~
~~3.7~~
~~27.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Delaware~~
~~9.1~~
~~65.6~~
~~5.1~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~4.2~~
~~1.9~~
~~14.0~~
~~100.0~~
~~District of Columbia~~
~~58.6~~
~~11.8~~
~~12.4~~
~~7.5~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~3.7~~
~~3.7~~
~~2.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Florida~~
~~14.1~~
~~35.9~~
~~5.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~25.7~~
~~10.3~~
~~0.1~~
~~8.6~~
~~100.0~~
~~Georgia~~
~~22.7~~
~~4.6~~
~~1.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~47.1~~
~~4.6~~
~~1.2~~
~~18.1~~
~~100.0~~
~~Hawaii~~
~~17.5~~
~~4.5~~
~~18.8~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.6~~
~~7.1~~
~~3.6~~
~~47.8~~
~~100.0~~
~~Idaho~~
~~18.1~~
~~25.1~~
~~6.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~3.4~~
~~3.9~~
~~14.8~~
~~27.0~~
~~0.9~~
~~100.0~~
~~Il inois~~
~~4.4~~
~~48.4~~
~~1.5~~
~~7.5~~
~~9.0~~
~~20.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.1~~
~~8.4~~
~~100.0~~
~~Indiana~~
~~4.8~~
~~34.2~~
~~1.7~~
~~7.5~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.8~~
~~8.5~~
~~0.1~~
~~42.4~~
~~100.0~~
~~Iowa~~
~~15.9~~
~~27.5~~
~~4.4~~
~~13.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~24.4~~
~~3.4~~
~~0.2~~
~~10.9~~
~~100.0~~
~~Kansas~~
~~7.4~~
~~3.8~~
~~0.4~~
~~21.7~~
~~10.4~~
~~24.2~~
~~5.6~~
~~0.0~~
~~26.5~~
~~100.0~~
~~Kentucky~~
~~68.3~~
~~12.4~~
~~11.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~4.6~~
~~0.0~~
~~3.5~~
~~100.0~~
~~Louisiana~~
~~7.1~~
~~5.9~~
~~16.5~~
~~9.3~~
~~23.9~~
~~12.6~~
~~7.9~~
~~3.2~~
~~13.6~~
~~100.0~~
~~CRS-17~~

