The Temporary Assistance for
March
March
620, 2024 , 2024
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 FY2023, the TANF basic block grant was 47% below what its value was in population) over time. Adjusted for inflation, in FY2023, the TANF basic block grant was 47% 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 FY2022, states used a total of $31.3 billion in federal MOE funds are used for a wide variety of benefits and activities. In FY2022, states used a total of $31.3 billion in federal
TANF and state MOE dollars. Of that FY2022 total, expenditures on basic assistance were $7.2 billion—23.0% of total TANF and state MOE dollars. Of that FY2022 total, expenditures on basic assistance were $7.2 billion—23.0% 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 2021, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of two (single TANF assistance benefit amounts are set by states. In July 2021, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of two (single
parent and one child) ranged from $871 in New Hampshire to $162 in Arkansas. Only New Hampshire (at 60% of the federal parent and one child) ranged from $871 in New Hampshire to $162 in Arkansas. 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 guidelines. poverty level) had a maximum TANF assistance amount for this sized family in excess of 50% of poverty guidelines.
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 FY2022, states achieved, on average, an standards states face are often less than the 50% or 90% targets, and vary by state. In FY2022, states achieved, on average, an
all-family participation rate of 35.6% and a two-parent rate of 44.0%. all-family participation rate of 35.6% and a two-parent rate of 44.0%.
In FY2022, all jurisdictions except Oregon met their all-family participation standard. California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii,
In FY2022, all jurisdictions except Oregon met their all-family participation standard. California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii,
Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wyoming did not meet their two-parent participation standard. Nevada, 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 block grants, though 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. they may either enter into a corrective compliance plan or claim good cause to avoid the penalty.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Funding and Expenditures ............................................................................................................... 1
What is TANF’s funding status? ............................................................................................... 1
How are state TANF programs funded? .................................................................................... 1
How much has the value of the TANF basic block grant changed over time? .......................... 1
How have states used TANF funds? .......................................................................................... 3
How much of the TANF grant has gone unspent? .................................................................... 3
The Caseload ................................................................................................................................... 4
How many families receive TANF- or MOE-funded benefits and services? ............................ 4
How many families and individuals currently receive TANF- or MOE-funded
assistance? .............................................................................................................................. 4
How does the current assistance caseload level compare with historical levels? ..................... 5
TANF Cash Benefits: How Much Does a Family Receive in TANF Cash Per Month? .................. 6
TANF Work Participation Standards ............................................................................................... 7
What is the TANF work participation standard states must meet?............................................ 7
What work participation rates have the states achieved? .......................................................... 8
Figures
Figure 1. Uses of TANF and MOE Funds by Spending Category, FY2022 .................................... 3
Figure 2. Number of Families Receiving Assistance, July 1959 to September 2022 ...................... 6
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 2021 ..................... 7
Figure 4. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2022 .......................................................................................................................... 9
Tables
Table 1. TANF Basic Block Grant Funding in Nominal and Constant Dollars ............................... 2
Table 2. Families and Recipients of TANF- and MOE-Funded Assistance,
September 2022 ............................................................................................................................ 4
Table A-1. Trends in the Cash Assistance Caseload: 1961-2022 ................................................... 10
Table B-1. Uses of FY2022 TANF and State MOE Funds by Spending Category ....................... 13
Table B-2. Uses of FY2022 TANF and State MOE Funds by Spending Category as a
Percent of Total Federal TANF and State MOE Spending ......................................................... 16
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2022 ............................................................... 19
Table B-4. Number of Families, Recipients, Children, and Adults Receiving TANF
Assistance by Jurisdiction, September 2022 .............................................................................. 20
Table B-5. Number of Needy Families with Children Receiving Assistance
by Jurisdiction, September of Selected Years ............................................................................. 22
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-6. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, By Jurisdiction, July 2021 ........................................................ 24
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction for All Families:
FY2022 ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction, for Two-Parent
Families: FY2022 ....................................................................................................................... 27
Appendixes
Appendix A. Supplementary Tables .............................................................................................. 10
Appendix B. State Tables .............................................................................................................. 13
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 29
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataccess to information and dat
a. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timassistance over tim
e. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance. expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see CRS Report RL32748,
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block
Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What is TANF’s funding status?
The Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-40)P.L. 118-42, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, extended extended
TANF funding through TANF funding through
March 22, 2024the end of FY2024 (September 30, 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—for both the nation and for 1996 (PRWORA, P.L. 104-193). A TANF basic block grant amount—for both the nation and for
each state—was established in the 1996 law. That amount for the 50 states, District of Columbia, each 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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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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 FY2023. In inflation-adjusted terms, (inflation-adjusted) dollars for each year, FY1997 through FY2023. In inflation-adjusted terms,
the FY2023 block grant was 47% below its value in FY1997. the FY2023 block grant was 47% 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
State Family
Cumulative
Assistance Grant:
Assistance
Percentage Change
50 States, DC,
Grant
Since FY1997,
Tribes, and
Constant
Constant 1997
Fiscal Year
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
2023
2023
16.512
16.512
8.727
8.727
-47.3
-47.3
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance; and the U.S. Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance; and the U.S.
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Note: Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Constant dol ars were computed using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
How have states used TANF funds?
In FY2022, states used a total of $31.3 billion in combined federal TANF and state MOE dollars In FY2022, states used a total of $31.3 billion in combined federal TANF and state MOE dollars
(this total includes dollars transferred to other block grant programs, but excludes expenditures in (this total includes dollars transferred to other block grant programs, 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 23.0% ($7.2 billion) of total FY2022 TANF and MOE families to meet basic needs—represented 23.0% ($7.2 billion) of total FY2022 TANF and MOE
dollars. dollars.
Figure 1 categorizes TANF benefits and services and shows the national total spending for them. categorizes TANF benefits and services and shows the national total spending for them.
Spending on child care—both directly and through transfers to the Child Care and Development Spending on child care—both directly and through transfers to the Child Care and Development
Fund (CCDF)—ranked second in spending among the categories, totaling $4.9 billion in FY2022, Fund (CCDF)—ranked second in spending among the categories, totaling $4.9 billion in FY2022,
15% of all TANF and MOE dollars for that year. Pre-K and early childhood services ranked third 15% of all TANF and MOE dollars for that year. Pre-K and early childhood services ranked third
at $3.2 billion. This was followed, in order, by state refundable tax credits to families with at $3.2 billion. This was followed, in order, by state refundable tax credits to families with
children; work, education, and training; administrative expenditures; and emergency and short-children; work, education, and training; administrative expenditures; and emergency and short-
term benefits. The “Other Services” shown in the figure represents a range of additional services term benefits. The “Other Services” shown in the figure represents a range of additional services
(including programs promoting responsible fatherhood and healthy marriage and financial (including programs promoting responsible fatherhood and healthy marriage and financial
literacy). literacy).
