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

Changes from October 4, 2023 to November 29, 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
~~October 4~~November 29, 2023 , 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 FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in federal MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in federal
TANF and state MOE dollars. Of that FY2021 total, expenditures on basic assistance were $6.9 billion—22.6% of total TANF and state MOE dollars. Of that FY2021 total, expenditures on basic assistance were $6.9 billion—22.6% of total
federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash on a monthly basis. The federal TANF and MOE dollars. Basic assistance is often—but not exclusively—paid as cash 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 remainder of TANF and MOE funds were spent on a wide range of benefits, services, and activities: 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 1.0 million families, composed of 2.8 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September A total of 1.0 million families, composed of 2.8 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September
2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2.0 million in that month. 2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2.0 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 access to information and ~~data~~data. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance assistance ov~~er time~~over time. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance. expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block
Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What is TANF’s funding status?
The The Further Continuing AppropriationsContinuing Appropriations ~~Act, 2024~~ and Other Extensions Act and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (P.L. 118- (P.L. 118-1522) extended ) extended
TANF funding through TANF funding through ~~November 17, 2023~~February 2, 2024. .
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.1 There is also a contingency fund available that provides Islands, and American Indian tribes.1 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?
TANF was created by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of TANF was created by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of
1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—both nationally and for each 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—both nationally and for each
state—was established in the 1996 law. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia, state—was established in the 1996 law. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia,
territories, and tribes was $16.6 billion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount territories, and tribes was $16.6 billion in total. From FY1997 through FY2016, that amount
remained the same. The basic block grant was not adjusted for changes that occur over time, such remained the same. The basic block grant was not adjusted for changes that occur over time, such
as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance caseload, or changes in the poverty population. as inflation, the size of the TANF assistance caseload, or changes in the poverty population.
During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted) value of the block grant declined by one-third During this period, the real (inflation-adjusted) value of the block grant declined by one-third
(33.1%). Beginning with FY2017, the state family assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from (33.1%). Beginning with FY2017, the state family assistance grant was reduced by 0.33% from
its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block its historical levels to finance TANF-related research and technical assistance. The reduced block
grant amount is $16.5 billion. grant amount is $16.5 billion.

1 American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands do not operate TANF programs. The 1 American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands do not operate TANF programs. The
former is eligible but does not operate programs; the latter is ineligible for TANF funds. former is eligible but does not operate programs; the latter is ineligible for TANF funds.
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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) (dollars in billions)
State Family
Cumulative
State Family
Assistance
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
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 Constant ~~dollars~~dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
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How have states used TANF funds?
In FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in combined federal TANF and state MOE dollars In FY2021, states used a total of $30.3 billion in combined federal TANF and state MOE dollars
(this total includes dollars transferred to other block grant program, but excludes expenditures in (this total includes dollars transferred to other block grant program, but excludes expenditures in
tribal TANF programs or those operated in the territories). Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to tribal TANF programs or those operated in the territories). Basic assistance—ongoing benefits to
families to meet basic needs—represented 22.6% ($6.9 billion) of total FY2021 TANF and MOE families to meet basic needs—represented 22.6% ($6.9 billion) of total FY2021 TANF and MOE
dollars. dollars.
TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2021, $4.9 billion (16.2% of all TANF TANF is a major contributor of child care funding. In FY2021, $4.9 billion (16.2% of all TANF
and MOE funds) were either expended on child care directly within TANF or transferred to the and MOE funds) were either expended on child care directly within TANF or transferred to the
child care block grant (the Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF and MOE funds child care block grant (the Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF). TANF and MOE funds
also help fund state pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, with FY2021 expenditures for pre-K also help fund state pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, with FY2021 expenditures for pre-K
programs totaling $2.9 billion. programs totaling $2.9 billion.
TANF is also a major contributor to the child welfare system, which provides foster care, 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 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. experiencing, child abuse or neglect, spending about $2.7 billion on such activities.
TANF also helps low-wage parents by helping to finance state refundable tax credits, such as 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) or state refundable child credits. TANF and state add-ons to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or state refundable child credits. TANF and
MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2021 totaled $2.6 billion, or 8.5% of total MOE expenditures on refundable tax credits in FY2021 totaled $2.6 billion, or 8.5% of total
TANF and MOE spending. TANF and MOE spending.
TANF work-related activities (including education and training) were the fifth-largest TANF and TANF 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 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 and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social funds are also used for short-term and emergency benefits and a wide range of other social
services. services.
Figure 1 shows the uses of federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2021. Note shows the uses of federal TANF grants to states and state MOE funds in FY2021. Note
that the data in this figure exclude spending from the Pandemic Emergency Fund, a temporary $1 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 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 needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. States, tribes, and territories could use Pandemic
Emergency Fund dollars only on “non-recurring short-term benefits.” Emergency Fund dollars only on “non-recurring short-term benefits.”
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Figure 1. Uses of Federal TANF and MOE Funds by Spending Category, FY2021
(dollars in billions) (dollars 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: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes spending from the Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Excludes spending from the
Pandemic Emergency Assistance fund, which is reported separately. 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 of the TANF grant has gone unspent?
TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in TANF law permits states to “reserve” unused funds without time limit. This permits flexibility in
timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected timing of the use of TANF funds, including the ability to “save” funds for unexpected
occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters). occurrences that might increase costs (such as recessions or natural disasters).
At the end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021), a total of $8.0 billion of federal TANF funding At the end of FY2021 (September 30, 2021), a total of $8.0 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 approximately $1.9 billion. At the end commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of approximately $1.9 billion. At the end
of FY2021, states had approximately $6.2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are of FY2021, states had approximately $6.2 billion of “unobligated balances.” These funds are
available to states to make available to states to make new spending commitment spending commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state. by state.
The Caseload
How many families receive TANF- or MOE-funded benefits
and services?
This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving
only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services. benefits and services.
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“Assistance” is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.2 It is most “Assistance” is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.2 It is most
often paid in cash. However, some states use TANF or MOE funds to provide an “earnings often paid in cash. However, some states use TANF or MOE funds to provide an “earnings
supplement” to working parents added to monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program supplement” to working parents added to monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) allotments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash (SNAP) allotments. These earnings supplements are paid separately from the regular TANF cash
assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for assistance program. Additionally, TANF MOE dollars are used to fund food assistance for
immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet immigrants barred from regular SNAP benefits in certain states. These forms of nutrition aid meet
an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance. an ongoing need, and thus are considered TANF assistance.
As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 21% As discussed in a previous section of this report, TANF basic assistance accounts for about 21%
of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families of all TANF expenditures. Therefore, the federal reporting requirements that pertain to families
receiving assistance are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-funded receiving assistance are likely to undercount the number of families receiving any TANF-funded
benefit or service. benefit or service.
How many families and people currently receive TANF- or
MOE-funded assistance?
Table 2 provides assistance caseload information. A total of approximately 1.0 million families, provides assistance caseload information. A total of approximately 1.0 million families,
composed of 2.8 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September composed of 2.8 million recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in September
2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2.0 million in that month. For state-by-state 2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2.0 million in that month. For state-by-state
assistance caseloads, seeassistance caseloads, see Table B-4.
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF and MOE-funded Assistance,
September 2022
Total Families Total Families
1,019,898 1,019,898
Total Recipients Total Recipients
2,820,773 2,820,773
Total Child Recipients Total Child Recipients
2,015,874 2,015,874
Total Adult Recipients Total Adult Recipients
804,899 804,899
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 December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. Services (HHS). Data as of December 27, 2022, and subject to revision.
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 September 2022. The assistance from TANF or its predecessor program, from July 1959 to September 2022. The
shaded areas of the figure represent months when the national economy was in recession. Though shaded 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-the health of the national economy has affected the trend in the cash assistance caseload, the long-
term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a term trend in receipt of cash assistance does not follow a classic countercyclical pattern. Such a
pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods pattern would have the caseload rise during economic slumps, and then fall again during periods
of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy of economic growth. Factors other than the health of the economy (demographic trends, policy
changes) also have influenced the caseload trend. changes) also have influenced the caseload trend.
The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to The figure shows two periods of sustained caseload increases: the period from the mid-1960s to
the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving the mid-1970s and a second period from 1988 to 1994. The number of families receiving
assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in assistance peaked in March 1994 at 5.1 million families. The assistance caseload fell rapidly in