~~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~~
~~29.4~~
~~2.5~~
~~4.9~~
~~0.0~~
~~16.7~~
~~3.0~~
~~11.4~~
~~0.0~~
~~32.0~~
~~100.0~~
~~South Dakota~~
~~45.0~~
~~2.8~~
~~9.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~12.1~~
~~7.6~~
~~13.1~~
~~9.8~~
~~100.0~~
~~Tennessee~~
~~10.6~~
~~25.7~~
~~10.4~~
~~0.0~~
~~37.5~~
~~0.0~~
~~14.4~~
~~0.0~~
~~1.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Texas~~
~~4.6~~
~~0.0~~
~~8.7~~
~~0.0~~
~~34.5~~
~~38.3~~
~~7.0~~
~~0.4~~
~~6.4~~
~~100.0~~
~~Utah~~
~~17.9~~
~~23.4~~
~~15.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~12.9~~
~~1.4~~
~~6.7~~
~~2.1~~
~~20.3~~
~~100.0~~
~~Vermont~~
~~13.9~~
~~35.2~~
~~0.8~~
~~20.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~8.8~~
~~5.4~~
~~0.7~~
~~14.9~~
~~100.0~~
~~Virginia~~
~~21.9~~
~~12.9~~
~~12.2~~
~~0.1~~
~~2.2~~
~~19.0~~
~~16.1~~
~~1.8~~
~~13.8~~
~~100.0~~
~~Washington~~
~~13.2~~
~~14.3~~
~~12.4~~
~~0.0~~
~~4.9~~
~~2.7~~
~~5.2~~
~~7.2~~
~~40.1~~
~~100.0~~
~~West Virginia~~
~~27.8~~
~~14.6~~
~~0.4~~
~~0.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~18.3~~
~~10.3~~
~~9.4~~
~~19.2~~
~~100.0~~
~~Wisconsin~~
~~13.0~~
~~34.6~~
~~5.1~~
~~12.3~~
~~0.0~~
~~1.3~~
~~5.1~~
~~5.7~~
~~23.0~~
~~100.0~~
~~Wyoming~~
~~38.9~~
~~5.3~~
~~17.6~~
~~0.0~~
~~5.8~~
~~0.0~~
~~11.9~~
~~10.9~~
~~9.6~~
~~100.0~~
~~Totals~~
~~22.3~~
~~16.6~~
~~9.7~~
~~9.0~~
~~8.5~~
~~8.3~~
~~6.9~~
~~3.7~~
~~15.0~~
~~100.0~~
~~Source~~Start Welfare Tax Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals Alabama $14.408 $22.106 $31.327 $44.142 $0.000 $6.520 $10.955 $40.860 $34.685 $205.003 Alaska 38.742 12.147 0.000 0.000 0.000 10.890 6.524 0.318 11.711 80.331 Arizona 38.245 0.000 0.000 227.877 0.000 0.545 16.444 7.033 47.904 338.049 Arkansas 3.554 5.250 29.998 3.711 0.000 11.028 13.107 4.377 17.122 88.145 California 2,279.025 989.279 0.148 0.002 0.000 894.773 604.394 386.003 948.366 6,101.990 Colorado 57.199 13.946 85.909 58.450 79.530 6.050 57.673 3.832 61.740 424.328 Connecticut 26.847 54.791 68.593 72.973 52.700 10.179 37.444 14.534 137.849 475.909 Delaware 5.636 30.228 0.000 0.000 0.000 13.126 3.081 1.314 44.634 98.018 District of Columbia 200.126 53.056 0.000 0.000 21.476 32.943 13.756 96.951 10.951 429.260 Florida 168.261 306.439 0.000 258.744 0.000 42.024 52.455 2.038 65.812 895.773 Georgia 94.950 0.000 0.000 265.337 0.000 6.618 18.223 4.678 61.420 451.225 Hawaii 49.215 7.406 0.000 7.032 0.000 36.510 19.975 11.720 76.431 208.289 Idaho 6.910 8.980 1.477 1.727 0.000 2.506 5.069 13.834 0.334 40.838 Il inois 45.137 535.329 113.153 229.756 103.349 17.842 0.000 0.919 104.027 1,149.513 Indiana 19.941 91.865 0.000 2.161 19.082 1.494 22.685 0.346 130.046 287.620 Iowa 27.115 45.422 0.000 54.292 22.486 5.736 6.999 0.183 20.420 182.652 Kansas 9.941 6.673 15.997 35.340 38.294 0.813 10.360 0.000 44.118 161.535 CRS-14 Work Emergency Pre-K Education and Short- Basic Child Head- Child Refundable and Term State Assistance Care Start Welfare Tax Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals Kentucky 164.292 19.299 0.000 0.000 0.000 21.021 12.522 0.000 3.383 220.516 Louisiana 12.362 0.000 56.043 33.290 17.421 47.759 17.802 8.408 30.192 223.276 Maine 39.638 21.470 0.533 10.880 15.821 14.098 3.940 6.064 26.272 138.717 Maryland 170.394 5.442 58.021 30.070 202.029 27.898 23.550 37.056 48.229 602.689 Massachusetts 213.480 334.376 0.000 11.374 174.413 166.427 32.466 91.807 78.756 1,103.098 Michigan 103.219 26.423 157.550 73.918 30.914 3.314 55.456 21.443 772.126 1,244.361 Minnesota 123.948 124.236 5.700 0.000 109.977 58.388 45.379 14.045 25.247 506.919 Mississippi 3.531 1.715 0.000 15.210 0.000 19.532 6.779 0.000 10.569 57.336 Missouri 20.803 23.306 0.000 120.352 0.000 70.706 6.621 83.549 47.934 373.271 Montana 12.656 6.774 0.000 1.813 0.000 2.601 5.554 1.034 7.809 38.241 Nebraska 20.948 7.157 0.000 6.351 29.122 9.795 3.100 0.167 2.660 79.301 Nevada 36.031 10.087 0.000 30.990 0.000 0.523 8.544 7.920 21.327 115.422 New Hampshire 29.215 4.582 0.000 3.257 0.000 5.730 9.623 1.796 14.827 69.030 New Jersey 81.789 148.714 608.583 0.000 396.587 60.559 53.955 15.939 69.315 1,435.440 New Mexico 50.212 42.868 55.013 0.724 135.270 13.938 5.926 8.957 16.446 329.354 New York 1,633.424 375.680 818.713 361.021 1,026.718 140.863 438.496 194.668 314.213 5,303.796 North Carolina 30.908 217.901 76.713 150.227 0.000 4.610 45.942 3.841 47.833 577.974 North Dakota 4.553 0.000 0.000 15.452 0.000 3.575 5.279 0.022 1.819 30.699 Ohio 219.054 420.171 0.574 18.438 0.000 84.446 102.226 67.749 240.531 1,153.188 Oklahoma 21.070 43.340 0.000 8.787 0.000 14.979 8.065 0.514 28.941 125.697 Oregon 67.058 20.439 14.129 3.914 3.381 18.780 12.086 10.673 22.573 173.033 CRS-15 Work Emergency Pre-K Education and Short- Basic Child Head- Child Refundable and Term State Assistance Care Start Welfare Tax Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals Pennsylvania 105.679 373.782 221.517 0.000 0.000 101.555 55.402 5.484 99.923 963.342 Rhode Island 15.203 26.400 1.190 19.668 16.084 9.340 6.761 9.697 27.779 132.123 South Carolina 29.027 4.085 25.976 