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

Changes from March 6, 2024 to March 20, 2024

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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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Introduction
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy Needy Families (TANF) block grant. It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy
access to information and dataccess to information and data. Appendix A provides additional data on families receiving TANF provides additional data on families receiving TANF
assistance over timassistance over time. Appendix B presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF presents a series of tables with state-level data on TANF
expenditures and families receiving assistance. expenditures and families receiving assistance.
This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF This report does not provide information on TANF program rules (for a discussion of TANF
rules, see CRS Report RL32748, rules, see CRS Report RL32748, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block
Grant: A Primer on TANF Financing and Federal Requirements, by Gene Falk). , by Gene Falk).
Funding and Expenditures
What is TANF’s funding status?
~~The 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, 2024~~the 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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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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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 commitments. Table B-3 shows unspent TANF funds shows unspent TANF funds
by state. by state.
The Caseload
How many families receive TANF- or MOE-funded benefits
and services?
This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving This number is not known. Federal TANF reporting requirements focus on families receiving
only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF only ongoing assistance. There is no complete reporting on families receiving other TANF
benefits and services. benefits and services.
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 standard. 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
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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.

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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
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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

State
Families
Recipients
Children
Adults
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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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: FAQs

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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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RL32760 RL32760 · VERSION ~~223~~226 · UPDATED
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