There is variation among the states in how they use TANF and MOE dollars. For state-specific
There is variation among the states in how they use TANF and MOE dollars. For state-specific
information on the use of TANF funds, seeinformation on the use of TANF funds, see
Table B-1 and Table B-2.
Figure 1. Uses of TANF and MOE Funds by Spending Category, FY2022
(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.
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 FY2022 (September 30, 2022), a total of $9.0 billion of federal TANF funding
At the end of FY2022 (September 30, 2022), a total of $9.0 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
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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 $2.5 billion. At the end commitments to spend—that is, had obligated—a total of approximately $2.5 billion. At the end
of FY2022, states had approximately $6.5 billion of of FY2022, states had approximately $6.5 billion of
unobligated balances. These funds are . These funds are
available to states to make available to states to make
new spending commitment spending commitment
s. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state. by state.
The Caseload
How many families receive TANF- or MOE-funded benefits
and services?
This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving
only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services. benefits and services.
Assistance is defined as benefits provided to families to meet ongoing, basic needs.2 It is most 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 individuals 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 individual recipients, received TANF- or MOE-funded assistance in composed of 2.8 million individual 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-September 2022. The bulk of the recipients were children—2.0 million in that month. For state-
by-state assistance caseloads, seeby-state assistance 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.
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 requirements triggered by a family receiving
assistance, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) , the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
regulations define regulations define
assistance at 45 C.F.R. §260.31. at 45 C.F.R. §260.31.
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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
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.
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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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.
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 2021.4 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in one child (family of two) in July 2021.4 For a family of two, the maximum TANF benefit paid in
July 2021 varied from $871 per month in New Hampshire to $162 per month in Arkansas. The July 2021 varied from $871 per month in New Hampshire to $162 per month in Arkansas. 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 the HHS poverty guidelines. of 50% of the HHS poverty guidelines.
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 and 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 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 family types such as two-parent families or
child-only cases. States also vary their benefits by other factors such as 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 2021
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 HHS shows these benefit amounts by state in dollars and as a percentage of the HHS
poverty guidelines. poverty guidelines.
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
FY2022. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work FY2022. For the period FY2002 through FY2011, states achieved an average all-families work
participation rate hovering around 30%. Subsequently, the work participation rate increased. In participation rate hovering around 30%. Subsequently, the work participation rate increased. In
FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, the increase in FY2016, it exceeded 50% for the first time since TANF was established. However, the increase in
the work participation rate did not come from an increase in the number of recipients in regular the work participation rate did not come from an increase in the number of recipients in regular
TANF assistance programs who were either working or in job preparation activities. This increase TANF assistance programs who were either working or in job preparation activities. This increase
stemmed mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” programs that use TANF funds stemmed mostly from states creating new “earnings supplement” programs that use TANF funds
to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food to aid working parents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food
stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs for work. stamps) or who have left the regular TANF assistance programs for work.
The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined from FY2018
The national average TANF work participation rate for all families declined from FY2018