3.902 0.000 7.102 18.605 0.000 67.642 156.339 South Dakota 11.854 0.803 0.000 4.067 0.000 3.208 2.003 4.189 3.107 29.231 Tennessee 110.039 7.622 83.443 14.690 0.049 19.987 30.478 0.000 4.243 270.549 Texas 35.040 0.000 325.879 383.887 0.000 78.075 82.961 1.481 51.322 958.645 Utah 16.062 22.200 1.878 0.960 0.000 16.386 7.604 1.543 16.794 83.428 Vermont 11.321 30.079 0.000 7.263 17.684 0.312 5.107 0.475 13.068 85.308 Virginia 78.325 23.348 5.981 57.771 0.186 34.706 48.320 6.875 59.357 314.868 Washington 157.890 173.437 63.678 35.422 0.000 119.464 45.277 46.811 438.749 1,080.728 West Virginia 46.486 21.096 0.000 26.214 0.000 0.315 13.841 1.552 26.007 135.511 Wisconsin 82.274 187.509 0.000 9.258 69.700 30.876 28.134 26.105 128.300 562.157 Wyoming 13.736 1.554 1.606 0.000 0.000 4.275 2.635 3.539 2.548 29.892 Totals 6,856.770 4,908.814 2,929.319 2,720.713 2,582.272 2,314.738 2,149.582 1,272.343 4,587.410 30,321.961 Source: 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. Notes: Detail may not add to total because of rounding. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Also excludes spending from the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund. CRS-16 Table B-2. Uses of FY2021 TANF and MOE Funds by Category as a Percentage of Total Federal TANF and State MOE Spending Work Emergency Refund- Education and Short- Basic Pre-K Child able Tax and Term State Assistance Child Care Head Start Welfare Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals Alabama 7.0% 10.8% 15.3% 21.5% 0.0% 3.2% 5.3% 19.9% 16.9% 100.0% Alaska 48.2 15.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.6 8.1 0.4 14.6 100.0 Arizona 11.3 0.0 0.0 67.4 0.0 0.2 4.9 2.1 14.2 100.0 Arkansas 4.0 6.0 34.0 4.2 0.0 12.5 14.9 5.0 19.4 100.0 California 37.3 16.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.7 9.9 6.3 15.5 100.0 Colorado 13.5 3.3 20.2 13.8 18.7 1.4 13.6 0.9 14.5 100.0 Connecticut 5.6 11.5 14.4 15.3 11.1 2.1 7.9 3.1 29.0 100.0 Delaware 5.7 30.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.4 3.1 1.3 45.5 100.0 District of Columbia 46.6 12.4 0.0 0.0 5.0 7.7 3.2 22.6 2.6 100.0 Florida 18.8 34.2 0.0 28.9 0.0 4.7 5.9 0.2 7.3 100.0 Georgia 21.0 0.0 0.0 58.8 0.0 1.5 4.0 1.0 13.6 100.0 Hawaii 23.6 3.6 0.0 3.4 0.0 17.5 9.6 5.6 36.7 100.0 Idaho 16.9 22.0 3.6 4.2 0.0 6.1 12.4 33.9 0.8 100.0 Il inois 3.9 46.6 9.8 20.0 9.0 1.6 0.0 0.1 9.0 100.0 Indiana 6.9 31.9 0.0 0.8 6.6 0.5 7.9 0.1 45.2 100.0 Iowa 14.8 24.9 0.0 29.7 12.3 3.1 3.8 0.1 11.2 100.0 Kansas 6.2 4.1 9.9 21.9 23.7 0.5 6.4 0.0 27.3 100.0 Kentucky 74.5 8.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.5 5.7 0.0 1.5 100.0 Louisiana 5.5 0.0 25.1 14.9 7.8 21.4 8.0 3.8 13.5 100.0 CRS-17 Work Emergency Refund- Education and Short- Basic Pre-K Child able Tax and Term State Assistance Child Care Head Start Welfare Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals Maine 28.6 15.5 0.4 7.8 11.4 10.2 2.8 4.4 18.9 100.0 Maryland 28.3 0.9 9.6 5.0 33.5 4.6 3.9 6.1 8.0 100.0 Massachusetts 19.4 30.3 0.0 1.0 15.8 15.1 2.9 8.3 7.1 100.0 Michigan 8.3 2.1 12.7 5.9 2.5 0.3 4.5 1.7 62.0 100.0 Minnesota 24.5 24.5 1.1 0.0 21.7 11.5 9.0 2.8 5.0 100.0 Mississippi 6.2 3.0 0.0 26.5 0.0 34.1 11.8 0.0 18.4 100.0 Missouri 5.6 6.2 0.0 32.2 0.0 18.9 1.8 22.4 12.8 100.0 Montana 33.1 17.7 0.0 4.7 0.0 6.8 14.5 2.7 20.4 100.0 Nebraska 26.4 9.0 0.0 8.0 36.7 12.4 3.9 0.2 3.4 100.0 Nevada 31.2 8.7 0.0 26.8 0.0 0.5 7.4 6.9 18.5 100.0 New Hampshire 42.3 6.6 0.0 4.7 0.0 8.3 13.9 2.6 21.5 100.0 New Jersey 5.7 10.4 42.4 0.0 27.6 4.2 3.8 1.1 4.8 100.0 New Mexico 15.2 13.0 16.7 0.2 41.1 4.2 1.8 2.7 5.0 100.0 New York 30.8 7.1 15.4 6.8 19.4 2.7 8.3 3.7 5.9 100.0 North Carolina 5.3 37.7 13.3 26.0 0.0 0.8 7.9 0.7 8.3 100.0 North Dakota 14.8 0.0 0.0 50.3 0.0 11.6 17.2 0.1 5.9 100.0 Ohio 19.0 36.4 0.0 1.6 0.0 7.3 8.9 5.9 20.9 100.0 Oklahoma 16.8 34.5 0.0 7.0 0.0 11.9 6.4 0.4 23.0 100.0 Oregon 38.8 11.8 8.2 2.3 2.0 10.9 7.0 6.2 13.0 100.0 Pennsylvania 11.0 38.8 23.0 0.0 0.0 10.5 5.8 0.6 10.4 100.0 Rhode Island 11.5 20.0 0.9 14.9 12.2 7.1 5.1 7.3 21.0 100.0 CRS-18 Work Emergency Refund- Education and Short- Basic Pre-K Child able Tax and Term State Assistance Child Care Head Start Welfare Credits Training Administration Benefits Other Totals South Carolina 18.6 2.6 16.6 2.5 0.0 4.5 11.9 0.0 43.3 100.0 South Dakota 40.6 2.7 0.0 13.9 0.0 11.0 6.9 14.3 10.6 100.0 Tennessee 40.7 2.8 30.8 5.4 0.0 7.4 11.3 0.0 1.6 100.0 Texas 3.7 0.0 34.0 40.0 0.0 8.1 8.7 0.2 5.4 100.0 Utah 19.3 26.6 2.3 1.2 0.0 19.6 9.1 1.8 20.1 100.0 Vermont 13.3 35.3 0.0 8.5 20.7 0.4 6.0 0.6 15.3 100.0 Virginia 24.9 7.4 1.9 18.3 0.1 11.0 15.3 2.2 18.9 100.0 Washington 14.6 16.0 5.9 3.3 0.0 11.1 4.2 4.3 40.6 100.0 West Virginia 34.3 15.6 0.0 19.3 0.0 0.2 10.2 1.1 19.2 100.0 Wisconsin 14.6 33.4 0.0 1.6 12.4 5.5 5.0 4.6 22.8 100.0 Wyoming 46.0 5.2 5.4 0.0 0.0 14.3 8.8 11.8 8.5 100.0 Percentage of Total 22.6 16.2 9.7 9.0 8.5 7.6 7.1 4.2 15.1 100.0 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.
Also excludes spending from the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund.
CRS-19 CRS-19