2 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF 2 The definition of TANF assistance is not in statute. However, because the statutory language has most TANF
requirements triggered by a family receiving “assistance,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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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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 COVID-19 pandemic, there was a During 2020, a year when the economy was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a
brief uptick in the number of families receiving assistance. That response to the pandemic was 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 short-lived.3 The number of families receiving assistance declined until late 2021, but has recently
been rising. been rising.
The number of families receiving assistance increased by 113,000 nationwide from September 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 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 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 increase in families receiving assistance is concentrated in a small number of larger-population
states (California, Massachusetts, and New York)states (California, Massachusetts, and New York). Table B-5 shows recent trends in the number shows recent trends in the number
of cash assistance families by state. 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 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. Services (HHS). Data as of December 27, 2022, and subject to revision.

3 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs—in particular, unemployment insurance—that 3 In 2020 and 2021, Congress enacted expansions to other programs—in particular, unemployment insurance—that
might have lessened the need for need-tested cash from TANF. 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 the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, see Laura poverty interventions in response to the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, see Laura
Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, Wheaton, Linda Giannarelli, and Ilham Dehry, 2021 Poverty Projections: Assessing the Impact of Benefits and
Stimulus Measures, Urban Institute, July 2021. , Urban Institute, July 2021.
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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 2020.4 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in one child (family of two) in July 2020.4 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.

4 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF 4 States are not required to report to the federal government their cash assistance benefit amounts in either the TANF
state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social state plan (under Section 402 of the Social Security Act) or in annual program reports (under Section 411 of the Social
Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute Security Act). The benefit amounts shown are from the “Welfare Rules Database,” maintained by the Urban Institute
and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Some states vary their benefit amounts for other and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Some states vary their benefit amounts for other
family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States also vary their benefits by other factors such as family types such as two-parent families or “child-only” cases. States also vary their benefits by other factors such as
housing costs and substate geography. housing costs and substate geography.
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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?
The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in The TANF statute requires states to have 50% of their caseload meet standards of participation in
work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum work or activities—that is, a family member must be in specified activities for a minimum
number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion number of hours.5 There is a separate participation standard that applies to the two-parent portion
of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation of a state’s caseload, requiring 90% of the state’s two-parent caseload to meet participation
standards. standards.

5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families 5 Families without a work-eligible individual are excluded from the participation rate calculation. It excludes families
where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible where the parent is a nonrecipient (for example, disabled receiving Supplemental Security Income or an ineligible
noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who noncitizen) or the children in the family are being cared for by a nonparent relative (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle) who
does not receive assistance on his or her behalf. does not receive assistance on his or her behalf.
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The 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?
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. However, in FY2021, Florida, Maryland, and work participation standards despite this decline. 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.”6 HHS has the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to the maximum extent possible.”6 HHS has
not revised this statement under the Biden Administration. not revised this statement under the Biden Administration.