through FY2021. In FY2021, a year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic through FY2021. In FY2021, a year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic
fallout, the national average all-families rate was 33.6%. In 2022, the national average all-fallout, the national average all-families rate was 33.6%. In 2022, the national average all-
families rate had increased to 35.6% In FY2022, all jurisdictions except Oregon met their all-families rate had increased to 35.6% In FY2022, all jurisdictions except Oregon met their all-
families standard. families standard.
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Figure 4. National Average TANF Work Participation Rate for All Families,
FY2002-FY2022
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 FY2022, 9 jurisdictions (California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon,
In FY2022, 9 jurisdictions (California, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon,
Rhode Island, and Wyoming) did not meet the separate, higher two-parent standarRhode Island, and Wyoming) did not meet the separate, higher two-parent standar
d. Table B-7
provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit, provides information for each jurisdiction on the TANF work standard, caseload reduction credit,
and work participation rate for all families for FY2022and work participation rate for all families for FY2022
. Table B-8 provides that information for provides that information for
two-parent families. The table shows that 26 jurisdictions did not have two-parent families 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 “NA” in the table). receiving assistance funded by TANF or MOE funds (denoted with an “NA” in the table).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability to reduce or waive the
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the ability to reduce or waive the
penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation standard. In response to the penalty on states for failing to meet the TANF work participation standard. In response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, HHS, under the Trump Administration, said that it would exercise its COVID-19 pandemic, HHS, under the Trump Administration, said that it would exercise its
authority to provide states with relief from the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to authority to provide states with relief from the penalty for not meeting participation standards “to
the maximum extent possible.”6 HHS has not revised this statement under the Biden the maximum extent possible.”6 HHS has not revised this statement under the Biden
Administration. 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: 1961-2022
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
2022
2022
0.974
0.974
2.652
2.652
0.747
0.747
1.905
1.905
2.7
2.7
17.7
17.7
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) and the U.S. Census Bureau. Services (HHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Notes: NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult NA denotes not available. During transition reporting from AFDC to TANF, caseload statistics on adult
and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percentage of all children and and child recipients were not col ected. For those years, TANF children as a percentage of all children and
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
11
11
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
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
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
12
12
Appendix B. State Tables
Table B-1. Uses of FY2022 TANF and State MOE Funds by Spending Category
(dollars in millions)
(dollars in millions)
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
All jurisdictions
All jurisdictions
$7,223.0
$7,223.0
$4,850.6
$4,850.6
$3,246.0
$3,246.0
$2,799.7
$2,799.7
$2,625.3
$2,625.3
$2,525.8
$2,525.8
$2,270.7
$2,270.7
$1,154.4
$1,154.4
$4,647.2
$4,647.2
$31,342.6
$31,342.6
Alabama
Alabama
12.8
12.8
24.9
24.9
38.0
38.0
23.0
23.0
0.0
0.0
5.2
5.2
7.8
7.8
50.0
50.0
34.9
34.9
196.6
196.6
Alaska
Alaska
31.8
31.8
12.4
12.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.7
8.7
7.0
7.0
0.3
0.3
13.1
13.1
73.4
73.4
Arizona
Arizona
35.9
35.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
279.5
279.5
0.0
0.0
0.6
0.6
17.7
17.7
6.3
6.3
43.0
43.0
383.0
383.0
Arkansas
Arkansas
3.3
3.3
0.0
0.0
37.9
37.9
4.4
4.4
0.0
0.0
18.1
18.1
22.8
22.8
5.3
5.3
24.3
24.3
116.0
116.0
California
California
2,877.8
2,877.8
961.2
961.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1,038.1
1,038.1
715.6
715.6
244.7
244.7
917.4
917.4
6,754.8
6,754.8
Colorado
Colorado
61.4
61.4
15.0
15.0
86.0
86.0
43.1
43.1
70.9
70.9
5.9
5.9
52.8
52.8
5.2
5.2
57.7
57.7
397.9
397.9
Connecticut
Connecticut
24.5
24.5
85.3
85.3
85.7
85.7
75.3
75.3
76.2
76.2
10.6
10.6
46.4
46.4
17.2
17.2
131.3
131.3
552.4
552.4
Delaware
Delaware
7.2
7.2
56.0
56.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
40.0
40.0
4.0
4.0
1.7
1.7
40.3
40.3
149.3
149.3
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
172.8
172.8
22.2
22.2
18.2
18.2
0.0
0.0
18.4
18.4
33.4
33.4
11.8
11.8
14.5
14.5
10.4
10.4
301.6
301.6
Florida
Florida
117.0