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

Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of ~~FY2020~~FY2021
(September 30, (September 30, ~~2020; $~~2021, dollars in millions) in millions)
~~Unliquidated~~
~~State~~
State Unliquidated Obligations
Unobligated Balance
Alabama Alabama
$ $510.000 .000
$ $~~96.385~~103.338
Alaska Alaska
~~3.823~~
~~17.833~~22.434 0.000
Arizona Arizona
0.000 0.000
~~38.786~~52.910
Arkansas Arkansas
~~42.772~~
~~56.406~~30.757 81.927
California California
~~100.860~~544.053
0.000 0.000
Colorado Colorado
0.000 0.000
~~87.486~~100.116
Connecticut Connecticut
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Delaware Delaware
~~5.356~~
~~35.457~~3.038 41.844
District of Columbia District of Columbia
0.000 0.000
15. 15.~~236~~151 Florida 0.000 100.689 Georgia 39.196 119.452 Hawaii 26.939 378.498 Idaho 0.000 10.763
~~Florida~~
~~50.819~~
~~0.000~~
~~Georgia~~
~~26.758~~
~~79.824~~
~~Hawaii~~
~~15.302~~
~~364.301~~
~~Idaho~~
~~0.000~~
~~8.269~~
Il inois Il inois
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Indiana Indiana
~~13.406~~
~~18.647~~
~~Iowa~~
~~11.008~~
~~0.000~~10.799 54.338 Iowa 0.000 27.199
Kansas Kansas
3. 3.~~567~~
~~57.065~~870 58.384
Kentucky Kentucky
0.000 0.000
~~38.810~~71.791
Louisiana Louisiana
0.000 0.000
~~65.375~~71.546
Maine Maine
~~22.300~~
~~93.075~~35.681 56.365
Maryland Maryland
0.000 0.000
~~0.051~~15.827
Massachusetts Massachusetts
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Michigan Michigan
0.000 0.000
~~94.231~~115.981
Minnesota Minnesota
0.000 0.000
~~103.991~~141.295
Mississippi Mississippi
0.000 0.000
~~47.037~~97.906
Missouri Missouri
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Montana Montana
0.000 0.000
~~19.455~~41.651 Nebraska 65.682 55.541 Nevada 0.646 38.839
~~Nebraska~~
~~39.053~~
~~52.068~~
~~Nevada~~
~~33.445~~
~~1.769~~
New Hampshire New Hampshire
0.000 0.000
~~44.926~~52.564
New Jersey New Jersey
~~27.786~~
25141.402 0.000 New Mexico 48.103 7.139 New York 39.745 1,216.600~~.000~~
~~New Mexico~~
~~1.195~~
~~60.053~~
~~New York~~
~~311.017~~
~~586.125~~
~~North Carolina~~
~~55.335~~
~~0.000~~
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