6 U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, 6 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 and child recipients were not ~~collected~~col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percentage of all children and . For those years, TANF children as a percentage of all children and
percentage of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in percentage of all poor children were estimated by HHS and published in Welfare Indicators and Risk Factors, Annual
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 FY2021 TANF and MOE Funds by Category
(dollars in millions) (dollars in millions)
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
Alabama Alabama
$14.408 $14.408
$22.106 $22.106
$31.327 $31.327
$44.142 $44.142
$0.000 $0.000
$6.520 $6.520
$10.955 $10.955
$40.860 $40.860
$34.685 $34.685
$205.003 $205.003
Alaska Alaska
38.742 38.742
12.147 12.147
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
10.890 10.890
6.524 6.524
0.318 0.318
11.711 11.711
80.331 80.331
Arizona Arizona
38.245 38.245
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
227.877 227.877
0.000 0.000
0.545 0.545
16.444 16.444
7.033 7.033
47.904 47.904
338.049 338.049
Arkansas Arkansas
3.554 3.554
5.250 5.250
29.998 29.998
3.711 3.711
0.000 0.000
11.028 11.028
13.107 13.107
4.377 4.377
17.122 17.122
88.145 88.145
California California
2,279.025 2,279.025
989.279 989.279
0.148 0.148
0.002 0.002
0.000 0.000
894.773 894.773
604.394 604.394
386.003 386.003
948.366 948.366
6,101.990 6,101.990
Colorado Colorado
57.199 57.199
13.946 13.946
85.909 85.909
58.450 58.450
79.530 79.530
6.050 6.050
57.673 57.673
3.832 3.832
61.740 61.740
424.328 424.328
Connecticut Connecticut
26.847 26.847
54.791 54.791
68.593 68.593
72.973 72.973
52.700 52.700
10.179 10.179
37.444 37.444
14.534 14.534
137.849 137.849
475.909 475.909
Delaware Delaware
5.636 5.636
30.228 30.228
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
13.126 13.126
3.081 3.081
1.314 1.314
44.634 44.634
98.018 98.018
District of Columbia District of Columbia
200.126 200.126
53.056 53.056
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
21.476 21.476
32.943 32.943
13.756 13.756
96.951 96.951
10.951 10.951
429.260 429.260
Florida Florida
168.261 168.261
306.439 306.439
0.000 0.000
258.744 258.744
0.000 0.000
42.024 42.024
52.455 52.455
2.038 2.038
65.812 65.812
895.773 895.773
Georgia Georgia
94.950 94.950
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
265.337 265.337
0.000 0.000
6.618 6.618
18.223 18.223
4.678 4.678
61.420 61.420
451.225 451.225
Hawaii Hawaii
49.215 49.215
7.406 7.406
0.000 0.000
7.032 7.032
0.000 0.000
36.510 36.510
19.975 19.975
11.720 11.720
76.431 76.431
208.289 208.289
Idaho Idaho
6.910 6.910
8.980 8.980
1.477 1.477
1.727 1.727
0.000 0.000
2.506 2.506
5.069 5.069
13.834 13.834
0.334 0.334
40.838 40.838
~~Illinois~~Il inois
45.137 45.137
535.329 535.329
113.153 113.153
229.756 229.756
103.349 103.349
17.842 17.842
0.000 0.000
0.919 0.919
104.027 104.027
1,149.513 1,149.513
Indiana Indiana
19.941 19.941
91.865 91.865
0.000 0.000
2.161 2.161
19.082 19.082
1.494 1.494
22.685 22.685
0.346 0.346
130.046 130.046
287.620 287.620
Iowa Iowa
27.115 27.115
45.422 45.422
0.000 0.000
54.292 54.292
22.486 22.486
5.736 5.736
6.999 6.999
0.183 0.183
20.420 20.420
182.652 182.652
Kansas Kansas
9.941 9.941
6.673 6.673
15.997 15.997
35.340 35.340
38.294 38.294
0.813 0.813
10.360 10.360
0.000 0.000
44.118 44.118
161.535 161.535
CRS-14 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 Kentucky
164.292 164.292
19.299 19.299
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
21.021 21.021
12.522 12.522
0.000 0.000
3.383 3.383
220.516 220.516
Louisiana Louisiana
12.362 12.362
0.000 0.000
56.043 56.043
33.290 33.290
17.421 17.421
47.759 47.759
17.802 17.802
8.408 8.408
30.192 30.192
223.276 223.276
Maine Maine
39.638 39.638
21.470 21.470
0.533 0.533
10.880 10.880
15.821 15.821
14.098 14.098
3.940 3.940
6.064 6.064
26.272 26.272
138.717 138.717
Maryland Maryland
170.394 170.394
5.442 5.442
58.021 58.021
30.070 30.070
202.029 202.029
27.898 27.898
23.550 23.550
37.056 37.056
48.229 48.229
602.689 602.689
Massachusetts Massachusetts
213.480 213.480
334.376 334.376
0.000 0.000
11.374 11.374
174.413 174.413
166.427 166.427
32.466 32.466
91.807 91.807
78.756 78.756
1,103.098 1,103.098
Michigan Michigan
103.219 103.219
26.423 26.423
157.550 157.550
73.918 73.918
30.914 30.914
3.314 3.314
55.456 55.456
21.443 21.443
772.126 772.126
1,244.361 1,244.361
Minnesota Minnesota