117.0
292.8
292.8
0.0
0.0
220.6
220.6
0.0
0.0
44.6
44.6
47.7
47.7
1.1
1.1
73.4
73.4
797.2
797.2
Georgia
Georgia
85.1
85.1
22.2
22.2
0.0
0.0
261.8
261.8
0.0
0.0
5.5
5.5
20.2
20.2
4.1
4.1
62.0
62.0
460.9
460.9
Hawaii
Hawaii
33.0
33.0
28.7
28.7
0.2
0.2
10.9
10.9
0.0
0.0
44.1
44.1
13.5
13.5
9.7
9.7
58.9
58.9
199.0
199.0
Idaho
Idaho
6.3
6.3
9.0
9.0
1.5
1.5
7.0
7.0
0.0
0.0
2.7
2.7
6.3
6.3
9.4
9.4
0.9
0.9
43.2
43.2
Il inois
Il inois
42.9
42.9
552.0
552.0
117.5
117.5
240.2
240.2
86.5
86.5
19.5
19.5
0.0
0.0
1.0
1.0
127.3
127.3
1,186.9
1,186.9
Indiana
Indiana
13.7
13.7
84.2
84.2
0.0
0.0
1.1
1.1
42.8
42.8
1.4
1.4
21.7
21.7
0.0
0.0
104.1
104.1
269.0
269.0
Iowa
Iowa
24.3
24.3
41.5
41.5
0.0
0.0
60.2
60.2
24.0
24.0
8.5
8.5
6.6
6.6
0.4
0.4
21.1
21.1
186.6
186.6
CRS-13
CRS-13
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
Kansas
Kansas
10.3
10.3
6.7
6.7
21.7
21.7
32.5
32.5
35.0
35.0
0.8
0.8
9.7
9.7
0.0
0.0
42.8
42.8
159.4
159.4
Kentucky
Kentucky
162.6
162.6
19.7
19.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
19.7
19.7
13.0
13.0
0.0
0.0
3.1
3.1
218.1
218.1
Louisiana
Louisiana
20.8
20.8
0.0
0.0
55.9
55.9
35.1
35.1
19.4
19.4
66.4
66.4
19.3
19.3
8.5
8.5
31.0
31.0
256.3
256.3
Maine
Maine
37.4
37.4
6.8
6.8
0.5
0.5
13.2
13.2
23.8
23.8
11.3
11.3
5.5
5.5
16.1
16.1
28.2
28.2
142.9
142.9
Maryland
Maryland
74.4
74.4
5.9
5.9
74.9
74.9
48.2
48.2
284.7
284.7
27.8
27.8
19.4
19.4
52.1
52.1
50.0
50.0
637.5
637.5
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
296.8
296.8
358.6
358.6
0.0
0.0
10.4
10.4
164.6
164.6
151.9
151.9
41.4
41.4
66.2
66.2
88.1
88.1
1,178.1
1,178.1
Michigan
Michigan
99.0
99.0
27.8
27.8
232.8
232.8
75.3
75.3
38.1
38.1
3.8
3.8
57.7
57.7
23.9
23.9
772.3
772.3
1,330.7
1,330.7
Minnesota
Minnesota
109.0
109.0
111.3
111.3
5.7
5.7
0.0
0.0
94.4
94.4
64.6
64.6
47.4
47.4
18.0
18.0
16.4
16.4
466.8
466.8
Mississippi
Mississippi
4.3
4.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
10.6
10.6
0.0
0.0
24.1
24.1
5.5
5.5
0.0
0.0
15.6
15.6
60.1
60.1
Missouri
Missouri
21.6
21.6
21.8
21.8
0.0
0.0
122.0
122.0
0.0
0.0
71.4
71.4
13.9
13.9
90.6
90.6
49.8
49.8
391.1
391.1
Montana
Montana
8.1
8.1
6.8
6.8
0.0
0.0
1.2
1.2
0.0
0.0
2.8
2.8
3.6
3.6
1.8
1.8
8.7
8.7
33.0
33.0
Nebraska
Nebraska
19.2
19.2
17.8
17.8
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
36.7
36.7
8.4
8.4
3.3
3.3
0.0
0.0
10.5
10.5
100.0
100.0
Nevada
Nevada
31.1
31.1
16.8
16.8
0.0
0.0
32.1
32.1
0.0
0.0
1.6
1.6
14.7
14.7
8.5
8.5
16.4
16.4
121.1
121.1
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
26.6
26.6
4.6
4.6
0.0
0.0
6.6
6.6
0.0
0.0
6.3
6.3
6.9
6.9
1.1
1.1
9.1
9.1
61.2
61.2
New Jersey
New Jersey
82.2
82.2
186.6
186.6
640.5
640.5
0.0
0.0
335.9
335.9
58.8
58.8
49.9
49.9
15.9
15.9
72.2
72.2
1,441.9
1,441.9
New Mexico
New Mexico
52.3
52.3
31.5
31.5
29.7
29.7
0.7
0.7
270.9
270.9
10.7
10.7
5.5
5.5
17.4
17.4
25.0
25.0
443.8
443.8
New York
New York
1,576.5
1,576.5
103.2
103.2
894.7
894.7
375.6
375.6
911.5
911.5
123.0
123.0
429.5
429.5
266.5
266.5
350.7
350.7
5,031.1
5,031.1
North Carolina
North Carolina
26.1
26.1
222.1
222.1
71.8
71.8
144.2
144.2
0.0
0.0
2.5
2.5
44.3
44.3
3.2
3.2
40.2
40.2
554.4
554.4
North Dakota
North Dakota
2.7
2.7
1.2
1.2
0.0
0.0
15.9
15.9
0.0
0.0
3.7
3.7
4.3
4.3
0.0
0.0
0.8
0.8
28.7
28.7
Ohio
Ohio
205.9
205.9
418.3
418.3
0.9
0.9
21.0
21.0
0.0
0.0
85.3
85.3
103.8
103.8
57.9
57.9
258.3
258.3
1,151.3
1,151.3
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
11.3
11.3
77.3
77.3
0.0
0.0
12.5
12.5
0.0
0.0
20.2
20.2
6.2
6.2
0.4
0.4
32.6
32.6
160.5
160.5
CRS-14
CRS-14
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
Oregon
Oregon
76.9
76.9
28.5
28.5
17.7
17.7
11.4
11.4
3.4
3.4
18.5
18.5
14.9
14.9
24.1
24.1
22.3
22.3
217.8
217.8
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
101.4
101.4
428.8
428.8
276.4
276.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
95.6
95.6
58.6
58.6
9.1
9.1
123.3
123.3
1,093.1
1,093.1
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
20.3
20.3
24.0
24.0
1.2
1.2
19.0
19.0
19.5
19.5
9.6
9.6
6.0
6.0
4.7
4.7
29.7
29.7
134.1
134.1
South Carolina
South Carolina
30.7
30.7
4.1
4.1
27.1
27.1
7.1
7.1
0.0
0.0
20.7
20.7
17.9
17.9
0.0
0.0
55.4
55.4
163.0
163.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
12.3
12.3
0.8
0.8
0.0
0.0
4.2
4.2
0.0
0.0
3.1
3.1
2.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
3.1
3.1
28.5
28.5
Tennessee
Tennessee
68.4
68.4
1.7
1.7
84.4
84.4
32.2
32.2
0.0
0.0
32.2
32.2
28.5
28.5
0.0
0.0
22.8
22.8
270.3
270.3
Texas
Texas
19.4
19.4
0.0
0.0
343.6
343.6
416.8
416.8
0.0
0.0
74.8
74.8
59.9
59.9
24.2
24.2
102.3
102.3
1,041.1
1,041.1
Utah
Utah
13.7
13.7
22.2
22.2
6.2
6.2
2.1
2.1
0.0
0.0
14.5
14.5
7.2
7.2
1.8
1.8
18.1
18.1
85.7
85.7
Vermont
Vermont
13.3
13.3
35.3
35.3
0.0
0.0
8.5
8.5
14.6
14.6
0.2
0.2
6.1
6.1
1.6
1.6
12.1
12.1
91.8
91.8
Virginia
Virginia
98.2
98.2
39.9
39.9
7.7
7.7
61.8
61.8
0.2
0.2
33.4
33.4
49.7
49.7
6.4
6.4
46.0
46.0
343.2
343.2
Washington
Washington
211.3
211.3
224.3
224.3
66.0
66.0
8.0
8.0
0.0
0.0
131.5
131.5
65.1
65.1
30.8
30.8
415.5
415.5
1,152.3
1,152.3
West Virginia
West Virginia
45.7
45.7
21.1
21.1
0.0
0.0
29.3
29.3
0.0
0.0
0.3
0.3
12.9
12.9
1.9
1.9
26.0
26.0
137.3
137.3
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
69.8
69.8
166.5
166.5
0.0
0.0
10.9
10.9
53.9
53.9
35.2
35.2
32.9
32.9
25.0