~~Unliquidated~~
~~State~~
State Unliquidated Obligations
Unobligated Balance
North North Carolina 44.146 0.046 North Dakota Dakota
0.000 0.000
~~1.500~~6.183
Ohio Ohio
~~0.000~~
~~582.599~~608.572 10.393
Oklahoma Oklahoma
0.000 0.000
~~264.061~~333.671
Oregon Oregon
0.000 0.000
~~45.203~~135.508
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
~~88.075~~
~~410.985~~128.096 669.260
Rhode Island Rhode Island
0.000 0.000
~~25.051~~51.701
South Carolina South Carolina
0.000 0.000
~~0.000~~8.379
South Dakota South Dakota
0.000 0.000
~~22.795~~23.311
Tennessee Tennessee
0.000 0.000
~~789.634~~798.337
Texas Texas
0.000 0.000
~~281.369~~363.598
Utah Utah
0.000 0.000
~~59.430~~76.594
Vermont Vermont
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Virginia Virginia
7. 7.~~366~~
~~125.804~~808 104.563
Washington Washington
~~25.809~~
~~105.845~~43.648 98.034
West Virginia West Virginia
0.000 0.000
~~101.445~~110.193
Wisconsin Wisconsin
0.000 0.000
~~204.997~~213.669
Wyoming Wyoming
0.000 0.000
~~27.231~~25.430

Totals Totals
~~890.054~~
~~5,155.608~~1,854.618 6,156.520
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~~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.

Also excludes spending from the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund. Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, ~~March~~September 2022
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama Alabama
5, 5,~~607~~
~~12,514~~
~~10,498~~
~~2,016~~821 13,422 11,070 2,352
Alaska Alaska
1, 1,~~619~~
~~4,244~~
~~2,968~~
~~1,276~~319 3,511 2,476 1,035
Arizona Arizona
5, 5,~~938~~
~~12,448~~
~~10,335~~
~~2,113~~531 11,095 9,331 1,764
Arkansas Arkansas
~~1,229~~939
2, 2,~~661~~
~~2,182~~
~~479~~131 1,711 420
California California
~~316,819~~
~~1,027,878~~
~~720,028~~
~~307,850~~382,605 1,288,339 891,993 396,346
Colorado Colorado
12, 12,~~036~~195
29, 29,~~087~~805
21, 21,~~349~~
~~7,738~~801 8,004
Connecticut Connecticut
4, 4,~~670~~
~~10,008~~
~~7,519~~
~~2,489~~971 11,074 8,127 2,947
Delaware Delaware
2, 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~~945 8,297 4,947 3,350
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
~~Georgia~~
~~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~~District of Columbia 6,779 21,125 15,852 5,273 Florida 30,686 55,035 40,046 14,989 Georgia 5,734 10,608 9,936 672 Guam 343 934 689 245 Hawaii 3,681 10,608 7,248 3,360 Idaho 1,522 2,118 2,079 39 Il inois 10,058 20,273 17,871 2,402 Indiana 4,117 8,663 7,469 1,194 Iowa 5,108 12,394 9,593 2,801 Kansas 2,940 2,940 1,540 1,400 Kentucky 11,359 23,089 19,739 3,350 Louisiana 4,259 10,743 8,776 1,967 Maine 12,735 43,279 27,155 16,124 Maryland 16,773 45,401 32,688 12,713 Massachusetts 55,310 150,160 105,089 45,071 Michigan 8,751 23,617 18,534 5,083 Minnesota 13,697 32,321 24,402 7,919 Mississippi 1,687 2,315 2,085 230 Missouri 6,047 13,981 10,915 3,066 Montana 1,854 4,216 3,467 749 Nebraska 3,072 7,198 6,232 966 Nevada 6,245 16,270 11,814 4,456 New Hampshire 3,746 8,949 6,748 2,201 New Jersey 9,568 23,846 17,019 6,827 New Mexico 9,540 24,044 17,664 6,380 New York 115,984 298,197 200,273 97,924 North Carolina 11,907 21,868 19,082 2,786 North Dakota 596 1,415 1,253 162 Ohio 41,983 74,653 68,538 6,115 Oklahoma 3,542 7,611 6,835 776 Oregon 38,116 113,153 73,874 39,279 Pennsylvania 29,470 73,730 55,843 17,887 Puerto Rico 3,158 8,687 5,413 3,274 Rhode Island 3,150 8,350 5,937 2,413 South Carolina 6,233 14,308 11,774 2,534 South Dakota 2,393 4,679 4,383 296 Tennessee 13,852 29,286 23,761 5,525
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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~~Texas 10,879 20,782 18,438 2,344 Utah 1,924 4,338 3,260 1,078 Vermont 2,085 4,714 3,448 1,266 Virgin Islands 61 211 150 61 Virginia 20,419 42,644 31,939 10,705 Washington 44,355 112,885 74,229 38,656 West Virginia 5,257 10,217 8,610 1,607 Wisconsin 12,156 26,201 21,916 4,285 Wyoming 441 1,043 812 231 Totals 1,019,898 2,820,773 2,015,874 804,899
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). Data as of Services (HHS). Data as of ~~3/10/22 and are~~December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. subject to revision.
~~Note~~Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, ~~March~~September of Selected Years