123.948 123.948
124.236 124.236
5.700 5.700
0.000 0.000
109.977 109.977
58.388 58.388
45.379 45.379
14.045 14.045
25.247 25.247
506.919 506.919
Mississippi Mississippi
3.531 3.531
1.715 1.715
0.000 0.000
15.210 15.210
0.000 0.000
19.532 19.532
6.779 6.779
0.000 0.000
10.569 10.569
57.336 57.336
Missouri Missouri
20.803 20.803
23.306 23.306
0.000 0.000
120.352 120.352
0.000 0.000
70.706 70.706
6.621 6.621
83.549 83.549
47.934 47.934
373.271 373.271
Montana Montana
12.656 12.656
6.774 6.774
0.000 0.000
1.813 1.813
0.000 0.000
2.601 2.601
5.554 5.554
1.034 1.034
7.809 7.809
38.241 38.241
Nebraska Nebraska
20.948 20.948
7.157 7.157
0.000 0.000
6.351 6.351
29.122 29.122
9.795 9.795
3.100 3.100
0.167 0.167
2.660 2.660
79.301 79.301
Nevada Nevada
36.031 36.031
10.087 10.087
0.000 0.000
30.990 30.990
0.000 0.000
0.523 0.523
8.544 8.544
7.920 7.920
21.327 21.327
115.422 115.422
New Hampshire New Hampshire
29.215 29.215
4.582 4.582
0.000 0.000
3.257 3.257
0.000 0.000
5.730 5.730
9.623 9.623
1.796 1.796
14.827 14.827
69.030 69.030
New Jersey New Jersey
81.789 81.789
148.714 148.714
608.583 608.583
0.000 0.000
396.587 396.587
60.559 60.559
53.955 53.955
15.939 15.939
69.315 69.315
1,435.440 1,435.440
New Mexico New Mexico
50.212 50.212
42.868 42.868
55.013 55.013
0.724 0.724
135.270 135.270
13.938 13.938
5.926 5.926
8.957 8.957
16.446 16.446
329.354 329.354
New York New York
1,633.424 1,633.424
375.680 375.680
818.713 818.713
361.021 361.021
1,026.718 1,026.718
140.863 140.863
438.496 438.496
194.668 194.668
314.213 314.213
5,303.796 5,303.796
North Carolina North Carolina
30.908 30.908
217.901 217.901
76.713 76.713
150.227 150.227
0.000 0.000
4.610 4.610
45.942 45.942
3.841 3.841
47.833 47.833
577.974 577.974
North Dakota North Dakota
4.553 4.553
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
15.452 15.452
0.000 0.000
3.575 3.575
5.279 5.279
0.022 0.022
1.819 1.819
30.699 30.699
Ohio Ohio
219.054 219.054
420.171 420.171
0.574 0.574
18.438 18.438
0.000 0.000
84.446 84.446
102.226 102.226
67.749 67.749
240.531 240.531
1,153.188 1,153.188
Oklahoma Oklahoma
21.070 21.070
43.340 43.340
0.000 0.000
8.787 8.787
0.000 0.000
14.979 14.979
8.065 8.065
0.514 0.514
28.941 28.941
125.697 125.697
Oregon Oregon
67.058 67.058
20.439 20.439
14.129 14.129
3.914 3.914
3.381 3.381
18.780 18.780
12.086 12.086
10.673 10.673
22.573 22.573
173.033 173.033
CRS-15 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 Pennsylvania
105.679 105.679
373.782 373.782
221.517 221.517
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
101.555 101.555
55.402 55.402
5.484 5.484
99.923 99.923
963.342 963.342
Rhode Island Rhode Island
15.203 15.203
26.400 26.400
1.190 1.190
19.668 19.668
16.084 16.084
9.340 9.340
6.761 6.761
9.697 9.697
27.779 27.779
132.123 132.123
South Carolina South Carolina
29.027 29.027
4.085 4.085
25.976 25.976
3.902 3.902
0.000 0.000
7.102 7.102
18.605 18.605
0.000 0.000
67.642 67.642
156.339 156.339
South Dakota South Dakota
11.854 11.854
0.803 0.803
0.000 0.000
4.067 4.067
0.000 0.000
3.208 3.208
2.003 2.003
4.189 4.189
3.107 3.107
29.231 29.231
Tennessee Tennessee
110.039 110.039
7.622 7.622
83.443 83.443
14.690 14.690
0.049 0.049
19.987 19.987
30.478 30.478
0.000 0.000
4.243 4.243
270.549 270.549
Texas Texas
35.040 35.040
0.000 0.000
325.879 325.879
383.887 383.887
0.000 0.000
78.075 78.075
82.961 82.961
1.481 1.481
51.322 51.322
958.645 958.645
Utah Utah
16.062 16.062
22.200 22.200
1.878 1.878
0.960 0.960
0.000 0.000
16.386 16.386
7.604 7.604
1.543 1.543
16.794 16.794
83.428 83.428
Vermont Vermont
11.321 11.321
30.079 30.079
0.000 0.000
7.263 7.263
17.684 17.684
0.312 0.312
5.107 5.107
0.475 0.475
13.068 13.068
85.308 85.308
Virginia Virginia
78.325 78.325
23.348 23.348
5.981 5.981
57.771 57.771
0.186 0.186
34.706 34.706
48.320 48.320
6.875 6.875
59.357 59.357
314.868 314.868
Washington Washington
157.890 157.890
173.437 173.437
63.678 63.678
35.422 35.422
0.000 0.000
119.464 119.464
45.277 45.277
46.811 46.811
438.749 438.749
1,080.728 1,080.728
West Virginia West Virginia
46.486 46.486
21.096 21.096
0.000 0.000
26.214 26.214
0.000 0.000
0.315 0.315
13.841 13.841
1.552 1.552
26.007 26.007
135.511 135.511
Wisconsin Wisconsin
82.274 82.274
187.509 187.509
0.000 0.000
9.258 9.258
69.700 69.700
30.876 30.876
28.134 28.134
26.105 26.105
128.300 128.300
562.157 562.157
Wyoming Wyoming
13.736 13.736
1.554 1.554
1.606 1.606
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
4.275 4.275
2.635 2.635
3.539 3.539
2.548 2.548
29.892 29.892