25.0
127.0
127.0
521.1
521.1
Wyoming
Wyoming
13.2
13.2
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
2.3
2.3
2.9
2.9
1.8
1.8
27.4
27.4
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-15
CRS-15
Table B-2. Uses of FY2022 TANF and State MOE Funds by Spending Category as a Percent of Total Federal TANF and
State MOE Spending
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education,
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
All jurisdictions
All jurisdictions
23.0%
23.0%
15.5%
15.5%
10.4%
10.4%
8.9%
8.9%
8.4%
8.4%
8.1%
8.1%
7.2%
7.2%
3.7%
3.7%
14.8%
14.8%
100.0%
100.0%
Alabama
Alabama
6.5
6.5
12.7
12.7
19.4
19.4
11.7
11.7
0.0
0.0
2.7
2.7
3.9
3.9
25.4
25.4
17.8
17.8
100.0
100.0
Alaska
Alaska
43.3
43.3
16.9
16.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
11.9
11.9
9.5
9.5
0.5
0.5
17.8
17.8
100.0
100.0
Arizona
Arizona
9.4
9.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
73.0
73.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.2
4.6
4.6
1.6
1.6
11.2
11.2
100.0
100.0
Arkansas
Arkansas
2.8
2.8
0.0
0.0
32.7
32.7
3.8
3.8
0.0
0.0
15.6
15.6
19.6
19.6
4.6
4.6
20.9
20.9
100.0
100.0
California
California
42.6
42.6
14.2
14.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
15.4
15.4
10.6
10.6
3.6
3.6
13.6
13.6
100.0
100.0
Colorado
Colorado
15.4
15.4
3.8
3.8
21.6
21.6
10.8
10.8
17.8
17.8
1.5
1.5
13.3
13.3
1.3
1.3
14.5
14.5
100.0
100.0
Connecticut
Connecticut
4.4
4.4
15.4
15.4
15.5
15.5
13.6
13.6
13.8
13.8
1.9
1.9
8.4
8.4
3.1
3.1
23.8
23.8
100.0
100.0
Delaware
Delaware
4.8
4.8
37.5
37.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
26.8
26.8
2.7
2.7
1.2
1.2
27.0
27.0
100.0
100.0
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
57.3
57.3
7.3
7.3
6.0
6.0
0.0
0.0
6.1
6.1
11.1
11.1
3.9
3.9
4.8
4.8
3.5
3.5
100.0
100.0
Florida
Florida
14.7
14.7
36.7
36.7
0.0
0.0
27.7
27.7
0.0
0.0
5.6
5.6
6.0
6.0
0.1
0.1
9.2
9.2
100.0
100.0
Georgia
Georgia
18.5
18.5
4.8
4.8
0.0
0.0
56.8
56.8
0.0
0.0
1.2
1.2
4.4
4.4
0.9
0.9
13.5
13.5
100.0
100.0
Hawaii
Hawaii
16.6
16.6
14.4
14.4
0.1
0.1
5.5
5.5
0.0
0.0
22.2
22.2
6.8
6.8
4.9
4.9
29.6
29.6
100.0
100.0
Idaho
Idaho
14.7
14.7
20.8
20.8
3.5
3.5
16.3
16.3
0.0
0.0
6.3
6.3
14.6
14.6
21.7
21.7
2.1
2.1
100.0
100.0
Il inois
Il inois
3.6
3.6
46.5
46.5
9.9
9.9
20.2
20.2
7.3
7.3
1.6
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
10.7
10.7
100.0
100.0
Indiana
Indiana
5.1
5.1
31.3
31.3
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.4
15.9
15.9
0.5
0.5
8.1
8.1
0.0
0.0
38.7
38.7
100.0
100.0
Iowa
Iowa
13.0
13.0
22.3
22.3
0.0
0.0
32.3
32.3
12.8
12.8
4.6
4.6
3.5
3.5
0.2
0.2
11.3
11.3
100.0
100.0
Kansas
Kansas
6.5
6.5
4.2
4.2
13.6
13.6
20.4
20.4
22.0
22.0
0.5
0.5
6.1
6.1
0.0
0.0
26.8
26.8
100.0
100.0
Kentucky
Kentucky
74.6
74.6
9.0
9.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
0.0
0.0
1.4
1.4
100.0
100.0
CRS-16
CRS-16
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education,
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
Louisiana
Louisiana
8.1
8.1
0.0
0.0
21.8
21.8
13.7
13.7
7.6
7.6
25.9
25.9
7.5
7.5
3.3
3.3
12.1
12.1
100.0
100.0
Maine
Maine
26.2
26.2
4.8
4.8
0.4
0.4
9.2
9.2
16.7
16.7
7.9
7.9
3.8
3.8
11.3
11.3
19.8
19.8
100.0
100.0
Maryland
Maryland
11.7
11.7
0.9
0.9
11.7
11.7
7.6
7.6
44.7
44.7
4.4
4.4
3.0
3.0
8.2
8.2
7.8
7.8
100.0
100.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
25.2
25.2
30.4
30.4
0.0
0.0
0.9
0.9
14.0
14.0
12.9
12.9
3.5
3.5
5.6
5.6
7.5
7.5
100.0
100.0
Michigan
Michigan
7.4
7.4
2.1
2.1
17.5
17.5
5.7
5.7
2.9
2.9
0.3
0.3
4.3
4.3
1.8
1.8
58.0
58.0
100.0
100.0
Minnesota
Minnesota
23.4
23.4
23.8
23.8
1.2
1.2
0.0
0.0
20.2
20.2
13.8
13.8
10.2
10.2
3.9
3.9
3.5
3.5
100.0
100.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
7.2
7.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
17.7
17.7
0.0
0.0
40.1
40.1
9.1
9.1
0.0
0.0
25.9
25.9
100.0
100.0
Missouri
Missouri
5.5
5.5
5.6
5.6
0.0
0.0
31.2
31.2
0.0
0.0
18.3
18.3
3.6
3.6
23.2
23.2
12.7
12.7
100.0
100.0
Montana
Montana
24.6
24.6
20.6
20.6
0.0
0.0
3.7
3.7
0.0
0.0
8.6
8.6
11.0
11.0
5.3
5.3
26.2
26.2
100.0
100.0
Nebraska
Nebraska
19.2
19.2
17.8
17.8
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
36.7
36.7
8.3
8.3
3.3
3.3
0.0
0.0
10.5
10.5
100.0
100.0
Nevada
Nevada
25.7
25.7
13.9
13.9
0.0
0.0
26.5
26.5
0.0
0.0
1.3
1.3
12.1
12.1
7.0
7.0
13.6
13.6
100.0
100.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
43.4
43.4
7.5
7.5
0.0
0.0
10.9
10.9
0.0
0.0
10.4
10.4
11.2
11.2
1.8
1.8
14.9
14.9
100.0
100.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
5.7
5.7
12.9
12.9
44.4
44.4
0.0
0.0
23.3
23.3
4.1
4.1
3.5
3.5
1.1
1.1
5.0
5.0
100.0
100.0
New Mexico
New Mexico
11.8
11.8
7.1
7.1
6.7
6.7
0.2
0.2
61.1
61.1
2.4
2.4
1.2
1.2
3.9
3.9
5.6
5.6
100.0
100.0
New York
New York
31.3
31.3
2.1
2.1
17.8
17.8
7.5
7.5
18.1
18.1
2.4
2.4
8.5
8.5
5.3
5.3
7.0
7.0
100.0
100.0
North Carolina
North Carolina
4.7
4.7
40.1
40.1
13.0
13.0
26.0
26.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.4
8.0
8.0
0.6
0.6
7.2
7.2
100.0
100.0
North Dakota
North Dakota
9.4
9.4
4.2
4.2
0.0
0.0
55.5
55.5
0.0
0.0
13.1
13.1
15.0
15.0
0.1
0.1
2.8
2.8
100.0
100.0
Ohio
Ohio
17.9
17.9
36.3
36.3
0.1
0.1
1.8
1.8
0.0
0.0
7.4
7.4
9.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
22.4
22.4
100.0
100.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