Percentage Change
1994-
~~2010~~2021- State 1994
2019
~~2022~~
~~1994-~~2021 2022
~~2019-~~2022
2022
Alabama 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~~
48,752 7,687 5,678 5,821 -88.1% 2.5% Alaska 12,450 2,245 1,573 1,319 -89.4 -16.1 Arizona 72,728 7,010 6,113 5,531 -92.4 -9.5 Arkansas 25,298 2,357 1,365 939 -96.3 -31.2 California 916,795 367,313 301,515 382,605 -58.3 26.9 Colorado 40,544 14,226 10,373 12,195 -69.9 17.6 Connecticut 60,336 7,724 4,723 4,971 -91.8 5.3 Delaware 11,408 3,249 2,695 2,945 -74.2 9.3 District of Columbia 27,320 7,745 7,383 6,779 -75.2 -8.2 Florida 239,702 38,093 31,956 30,686 -87.2 -4.0 Georgia 141,596 8,837 7,286 5,734 -96.0 -21.3 Guam 2,089 439 333 343 -83.6 3.0 Hawaii 21,312 4,029 5,553 3,681 -82.7 -33.7 Idaho 8,635 2,043 1,615 1,522 -82.4 -5.8 Il inois 241,290 10,874 9,673 10,058 -95.8 4.0 Indiana 72,654 5,164 6,637 4,117 -94.3 -38.0 Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

23 23

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

Percentage Change
1994-
~~2010~~
~~2019~~
~~2022~~
~~1994-2022~~
~~2019-~~2021- State 1994 2019 2021 2022 2022 2022 Iowa 39,137 8,922 5,894 5,108 -86.9 -13.3 Kansas 29,524 4,039 2,845 2,940 -90.0 3.3 Kentucky 78,720 16,586 11,866 11,359 -85.6 -4.3 Louisiana 84,162 4,726 2,667 4,259 -94.9 59.7 Maine 22,322 14,634 11,184 12,735 -42.9 13.9 Maryland 80,266 16,469 20,949 16,773 -79.1 -19.9 Massachusetts 108,985 50,166 41,924 55,310 -49.2 31.9 Michigan 215,873 10,788 7,795 8,751 -95.9 12.3 Minnesota 59,987 15,399 17,511 13,697 -77.2 -21.8 Mississippi 55,232 3,083 1,605 1,687 -96.9 5.1 Missouri 91,875 9,760 6,679 6,047 -93.4 -9.5 Montana 11,416 3,236 1,957 1,854 -83.8 -5.3 Nebraska 15,435 4,364 3,348 3,072 -80.1 -8.2 Nevada 14,620 8,042 5,592 6,245 -57.3 11.7 New Hampshire 11,398 5,206 4,004 3,746 -67.1 -6.4 New Jersey 122,376 8,857 8,083 9,568 -92.2 18.4 New Mexico 34,535 10,087 11,665 9,540 -72.4 -18.2 New York 461,751 113,971 101,625 115,984 -74.9 14.1 North Carolina 129,258 13,064 12,550 11,907 -90.8 -5.1 North Dakota 5,410 957 1,026 596 -89.0 -41.9 Ohio 244,099 51,140 43,396 41,983 -82.8 -3.3 Oklahoma 46,572 5,949 3,972 3,542 -92.4 -10.8 Oregon 40,504 36,971 28,291 38,116 -5.9 34.7 Pennsylvania 212,457 39,746 25,073 29,470 -86.1 17.5 Puerto Rico 57,337 4,475 4,326 3,158 -94.5 -27.0 Rhode Island 22,776 4,002 2,267 3,150 -86.2 39.0 South Carolina 50,430 7,649 6,869 6,233 -87.6 -9.3 South Dakota 6,601 2,923 2,352 2,393 -63.7 1.7 Tennessee 109,678 19,221 13,402 13,852 -87.4 3.4 Texas 284,973 22,821 14,626 10,879 -96.2 -25.6 Utah 17,505 3,170 2,196 1,924 -89.0 -12.4 Vermont 9,761 2,669 1,938 2,085 -78.6 7.6 Virgin Islands 1,146 96 74 61 -94.7 -17.6 Virginia 74,257 16,649 17,922 20,419 -72.5 13.9 Washington 101,542 36,023 35,223 44,355 -56.3 25.9 Congressional Research Service 24 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs Percentage Change 1994- 2021- State 1994 2019 2021 2022 2022 2022 West Virginia 40,279 6,331 5,550 5,257 -86.9 -5.3 Wisconsin 75,086 15,122 13,881 12,156 -83.8 -12.4 Wyoming 5,351 504 450 441 -91.8 -2.0 Totals 5,015,545 1,086,852 907,048 1,019,898 -79.7 12.4 Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Data as of December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. Notes: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. ~~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~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