Totals Totals
6,856.770 6,856.770
4,908.814 4,908.814
2,929.319 2,929.319
2,720.713 2,720.713
2,582.272 2,582.272
2,314.738 2,314.738
2,149.582 2,149.582
1,272.343 1,272.343
4,587.410 4,587.410
30,321.961 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 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: 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 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. Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund.

CRS-16 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 Alabama
7.0% 7.0%
10.8% 10.8%
15.3% 15.3%
21.5% 21.5%
0.0% 0.0%
3.2% 3.2%
5.3% 5.3%
19.9% 19.9%
16.9% 16.9%
100.0% 100.0%
Alaska Alaska
48.2 48.2
15.1 15.1
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
13.6 13.6
8.1 8.1
0.4 0.4
14.6 14.6
100.0 100.0
Arizona Arizona
11.3 11.3
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
67.4 67.4
0.0 0.0
0.2 0.2
4.9 4.9
2.1 2.1
14.2 14.2
100.0 100.0
Arkansas Arkansas
4.0 4.0
6.0 6.0
34.0 34.0
4.2 4.2
0.0 0.0
12.5 12.5
14.9 14.9
5.0 5.0
19.4 19.4
100.0 100.0
California California
37.3 37.3
16.2 16.2
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
14.7 14.7
9.9 9.9
6.3 6.3
15.5 15.5
100.0 100.0
Colorado Colorado
13.5 13.5
3.3 3.3
20.2 20.2
13.8 13.8
18.7 18.7
1.4 1.4
13.6 13.6
0.9 0.9
14.5 14.5
100.0 100.0
Connecticut Connecticut
5.6 5.6
11.5 11.5
14.4 14.4
15.3 15.3
11.1 11.1
2.1 2.1
7.9 7.9
3.1 3.1
29.0 29.0
100.0 100.0
Delaware Delaware
5.7 5.7
30.8 30.8
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
13.4 13.4
3.1 3.1
1.3 1.3
45.5 45.5
100.0 100.0
District of Columbia District of Columbia
46.6 46.6
12.4 12.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
5.0 5.0
7.7 7.7
3.2 3.2
22.6 22.6
2.6 2.6
100.0 100.0
Florida Florida
18.8 18.8
34.2 34.2
0.0 0.0
28.9 28.9
0.0 0.0
4.7 4.7
5.9 5.9
0.2 0.2
7.3 7.3
100.0 100.0
Georgia Georgia
21.0 21.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
58.8 58.8
0.0 0.0
1.5 1.5
4.0 4.0
1.0 1.0
13.6 13.6
100.0 100.0
Hawaii Hawaii
23.6 23.6
3.6 3.6
0.0 0.0
3.4 3.4
0.0 0.0
17.5 17.5
9.6 9.6
5.6 5.6
36.7 36.7
100.0 100.0
Idaho Idaho
16.9 16.9
22.0 22.0
3.6 3.6
4.2 4.2
0.0 0.0
6.1 6.1
12.4 12.4
33.9 33.9
0.8 0.8
100.0 100.0
~~Illinois~~Il inois
3.9 3.9
46.6 46.6
9.8 9.8
20.0 20.0
9.0 9.0
1.6 1.6
0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1
9.0 9.0
100.0 100.0
Indiana Indiana
6.9 6.9
31.9 31.9
0.0 0.0
0.8 0.8
6.6 6.6
0.5 0.5
7.9 7.9
0.1 0.1
45.2 45.2
100.0 100.0
Iowa Iowa
14.8 14.8
24.9 24.9
0.0 0.0
29.7 29.7
12.3 12.3
3.1 3.1
3.8 3.8
0.1 0.1
11.2 11.2
100.0 100.0
Kansas Kansas
6.2 6.2
4.1 4.1
9.9 9.9
21.9 21.9
23.7 23.7
0.5 0.5
6.4 6.4
0.0 0.0
27.3 27.3
100.0 100.0
Kentucky Kentucky
74.5 74.5
8.8 8.8
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
9.5 9.5
5.7 5.7
0.0 0.0
1.5 1.5
100.0 100.0
Louisiana Louisiana
5.5 5.5
0.0 0.0
25.1 25.1
14.9 14.9
7.8 7.8
21.4 21.4
8.0 8.0
3.8 3.8
13.5 13.5
100.0 100.0
CRS-17 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 Maine
28.6 28.6
15.5 15.5
0.4 0.4
7.8 7.8
11.4 11.4
10.2 10.2
2.8 2.8
4.4 4.4
18.9 18.9
100.0 100.0
Maryland Maryland
28.3 28.3
0.9 0.9
9.6 9.6
5.0 5.0
33.5 33.5
4.6 4.6
3.9 3.9
6.1 6.1
8.0 8.0
100.0 100.0
Massachusetts Massachusetts
19.4 19.4
30.3 30.3
0.0 0.0
1.0 1.0
15.8 15.8
15.1 15.1
2.9 2.9
8.3 8.3
7.1 7.1
100.0 100.0
Michigan Michigan
8.3 8.3
2.1 2.1
12.7 12.7
5.9 5.9
2.5 2.5
0.3 0.3
4.5 4.5
1.7 1.7
62.0 62.0
100.0 100.0
Minnesota Minnesota
24.5 24.5
24.5 24.5
1.1 1.1
0.0 0.0
21.7 21.7
11.5 11.5
9.0 9.0
2.8 2.8
5.0 5.0
100.0 100.0
Mississippi Mississippi
6.2 6.2
3.0 3.0
0.0 0.0
26.5 26.5
0.0 0.0
34.1 34.1
11.8 11.8
0.0 0.0
18.4 18.4
100.0 100.0
Missouri Missouri
5.6 5.6
6.2 6.2
0.0 0.0
32.2 32.2
0.0 0.0
18.9 18.9
1.8 1.8
22.4 22.4
12.8 12.8
100.0 100.0
Montana Montana
33.1 33.1
17.7 17.7
0.0 0.0
4.7 4.7
0.0 0.0
6.8 6.8
14.5 14.5
2.7 2.7
20.4 20.4
100.0 100.0
Nebraska Nebraska
26.4 26.4
9.0 9.0
0.0 0.0
8.0 8.0
36.7 36.7
12.4 12.4
3.9 3.9
0.2 0.2
3.4 3.4
100.0 100.0
Nevada Nevada
31.2 31.2
8.7 8.7
0.0 0.0
26.8 26.8
0.0 0.0
0.5 0.5
7.4 7.4
6.9 6.9
18.5 18.5
100.0 100.0
New Hampshire New Hampshire
42.3 42.3
6.6 6.6
0.0 0.0
4.7 4.7
0.0 0.0
8.3 8.3
13.9 13.9
2.6 2.6
21.5 21.5
100.0 100.0
New Jersey New Jersey
5.7 5.7
10.4 10.4
42.4 42.4
0.0 0.0
27.6 27.6
4.2 4.2
3.8 3.8
1.1 1.1
4.8 4.8
100.0 100.0
New Mexico New Mexico
15.2 15.2
13.0 13.0
16.7 16.7
0.2 0.2
41.1 41.1
4.2 4.2
1.8 1.8
2.7 2.7
5.0 5.0
100.0 100.0
New York New York
30.8 30.8
7.1 7.1
15.4 15.4
6.8 6.8
19.4 19.4
2.7 2.7
8.3 8.3
3.7 3.7
5.9 5.9
100.0 100.0
North Carolina North Carolina
5.3 5.3
37.7 37.7
13.3 13.3
26.0 26.0
0.0 0.0
0.8 0.8
7.9 7.9
0.7 0.7
8.3 8.3
100.0 100.0
North Dakota North Dakota
14.8 14.8
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
50.3 50.3
0.0 0.0
11.6 11.6
17.2 17.2
0.1 0.1
5.9 5.9
100.0 100.0
Ohio Ohio
19.0 19.0
36.4 36.4
0.0 0.0
1.6 1.6
0.0 0.0
7.3 7.3
8.9 8.9
5.9 5.9
20.9 20.9
100.0 100.0
Oklahoma Oklahoma
16.8 16.8
34.5 34.5
0.0 0.0
7.0 7.0
0.0 0.0
11.9 11.9
6.4 6.4
0.4 0.4
23.0 23.0
100.0 100.0
Oregon Oregon
38.8 38.8
11.8 11.8
8.2 8.2
2.3 2.3
2.0 2.0
10.9 10.9
7.0 7.0
6.2 6.2
13.0 13.0
100.0 100.0
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
11.0 11.0
38.8 38.8
23.0 23.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
10.5 10.5
5.8 5.8
0.6 0.6
10.4 10.4
100.0 100.0
Rhode Island Rhode Island
11.5 11.5
20.0 20.0
0.9 0.9
14.9 14.9
12.2 12.2
7.1 7.1
5.1 5.1
7.3 7.3
21.0 21.0
100.0 100.0
CRS-18 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 South Carolina
18.6 18.6
2.6 2.6
16.6 16.6
2.5 2.5
0.0 0.0
4.5 4.5
11.9 11.9
0.0 0.0
43.3 43.3
100.0 100.0
South Dakota South Dakota
40.6 40.6
2.7 2.7
0.0 0.0
13.9 13.9
0.0 0.0
11.0 11.0
6.9 6.9
14.3 14.3
10.6 10.6
100.0 100.0
Tennessee Tennessee
40.7 40.7
2.8 2.8
30.8 30.8
5.4 5.4
0.0 0.0
7.4 7.4
11.3 11.3
0.0 0.0
1.6 1.6
100.0 100.0
Texas Texas
3.7 3.7
0.0 0.0
34.0 34.0
40.0 40.0
0.0 0.0
8.1 8.1
8.7 8.7
0.2 0.2
5.4 5.4
100.0 100.0
Utah Utah
19.3 19.3
26.6 26.6
2.3 2.3
1.2 1.2
0.0 0.0
19.6 19.6
9.1 9.1
1.8 1.8
20.1 20.1
100.0 100.0
Vermont Vermont
13.3 13.3
35.3 35.3
0.0 0.0
8.5 8.5
20.7 20.7
0.4 0.4
6.0 6.0
0.6 0.6
15.3 15.3
100.0 100.0
Virginia Virginia
24.9 24.9
7.4 7.4
1.9 1.9
18.3 18.3
0.1 0.1
11.0 11.0
15.3 15.3
2.2 2.2
18.9 18.9
100.0 100.0
Washington Washington
14.6 14.6
16.0 16.0
5.9 5.9
3.3 3.3
0.0 0.0
11.1 11.1
4.2 4.2
4.3 4.3
40.6 40.6
100.0 100.0
West Virginia West Virginia
34.3 34.3
15.6 15.6
0.0 0.0
19.3 19.3
0.0 0.0
0.2 0.2
10.2 10.2
1.1 1.1
19.2 19.2
100.0 100.0
Wisconsin Wisconsin
14.6 14.6
33.4 33.4
0.0 0.0
1.6 1.6
12.4 12.4
5.5 5.5
5.0 5.0
4.6 4.6
22.8 22.8
100.0 100.0
Wyoming Wyoming
46.0 46.0
5.2 5.2
5.4 5.4
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
14.3 14.3
8.8 8.8
11.8 11.8
8.5 8.5
100.0 100.0

