This brief provides a graphical overview of some TANF policy differences across states. It includes information about initial eligibility, benefit amounts, work and activity requirements, and ongoing eligibility and time limits.

The COVID-19 pandemic created sudden and substantial hardships for many families with low incomes and also created unprecedented challenges for the operation of benefit programs. States were able to use the TANF program’s existing flexibility to…

In 2013, the Office of Family Assistance released Information Memorandum (TANF-ACF-IM-2013-01) “Use of TANF Funds to Serve Homeless Families and Families at Risk of Experiencing Homelessness” in recognition of the integral role TANF can play in…

This practice guide, used in partnership with a research or technical assistance support team, can help program leaders make evidence-driven decisions as they manage change. The guide targets individuals thinking about or implementing a program…

This Office of Family Assistance brief is part of a broader study exploring how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs across the country use TANF funds to serve and support families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It…

TANF programs adapted in many innovative ways to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These innovations included strategies to administer and deliver program services virtually, increase access to and use of technology among participants…

The merging of WIOA and TANF services has the potential to provide substantial benefits to those most in need. This brief highlights four key strategies states can implement to bolster their integration efforts. The four strategies range from…

Many programs aiming to improve employment outcomes among people with low-incomes rely on relationships with employers to develop job opportunities for participants. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession changed the ways these programs…

This Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation brief describes the experiences of six employment programs participating in the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project. The brief presents key takeaways from their…

This brief identifies the strengths and challenges of New Mexico’s TANF system, based on how state and local TANF agencies engage with Hispanic families who apply for TANF cash assistance. The brief draws from a recent survey of TANF program…