The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently released a
report that answers a number of frequently asked questions about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant. The federal grant, established by the 1996 federal
welfare reform law, funds a wide array of services and benefits, including cash assistance, for low-income families with children. The grant provides $16.5 billion in annual funding to the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The states and DC, in turn, are collectively required to annually contribute $10.4 billion of their own funds towards TANF-related activities. These state funds are also referred to as maintenance-of-effort (MOE) funds.
Some of the questions addressed in the report include the following:
- How many families receive TANF or MOE-funded benefits and services?
- How much does a family receive in TANF cash benefits per month in each state?
- May states require drug testing of TANF cash assistance recipients?
- Are there restrictions on a family’s use of TANF benefits?
- What is the TANF work participation standard states must meet?
For the answers to these questions and many more, click
here to read the full CRS report.