Percentage of Total Percentage of Total
22.6 22.6
16.2 16.2
9.7 9.7
9.0 9.0
8.5 8.5
7.6 7.6
7.1 7.1
4.2 4.2
15.1 15.1
100.0 100.0
Source: : Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and 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. Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Also excludes spending from the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund. 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 FY2021
(September 30, 2021, dollars in millions) (September 30, 2021, dollars in millions)
State
Unliquidated Obligations
Unobligated Balance
Alabama Alabama
$10.000 $10.000
$103.338 $103.338
Alaska Alaska
22.434 22.434
0.000 0.000
Arizona Arizona
0.000 0.000
52.910 52.910
Arkansas Arkansas
30.757 30.757
81.927 81.927
California California
544.053 544.053
0.000 0.000
Colorado Colorado
0.000 0.000
100.116 100.116
Connecticut Connecticut
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Delaware Delaware
3.038 3.038
41.844 41.844
District of Columbia District of Columbia
0.000 0.000
15.151 15.151
Florida Florida
0.000 0.000
100.689 100.689
Georgia Georgia
39.196 39.196
119.452 119.452
Hawaii Hawaii
26.939 26.939
378.498 378.498
Idaho Idaho
0.000 0.000
10.763 10.763
~~Illinois~~Il inois
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Indiana Indiana
10.799 10.799
54.338 54.338
Iowa Iowa
0.000 0.000
27.199 27.199
Kansas Kansas
3.870 3.870
58.384 58.384
Kentucky Kentucky
0.000 0.000
71.791 71.791
Louisiana Louisiana
0.000 0.000
71.546 71.546
Maine Maine
35.681 35.681
56.365 56.365
Maryland Maryland
0.000 0.000
15.827 15.827
Massachusetts Massachusetts
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Michigan Michigan
0.000 0.000
115.981 115.981
Minnesota Minnesota
0.000 0.000
141.295 141.295
Mississippi Mississippi
0.000 0.000
97.906 97.906
Missouri Missouri
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Montana Montana
0.000 0.000
41.651 41.651
Nebraska Nebraska
65.682 65.682
55.541 55.541
Nevada Nevada
0.646 0.646
38.839 38.839
New Hampshire New Hampshire
0.000 0.000
52.564 52.564
New Jersey New Jersey
141.402 141.402
0.000 0.000
New Mexico New Mexico
48.103 48.103
7.139 7.139
New York New York
39.745 39.745
1,216.600 1,216.600
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