7.1
7.1
48.2
48.2
0.0
0.0
7.8
7.8
0.0
0.0
12.6
12.6
3.9
3.9
0.2
0.2
20.3
20.3
100.0
100.0
Oregon
Oregon
35.3
35.3
13.1
13.1
8.1
8.1
5.2
5.2
1.6
1.6
8.5
8.5
6.9
6.9
11.1
11.1
10.2
10.2
100.0
100.0
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
9.3
9.3
39.2
39.2
25.3
25.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.7
8.7
5.4
5.4
0.8
0.8
11.3
11.3
100.0
100.0
CRS-17
CRS-17
Emergency
Child
and Short-
Pre-K and Welfare
Work,
Adminis-
Term
Early
Benefits
Education,
trative
Benefits
Total
Basic
Childhood
and
Refundable
and
Expend-
and
Other
TANF
State
Assistance Child Care Services
Services Tax Credits Training
itures
Services
Services
Dollars
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
15.2
15.2
17.9
17.9
0.9
0.9
14.2
14.2
14.5
14.5
7.1
7.1
4.5
4.5
3.5
3.5
22.1
22.1
100.0
100.0
South Carolina
South Carolina
18.8
18.8
2.5
2.5
16.6
16.6
4.4
4.4
0.0
0.0
12.7
12.7
11.0
11.0
0.0
0.0
34.0
34.0
100.0
100.0
South Dakota
South Dakota
43.0
43.0
2.8
2.8
0.0
0.0
14.7
14.7
0.0
0.0
10.8
10.8
7.1
7.1
10.4
10.4
11.0
11.0
100.0
100.0
Tennessee
Tennessee
25.3
25.3
0.6
0.6
31.2
31.2
11.9
11.9
0.0
0.0
11.9
11.9
10.5
10.5
0.0
0.0
8.4
8.4
100.0
100.0
Texas
Texas
1.9
1.9
0.0
0.0
33.0
33.0
40.0
40.0
0.0
0.0
7.2
7.2
5.8
5.8
2.3
2.3
9.8
9.8
100.0
100.0
Utah
Utah
16.0
16.0
25.9
25.9
7.2
7.2
2.5
2.5
0.0
0.0
17.0
17.0
8.3
8.3
2.1
2.1
21.1
21.1
100.0
100.0
Vermont
Vermont
14.5
14.5
38.5
38.5
0.0
0.0
9.3
9.3
15.9
15.9
0.2
0.2
6.7
6.7
1.7
1.7
13.2
13.2
100.0
100.0
Virginia
Virginia
28.6
28.6
11.6
11.6
2.2
2.2
18.0
18.0
0.1
0.1
9.7
9.7
14.5
14.5
1.9
1.9
13.4
13.4
100.0
100.0
Washington
Washington
18.3
18.3
19.5
19.5
5.7
5.7
0.7
0.7
0.0
0.0
11.4
11.4
5.6
5.6
2.7
2.7
36.1
36.1
100.0
100.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
33.3
33.3
15.4
15.4
0.0
0.0
21.3
21.3
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.2
9.4
9.4
1.4
1.4
19.0
19.0
100.0
100.0
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
13.4
13.4
31.9
31.9
0.0
0.0
2.1
2.1
10.3
10.3
6.8
6.8
6.3
6.3
4.8
4.8
24.4
24.4
100.0
100.0
Wyoming
Wyoming
48.3
48.3
5.7
5.7
5.6
5.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
14.5
14.5
8.5
8.5
10.8
10.8
6.6
6.6
100.0
100.0
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Office of Family Assistance. (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
Notes: 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-18
CRS-18
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-3. Unspent TANF Funds at the End of FY2022
(dollars in millions; as of September 30, 2022)
(dollars in millions; as of September 30, 2022)
State
Obligated but Unspent
Unobligated Balance
All jurisdictions
All jurisdictions
$2,501.9
$2,501.9
$6,452.8
$6,452.8
Alabama
Alabama
0.0
0.0
122.7
122.7
Alaska
Alaska
25.3
25.3
0.5
0.5
Arizona
Arizona
0.0
0.0
60.4
60.4
Arkansas
Arkansas
36.7
36.7
65.9
65.9
California
California
755.2
755.2
0.0
0.0
Colorado
Colorado
0.0
0.0
107.9
107.9
Connecticut
Connecticut
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Delaware
Delaware
0.0
0.0
20.2
20.2
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
3.5
3.5
31.6
31.6
Florida
Florida
0.0
0.0
221.9
221.9
Georgia
Georgia
40.8
40.8
160.0
160.0
Hawaii
Hawaii
19.3
19.3
402.3
402.3
Idaho
Idaho
0.0
0.0
10.9
10.9
Il inois
Il inois
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Indiana
Indiana
16.3
16.3
114.0
114.0
Iowa
Iowa
0.0
0.0
45.5
45.5
Kansas
Kansas
3.2
3.2
64.6
64.6
Kentucky
Kentucky
0.0
0.0
107.9
107.9
Louisiana
Louisiana
63.3
63.3
0.0
0.0
Maine
Maine
13.2
13.2
89.1
89.1
Maryland
Maryland
0.0
0.0
54.4
54.4
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Michigan
Michigan
0.0
0.0
124.4
124.4
Minnesota
Minnesota
203.1
203.1
50.9
50.9
Mississippi
Mississippi
0.0
0.0
146.0
146.0
Missouri
Missouri
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Montana
Montana
0.0
0.0
60.8
60.8
Nebraska
Nebraska
6.3
6.3
119.8
119.8
Nevada
Nevada
0.0
0.0
45.4
45.4
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
0.0
0.0
61.8
61.8
New Jersey
New Jersey
146.6
146.6
0.0
0.0
New Mexico
New Mexico
63.8
63.8
0.0
0.0
New York
New York
142.2
142.2
1,117.6
1,117.6
North Carolina
North Carolina
55.4
55.4
0.0
0.0
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
19
19
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
State
Obligated but Unspent
Unobligated Balance
North Dakota
North Dakota
0.0
0.0
12.9
12.9
Ohio
Ohio
646.6
646.6
0.0
0.0
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
74.3
74.3
294.2
294.2
Oregon
Oregon
0.0
0.0
181.1
181.1
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
180.6
180.6
776.0
776.0
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
0.0
0.0
82.4
82.4
South Carolina
South Carolina
0.0
0.0
10.1
10.1
South Dakota
South Dakota
0.0
0.0
24.5
24.5
Tennessee
Tennessee
0.0
0.0
808.2
808.2
Texas
Texas
0.0
0.0
237.4
237.4
Utah
Utah
0.0
0.0
91.1
91.1
Vermont
Vermont
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Virginia
Virginia
6.3
6.3
56.2
56.2
Washington
Washington
0.0
0.0
60.0
60.0
West Virginia
West Virginia
0.0
0.0
117.2
117.2
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
0.0
0.0
268.8
268.8
Wyoming
Wyoming
0.0
0.0
26.1
26.1
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance. Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance.