24

~~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
~~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
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

25 25

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
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

26 26

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

Maximum Monthly
Benefit as a
Percentage of the
Maximum Monthly
Federal Poverty

Benefit ($)
Level
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: FY2021
Caseload
Reduction
Credit
~~Effected (after~~Effective
Work
Statutory
(percentage
(after credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
~~standard~~Standard?
Alabama Alabama
50.0% 50.0%
-50.0 -50.0
0.0% 0.0%
36.9% 36.9%
Yes Yes
Alaska Alaska
50.0 50.0
-42.0 -42.0
8.0 8.0
30.7 30.7
Yes Yes
Arizona Arizona
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
11.7 11.7
Yes Yes
Arkansas Arkansas
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
14.1 14.1
Yes Yes
California California
50.0 50.0
-30.2 -30.2
19.8 19.8
52.1 52.1
Yes Yes
Colorado Colorado
50.0 50.0
-49.2 -49.2
0.8 0.8
44.2 44.2
Yes Yes
Connecticut Connecticut
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
3.4 3.4
Yes Yes
Delaware Delaware
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
27.6 27.6
Yes Yes
District of Col. District of Col.
50.0 50.0
-39.7 -39.7
10.3 10.3
15.0 15.0
Yes Yes
Florida Florida
50.0 50.0
-34.5 -34.5
15.5 15.5
3.7 3.7
No No
Georgia Georgia
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
4.6 4.6
Yes Yes
Guam Guam
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
2.9 2.9
Yes Yes
Hawaii Hawaii
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
10.9 10.9
Yes Yes
Idaho Idaho
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
71.4 71.4
Yes Yes
Il inois Il inois
50.0 50.0
-42.4 -42.4
7.6 7.6
56.0 56.0
Yes Yes
Indiana Indiana
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
12.6 12.6
Yes Yes
Iowa Iowa
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
13.1 13.1
Yes Yes
Kansas Kansas
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
28.7 28.7
Yes Yes
Kentucky Kentucky
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
20.6 20.6
Yes Yes
Louisiana Louisiana
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
0.5 0.5
Yes Yes Maine 50.0 0.0 50.0 79.7 Yes
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

27 27

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

Caseload
Reduction
Credit
~~Effected (after~~Effective
Work
Statutory
(percentage
(after credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
~~standard?~~
~~Maine~~
~~50.0~~
~~0.0~~
~~50.0~~
~~79.7~~
~~Yes~~Standard?
Maryland Maryland
50.0 50.0
-35.7 -35.7
14.3 14.3
3.2 3.2
No No
Massachusetts Massachusetts
50.0 50.0
-29.3 -29.3
20.7 20.7
53.8 53.8
Yes Yes
Michigan Michigan
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
25.2 25.2
Yes Yes
Minnesota Minnesota
50.0 50.0
-47.3 -47.3
2.7 2.7
14.9 14.9
Yes Yes
Mississippi Mississippi
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
41.7 41.7
Yes Yes
Missouri Missouri
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
17.4 17.4
Yes Yes
Montana Montana
50.0 50.0
-39.1 -39.1
10.9 10.9
36.3 36.3
Yes Yes
Nebraska Nebraska
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
9.6 9.6
Yes Yes
Nevada Nevada
50.0 50.0
-45.8 -45.8
4.2 4.2
22.8 22.8
Yes Yes
New Hampshire New Hampshire
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
58.9 58.9
Yes Yes
New Jersey New Jersey
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
4.3 4.3
Yes Yes
New Mexico New Mexico
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
7.2 7.2
Yes Yes
New York New York
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
10.3 10.3
Yes Yes
North Carolina North Carolina
50.0 50.0
-48.7 -48.7
1.3 1.3
4.7 4.7
Yes Yes
North Dakota North Dakota
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
8.5 8.5
Yes Yes
Ohio Ohio
50.0 50.0
-41.2 -41.2
8.8 8.8
31.9 31.9
Yes Yes
Oklahoma Oklahoma
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
13.7 13.7
Yes Yes
Oregon Oregon
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
34.1 34.1
No No
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
11.3 11.3
Yes Yes
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
0.6 0.6
Yes Yes
Rhode Island Rhode Island
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
6.5 6.5
Yes Yes
South Carolina South Carolina
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
9.0 9.0
Yes Yes
South Dakota South Dakota
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
58.8 58.8
Yes Yes
Tennessee Tennessee
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
24.8 24.8
Yes Yes
Texas Texas
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
3.1 3.1
Yes Yes
Utah Utah
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
10.5 10.5
Yes Yes
Vermont Vermont
50.0 50.0
-48.9 -48.9
1.1 1.1
35.4 35.4
Yes Yes
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
1.2 1.2
Yes Yes
Virginia Virginia
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
14.5 14.5
Yes Yes
Washington Washington
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
34.7 34.7
Yes Yes
West Virginia West Virginia
50.0 50.0
-50.0 -50.0
0.0 0.0
20.8 20.8
Yes Yes
Wisconsin Wisconsin
50.0 50.0
-42.5 -42.5
7.5 7.5
36.9 36.9
Yes Yes
Wyoming Wyoming
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
73.8 73.8
Yes Yes
~~Congressional Research Service~~