20 20

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

State
Unliquidated Obligations
Unobligated Balance
North Carolina North Carolina
44.146 44.146
0.046 0.046
North Dakota North Dakota
0.000 0.000
6.183 6.183
Ohio Ohio
608.572 608.572
10.393 10.393
Oklahoma Oklahoma
0.000 0.000
333.671 333.671
Oregon Oregon
0.000 0.000
135.508 135.508
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
128.096 128.096
669.260 669.260
Rhode Island Rhode Island
0.000 0.000
51.701 51.701
South Carolina South Carolina
0.000 0.000
8.379 8.379
South Dakota South Dakota
0.000 0.000
23.311 23.311
Tennessee Tennessee
0.000 0.000
798.337 798.337
Texas Texas
0.000 0.000
363.598 363.598
Utah Utah
0.000 0.000
76.594 76.594
Vermont Vermont
0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000
Virginia Virginia
7.808 7.808
104.563 104.563
Washington Washington
43.648 43.648
98.034 98.034
West Virginia West Virginia
0.000 0.000
110.193 110.193
Wisconsin Wisconsin
0.000 0.000
213.669 213.669
Wyoming Wyoming
0.000 0.000
25.430 25.430

Totals Totals
1,854.618 1,854.618
6,156.520 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.
Notes: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Also excludes spending from Excludes TANF funds used in the territories and in tribal TANF programs. Also excludes spending from
the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund. the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund.

Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2022
State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Alabama Alabama
5,821 5,821
13,422 13,422
11,070 11,070
2,352 2,352
Alaska Alaska
1,319 1,319
3,511 3,511
2,476 2,476
1,035 1,035
Arizona Arizona
5,531 5,531
11,095 11,095
9,331 9,331
1,764 1,764
Arkansas Arkansas
939 939
2,131 2,131
1,711 1,711
420 420
California California
382,605 382,605
1,288,339 1,288,339
891,993 891,993
396,346 396,346
Colorado Colorado
12,195 12,195
29,805 29,805
21,801 21,801
8,004 8,004
Connecticut Connecticut
4,971 4,971
11,074 11,074
8,127 8,127
2,947 2,947
Delaware Delaware
2,945 2,945
8,297 8,297
4,947 4,947
3,350 3,350
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
District of Columbia District of Columbia
6,779 6,779
21,125 21,125
15,852 15,852
5,273 5,273
Florida Florida
30,686 30,686
55,035 55,035
40,046 40,046
14,989 14,989
Georgia Georgia
5,734 5,734
10,608 10,608
9,936 9,936
672 672
Guam Guam
343 343
934 934
689 689
245 245
Hawaii Hawaii
3,681 3,681
10,608 10,608
7,248 7,248
3,360 3,360
Idaho Idaho
1,522 1,522
2,118 2,118
2,079 2,079
39 39
~~Illinois~~Il inois
10,058 10,058
20,273 20,273
17,871 17,871
2,402 2,402
Indiana Indiana
4,117 4,117
8,663 8,663
7,469 7,469
1,194 1,194
Iowa Iowa
5,108 5,108
12,394 12,394
9,593 9,593
2,801 2,801
Kansas Kansas
2,940 2,940
2,940 2,940
1,540 1,540
1,400 1,400
Kentucky Kentucky
11,359 11,359
23,089 23,089
19,739 19,739
3,350 3,350
Louisiana Louisiana
4,259 4,259
10,743 10,743
8,776 8,776
1,967 1,967
Maine Maine
12,735 12,735
43,279 43,279
27,155 27,155
16,124 16,124
Maryland Maryland
16,773 16,773
45,401 45,401
32,688 32,688
12,713 12,713
Massachusetts Massachusetts
55,310 55,310
150,160 150,160
105,089 105,089
45,071 45,071
Michigan Michigan
8,751 8,751
23,617 23,617
18,534 18,534
5,083 5,083
Minnesota Minnesota
13,697 13,697
32,321 32,321
24,402 24,402
7,919 7,919
Mississippi Mississippi
1,687 1,687
2,315 2,315
2,085 2,085
230 230
Missouri Missouri
6,047 6,047
13,981 13,981
10,915 10,915
3,066 3,066
Montana Montana
1,854 1,854
4,216 4,216
3,467 3,467
749 749
Nebraska Nebraska
3,072 3,072
7,198 7,198
6,232 6,232
966 966
Nevada Nevada
6,245 6,245
16,270 16,270
11,814 11,814
4,456 4,456
New Hampshire New Hampshire
3,746 3,746
8,949 8,949
6,748 6,748
2,201 2,201
New Jersey New Jersey
9,568 9,568
23,846 23,846
17,019 17,019
6,827 6,827
New Mexico New Mexico
9,540 9,540
24,044 24,044
17,664 17,664
6,380 6,380
New York New York
115,984 115,984
298,197 298,197
200,273 200,273
97,924 97,924
North Carolina North Carolina
11,907 11,907
21,868 21,868
19,082 19,082
2,786 2,786
North Dakota North Dakota
596 596
1,415 1,415
1,253 1,253
162 162
Ohio Ohio
41,983 41,983
74,653 74,653
68,538 68,538
6,115 6,115
Oklahoma Oklahoma
3,542 3,542
7,611 7,611
6,835 6,835
776 776
Oregon Oregon
38,116 38,116
113,153 113,153
73,874 73,874
39,279 39,279
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
29,470 29,470
73,730 73,730
55,843 55,843
17,887 17,887
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
3,158 3,158
8,687 8,687
5,413 5,413
3,274 3,274
Rhode Island Rhode Island
3,150 3,150
8,350 8,350
5,937 5,937
2,413 2,413
South Carolina South Carolina
6,233 6,233
14,308 14,308
11,774 11,774
2,534 2,534
South Dakota South Dakota
2,393 2,393
4,679 4,679
4,383 4,383
296 296
Tennessee Tennessee
13,852 13,852
29,286 29,286
23,761 23,761
5,525 5,525
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Texas Texas
10,879 10,879
20,782 20,782
18,438 18,438
2,344 2,344
Utah Utah
1,924 1,924
4,338 4,338
3,260 3,260
1,078 1,078
Vermont Vermont
2,085 2,085
4,714 4,714
3,448 3,448
1,266 1,266
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
61 61
211 211
150 150
61 61
Virginia Virginia
20,419 20,419
42,644 42,644
31,939 31,939
10,705 10,705
Washington Washington
44,355 44,355
112,885 112,885
74,229 74,229
38,656 38,656
West Virginia West Virginia
5,257 5,257
10,217 10,217
8,610 8,610
1,607 1,607
Wisconsin Wisconsin
12,156 12,156
26,201 26,201
21,916 21,916
4,285 4,285
Wyoming Wyoming
441 441
1,043 1,043
812 812
231 231