Note: Excludes TANF funds used in the territories. Excludes TANF funds used in the territories.
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
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
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State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
Il inois
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
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
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State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
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
1,019,898
2,820,773
2,015,874
804,899
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Data as of 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
Il inois
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
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
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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
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
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
5,015,545
1,086,852
907,048
1,019,898
-79.7
12.4
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human 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.
Note: TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted TANF cash assistance caseload includes families receiving assistance in state-funded programs counted
toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement. toward the TANF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement.
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Table B-6. TANF Cash Assistance Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts for a Single-
Parent Family with One Child, By Jurisdiction, July 2021
(monthly dollar amount and as a percentage of the HHS poverty guidelines for 2021
(monthly dollar amount and as a percentage of the HHS poverty guidelines for 2021
Maximum Benefit for
a Family of Two as a
Percentage of the
Maximum Benefit for
HHS Poverty
Jurisdiction
a Family of Two
Guidelines
Alabama
Alabama
$190
$190
13.1%
13.1%
Alaska
Alaska
821
821
45.3
45.3
Arizona
Arizona
220
220
15.2
15.2
Arkansas
Arkansas
162
162
11.2
11.2
California
California
696
696
47.9
47.9
Colorado
Colorado
400
400
27.6
27.6
Connecticut
Connecticut
495
495
34.1
34.1
Delaware
Delaware
270
270
18.6
18.6
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
515
515
35.5
35.5
Florida
Florida
241
241
16.6
16.6
Georgia
Georgia
235
235
16.2
16.2
Hawaii
Hawaii
485
485
29.0
29.0
Idaho
Idaho
309
309
21.3
21.3
Il inois
Il inois
431
431
29.7
29.7
Indiana
Indiana
229
229
15.8
15.8
Iowa
Iowa
361
361
24.9
24.9
Kansas
Kansas
352
352
24.2
24.2
Kentucky
Kentucky
225
225
15.5
15.5
Louisiana
Louisiana
188
188
13.0
13.0
Maine
Maine
463
463
31.9
31.9
Maryland
Maryland
575
575
39.6
39.6
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
629
629
43.3
43.3
Michigan
Michigan
403
403
27.8
27.8
Minnesota
Minnesota
537
537
37.0
37.0
Mississippi
Mississippi
236
236
16.3
16.3
Missouri
Missouri
234
234
16.1
16.1
Montana
Montana
467
467
32.2
32.2
Nebraska
Nebraska
408
408
28.1
28.1
Nevada
Nevada
320
320
22.0
22.0
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
871
871
60.0
60.0
New Jersey
New Jersey
425
425
29.3
29.3
New Mexico
New Mexico
357
357
24.6
24.6
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Maximum Benefit for
a Family of Two as a
Percentage of the
Maximum Benefit for
HHS Poverty
Jurisdiction
a Family of Two
Guidelines
New York
New York
574
574
39.5
39.5
North Carolina
North Carolina
236
236
16.3
16.3
North Dakota
North Dakota
385
385
26.5
26.5
Ohio
Ohio
417
417
28.7
28.7
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
225
225
15.5
15.5
Oregon
Oregon
432
432
29.8
29.8
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
316
316
21.8
21.8
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
584
584
40.2
40.2
South Carolina
South Carolina
242
242
16.7
16.7
South Dakota
South Dakota
563
563
38.8
38.8
Tennessee
Tennessee
343
343
23.6
23.6
Texas
Texas
267
267
18.4
18.4
Utah
Utah
399
399
27.5
27.5
Vermont
Vermont
580
580
40.0
40.0
Virginia
Virginia
465
465
32.0
32.0
Washington
Washington
528
528
36.4
36.4
West Virginia
West Virginia
480
480
33.1
33.1
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
653
653
45.0
45.0
Wyoming
Wyoming
682
682
47.0
47.0
Sources: 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/2021-poverty-guidelines. level is from HHS at https://aspe.hhs.gov/2021-poverty-guidelines.
Table B-7. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate,
By Jurisdiction for All Families: FY2022
Caseload
Reduction
Effective
Credit
After
Work
Statutory
(percentage
Credit
Participation
Met
State
Standard
points)
Standard
Rate
Standard?
Alabama
Alabama
50.0%
50.0%
50.0
50.0
0.0%
0.0%
44.9%
44.9%
Yes
Yes
Alaska
Alaska
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
31.1
31.1
Yes
Yes
Arizona
Arizona
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
12.9
12.9
Yes
Yes
Arkansas
Arkansas
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
14.6
14.6
Yes
Yes
California
California
50.0
50.0
40.8
40.8
9.2
9.2
47.6
47.6
Yes
Yes
Colorado
Colorado
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
43.1
43.1
Yes
Yes
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
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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
State
Standard
points)
Standard
Rate
Standard?
Connecticut
Connecticut
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
3.7
3.7
Yes
Yes
Delaware
Delaware
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
17.8
17.8
Yes
Yes
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
50.0
50.0
39.3
39.3
10.7
10.7
20.5
20.5
Yes
Yes
Florida
Florida
50.0
50.0
37.7
37.7
12.3
12.3
12.4
12.4
Yes
Yes
Georgia
Georgia
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
7.0
7.0
Yes
Yes
Guam
Guam
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
1.9
1.9
Yes
Yes
Hawaii
Hawaii
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
13.2
13.2
Yes
Yes
Idaho
Idaho
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
64.2
64.2
Yes
Yes
Il inois
Il inois
50.0
50.0
33.8
33.8
16.2
16.2
48.4
48.4
Yes
Yes
Indiana
Indiana
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
14.0
14.0
Yes
Yes
Iowa
Iowa
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
17.3
17.3
Yes
Yes
Kansas
Kansas
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
30.2
30.2
Yes
Yes
Kentucky
Kentucky
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
20.1
20.1
Yes
Yes
Louisiana
Louisiana
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
4.7
4.7
Yes
Yes
Maine
Maine
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
78.0
78.0
Yes
Yes
Maryland
Maryland
50.0
50.0
38.2
38.2
11.8
11.8
12.0
12.0
Yes
Yes
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
50.0
50.0
36.4
36.4
13.6
13.6
50.4
50.4
Yes
Yes
Michigan
Michigan
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
44.7
44.7
Yes
Yes
Minnesota
Minnesota
50.0
50.0
39.9
39.9
10.1
10.1
20.4
20.4
Yes
Yes
Mississippi
Mississippi
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
43.3
43.3
Yes
Yes
Missouri
Missouri
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
17.5
17.5
Yes
Yes
Montana
Montana
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
34.4
34.4
Yes
Yes
Nebraska
Nebraska
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
10.3
10.3
Yes
Yes
Nevada
Nevada
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
23.5
23.5
Yes
Yes
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
61.7
61.7
Yes
Yes
New Jersey
New Jersey
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
5.5
5.5
Yes
Yes
New Mexico
New Mexico
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
7.5
7.5
Yes
Yes
New York
New York
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
11.5
11.5
Yes
Yes
North Carolina
North Carolina
50.0
50.0
49.1
49.1
0.9
0.9
5.4
5.4
Yes
Yes
North Dakota
North Dakota
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
40.6
40.6
Yes
Yes
Ohio
Ohio
50.0
50.0
45.2
45.2
4.8
4.8
35.5
35.5
Yes
Yes
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
15.5
15.5
Yes
Yes
Oregon
Oregon
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
47.6
47.6
No
No
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
17.9
17.9
Yes
Yes
Congressional Research Service
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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
State
Standard
points)
Standard
Rate
Standard?