28

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

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
Congressional Research Service 28 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: FY2021
(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
Credit
(after
Work
Statutory
(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
Standard?
Alabama Alabama
90.0 90.0
-90.0 -90.0
0.0 0.0
55.7 55.7
Yes Yes
Alaska Alaska
90.0 90.0
-52.1 -52.1
37.9 37.9
40.9 40.9
Yes Yes
Arizona Arizona
90.0 90.0
-75.9 -75.9
14.1 14.1
15.1 15.1
Yes Yes
Arkansas Arkansas
90.0 90.0
-76.7 -76.7
13.3 13.3
17.7 17.7
Yes Yes
California California
90.0 90.0
-34.4 -34.4
55.6 55.6
22.8 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
-46.8 -46.8
43.2 43.2
1.0 1.0
No No
Georgia Georgia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Guam Guam
90.0 90.0
-54.7 -54.7
35.3 35.3
0.6 0.6
No No
Hawaii Hawaii
90.0 90.0
-74.3 -74.3
15.7 15.7
12.4 12.4
No 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
-77.7 -77.7
12.3 12.3
16.6 16.6
Yes Yes
Iowa Iowa
90.0 90.0
-84.7 -84.7
5.3 5.3
10.7 10.7
Yes Yes
Kansas Kansas
90.0 90.0
-67.0 -67.0
23.0 23.0
31.5 31.5
Yes Yes
Kentucky Kentucky
90.0 90.0
-62.2 -62.2
27.8 27.8
32.5 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
91.6 91.6
Yes Yes
Maryland Maryland
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Massachusetts Massachusetts
90.0 90.0
-29.3 -29.3
60.7 60.7
91.4 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
-70.4 -70.4
19.6 19.6
38.5 38.5
Yes Yes Nebraska NA NA NA NA NA Nevada 90.0 -45.8 44.2 29.0 No New Hampshire NA NA NA NA NA
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

29 29

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 New Jersey
90.0 90.0
-83.8 -83.8
6.2 6.2
95.9 95.9
Yes Yes
New Mexico New Mexico
90.0 90.0
-66.2 -66.2
23.8 23.8
8.5 8.5
No No
New York New York
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
North Carolina North Carolina
90.0 90.0
-48.7 -48.7
41.3 41.3
9.7 9.7
No No
North Dakota North Dakota
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Ohio Ohio
90.0 90.0
-83.0 -83.0
7.0 7.0
29.6 29.6
Yes Yes
Oklahoma Oklahoma
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Oregon Oregon
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
67.8 67.8
No No
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
90.0 90.0
-90.0 -90.0
0.0 0.0
34.0 34.0
Yes Yes
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Rhode Island Rhode Island
90.0 90.0
-63.7 -63.7
26.3 26.3
6.8 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
-76.7 -76.7
13.3 13.3
24.0 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
-58.9 -58.9
31.1 31.1
79.9 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
-52.5 -52.5
37.5 37.5
58.1 58.1
Yes Yes
West Virginia West Virginia
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Wisconsin Wisconsin
90.0 90.0
-63.1 -63.1
26.9 26.9
39.9 39.9
Yes Yes
Wyoming Wyoming
90.0 90.0
0.0 0.0
90.0 90.0
70.4 70.4
No No

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

~~Congressional Research Service~~

30

~~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

Congressional Research Service 30 The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Acknowledgments
CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations. CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations.

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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