Totals Totals
1,019,898 1,019,898
2,820,773 2,820,773
2,015,874 2,015,874
804,899 804,899
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 December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. 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 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, September of Selected Years

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

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

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

Percentage Change
1994-
2021-
State
1994
2019
2021
2022
2022
2022
West Virginia West Virginia
40,279 40,279
6,331 6,331
5,550 5,550
5,257 5,257
-86.9 -86.9
-5.3 -5.3
Wisconsin Wisconsin
75,086 75,086
15,122 15,122
13,881 13,881
12,156 12,156
-83.8 -83.8
-12.4 -12.4
Wyoming Wyoming
5,351 5,351
504 504
450 450
441 441
-91.8 -91.8
-2.0 -2.0

Totals Totals
5,015,545 5,015,545
1,086,852 1,086,852
907,048 907,048
1,019,898 1,019,898
-79.7 -79.7
12.4 12.4
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Data as of December 27, 2022, and subject to revision. 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 TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.

Table B-6. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, By Jurisdiction, July 2020
Monthly Dollar Amount and as a Percentage of the Federal Poverty Level for 2020 Monthly Dollar Amount and as a Percentage of the Federal Poverty Level for 2020
Maximum Monthly
Benefit as a
Percentage of the
Maximum Monthly
Federal Poverty

Benefit ($)
Level
Alabama Alabama
$190 $190
13.2% 13.2%
Alaska Alaska
821 821
45.7 45.7
Arizona Arizona
220 220
15.3 15.3
Arkansas Arkansas
162 162
11.3 11.3
California California
696 696
48.4 48.4
Colorado Colorado
400 400
27.8 27.8
Connecticut Connecticut
487 487
33.9 33.9
Delaware Delaware
270 270
18.8 18.8
District of Columbia District of Columbia
515 515
35.8 35.8
Florida Florida
241 241
16.8 16.8
Georgia Georgia
235 235
16.4 16.4
Hawaii Hawaii
485 485
29.3 29.3
Idaho Idaho
309 309
21.5 21.5
~~Illinois~~Il inois
423 423
29.4 29.4
Indiana Indiana
229 229
15.9 15.9
Iowa Iowa
361 361
25.1 25.1
Kansas Kansas
352 352
24.5 24.5
Kentucky Kentucky
225 225
15.7 15.7
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

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

Benefit ($)
Level
Louisiana Louisiana
188 188
13.1 13.1
Maine Maine
456 456
31.7 31.7
Maryland Maryland
575 575
40.0 40.0
Massachusetts Massachusetts
531 531
37.0 37.0
Michigan Michigan
403 403
28.1 28.1
Minnesota Minnesota
537 537
37.4 37.4
Mississippi Mississippi
146 146
10.2 10.2
Missouri Missouri
234 234
16.3 16.3
Montana Montana
467 467
32.5 32.5
Nebraska Nebraska
393 393
27.4 27.4
Nevada Nevada
320 320
22.3 22.3
New Hampshire New Hampshire
862 862
60.0 60.0
New Jersey New Jersey
425 425
29.6 29.6
New Mexico New Mexico
357 357
24.8 24.8
New York New York
574 574
40.0 40.0
North Carolina North Carolina
236 236
16.4 16.4
North Dakota North Dakota
385 385
26.8 26.8
Ohio Ohio
412 412
28.7 28.7
Oklahoma Oklahoma
225 225
15.7 15.7
Oregon Oregon
432 432
30.1 30.1
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
316 316
22.0 22.0
Rhode Island Rhode Island
449 449
31.3 31.3
South Carolina South Carolina
237 237
16.5 16.5
South Dakota South Dakota
550 550
38.3 38.3
Tennessee Tennessee
215 215
15.0 15.0
Texas Texas
262 262
18.2 18.2
Utah Utah
399 399
27.8 27.8
Vermont Vermont
580 580
40.4 40.4
Virginia Virginia
422 422
29.4 29.4
Washington Washington
459 459
31.9 31.9
West Virginia West Virginia
331 331
23.0 23.0
Wisconsin Wisconsin
653 653
45.5 45.5
Wyoming Wyoming
669 669
46.6 46.6

Maximum State Maximum State
862 862
60.0 60.0
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

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

Benefit ($)
Level
Minimum State Minimum State
146 146
10.2 10.2
Median State Median State
399 399
27.8 27.8
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Welfare Rules Database, funded by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the Welfare Rules Database, funded by the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and maintained at the Urban Institute. The Welfare Rules Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and maintained at the Urban Institute. The Welfare Rules
Database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have information on TANF Database has information for the 50 states and District of Columbia. It does not have information on TANF
assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands or tribal TANF programs. Federal poverty assistance programs in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands or tribal TANF programs. Federal poverty
level is from HHS at https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines/prior-hhs-poverty-level is from HHS at https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines/prior-hhs-poverty-
guidelines-federal-register-references/2020-poverty-guidelines. guidelines-federal-register-references/2020-poverty-guidelines.

Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction for All
Families: FY2021
Caseload
Reduction
Credit
Effective
Work
Statutory
(percentage
(after credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
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
~~Illinois~~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 Maine
50.0 50.0
0.0 0.0
50.0 50.0
79.7 79.7
Yes Yes
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Caseload
Reduction
Credit
Effective
Work
Statutory
(percentage
(after credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
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
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Table B-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
~~Illinois~~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 Nebraska
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
Nevada Nevada
90.0 90.0
-45.8 -45.8
44.2 44.2
29.0 29.0
No No
New Hampshire New Hampshire
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

Caseload
Reduction
Effective
Credit
(after
Work
Statutory
(percentage
credit)
Participation
Met the
State
Standard
points)
standard
Rate
Standard?
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), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Services (HHS).

Author Information

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

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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
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
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RL32760 RL32760 · VERSION ~~210~~215 · UPDATED
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