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
6.8
6.8
Yes
Yes
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
7.6
7.6
Yes
Yes
South Carolina
South Carolina
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
6.4
6.4
Yes
Yes
South Dakota
South Dakota
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
54.5
54.5
Yes
Yes
Tennessee
Tennessee
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
32.5
32.5
Yes
Yes
Texas
Texas
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
16.1
16.1
Yes
Yes
Utah
Utah
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
11.8
11.8
Yes
Yes
Vermont
Vermont
50.0
50.0
47.1
47.1
2.9
2.9
32.6
32.6
Yes
Yes
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
2.5
2.5
Yes
Yes
Virginia
Virginia
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
13.5
13.5
Yes
Yes
Washington
Washington
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
33.9
33.9
Yes
Yes
West Virginia
West Virginia
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
23.8
23.8
Yes
Yes
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
50.0
50.0
37.7
37.7
12.3
12.3
57.0
57.0
Yes
Yes
Wyoming
Wyoming
50.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
50.0
50.0
74.5
74.5
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).
Table B-8. TANF Work Participation Standard and Rate, By Jurisdiction,
for Two-Parent Families: FY2022
Caseload
Reduction
Effective
Credit
After
Work
Statutory
(percentage
Credit
Participation
Met
State
Standard
points)
Standard
Rate
Standard?
Alabama
Alabama
90.0%
90.0%
90.0
90.0
0.0%
0.0%
40.1%
40.1%
Yes
Yes
Alaska
Alaska
90.0
90.0
61.6
61.6
28.4
28.4
38.7
38.7
Yes
Yes
Arizona
Arizona
90.0
90.0
79.1
79.1
10.9
10.9
20.0
20.0
Yes
Yes
Arkansas
Arkansas
90.0
90.0
83.6
83.6
6.4
6.4
32.2
32.2
Yes
Yes
California
California
90.0
90.0
49.4
49.4
40.6
40.6
24.0
24.0
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 Columbia
District of Columbia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Florida
Florida
90.0
90.0
37.7
37.7
52.3
52.3
10.5
10.5
No
No
Georgia
Georgia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Guam
Guam
90.0
90.0
61.2
61.2
28.8
28.8
0.4
0.4
No
No
Congressional Research Service
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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
State
Standard
points)
Standard
Rate
Standard?
Hawaii
Hawaii
90.0
90.0
57.8
57.8
32.2
32.2
18.4
18.4
No
No
Idaho
Idaho
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Il inois
Il inois
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Indiana
Indiana
90.0
90.0
80.8
80.8
9.2
9.2
9.7
9.7
Yes
Yes
Iowa
Iowa
90.0
90.0
85.6
85.6
4.4
4.4
12.0
12.0
Yes
Yes
Kansas
Kansas
90.0
90.0
72.8
72.8
17.2
17.2
32.8
32.8
Yes
Yes
Kentucky
Kentucky
90.0
90.0
76.3
76.3
13.7
13.7
25.1
25.1
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
36.4
36.4
53.6
53.6
94.8
94.8
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
83.2
83.2
6.8
6.8
36.3
36.3
Yes
Yes
Nebraska
Nebraska
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Nevada
Nevada
90.0
90.0
59.5
59.5
30.5
30.5
29.5
29.5
No
No
New Hampshire
New Hampshire
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Jersey
New Jersey
90.0
90.0
86.5
86.5
3.5
3.5
93.7
93.7
Yes
Yes
New Mexico
New Mexico
90.0
90.0
72.8
72.8
17.2
17.2
17.8
17.8
Yes
Yes
New York
New York
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
North Carolina
North Carolina
90.0
90.0
49.1
49.1
40.9
40.9
13.2
13.2
No
No
North Dakota
North Dakota
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Ohio
Ohio
90.0
90.0
85.7
85.7
4.3
4.3
31.5
31.5
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
88.3
88.3
No
No
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
0.0
0.0
32.9
32.9
Yes
Yes
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
90.0
90.0
74.8
74.8
15.2
15.2
8.9
8.9
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
79.9
79.9
10.1
10.1
37.7
37.7
Yes
Yes
Texas
Texas
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Congressional Research Service
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs
Utah
Utah
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Vermont
Vermont
90.0
90.0
55.1
55.1
34.9
34.9
44.1
44.1
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
55.0
55.0
35.0
35.0
55.7
55.7
Yes
Yes
West Virginia
West Virginia
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
90.0
90.0
55.7
55.7
34.3
34.3
51.0
51.0
Yes
Yes
Wyoming
Wyoming
90.0
90.0
0.0
0.0
90.0
90.0
74.5
74.5
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).
Note: NA denotes that the jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving TANF or MOE funded NA denotes that the jurisdiction did not have two-parent families receiving TANF or MOE funded
assistance. assistance.
Author Information
Gene Falk Gene Falk
Patrick A. Landers
Patrick A. Landers
Specialist in Social Policy
Specialist in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Analyst in Social Policy
Acknowledgments
CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations.
CRS Graphics Specialist Amber Wilhelm produced this report’s data visualizations.
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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