Intro to TANF

Last updated 09/08/2023

TANF is a block grant with many dimensions to it that can make it complicated to understand. There are a number of resources available to help you get a basic understanding of TANF, then you can delve into specific topics for more detail. The short videos linked below and the powerpoint slides used in the videos that are uploaded at the right will provide a relatively quick walkthrough of the various aspects of TANF and may be the best starting point. The material is a few years old, but most of the basic concepts have not changed.

TANF Overview

TANF Eligibility

TANF Spending

There also are a number of overview documents listed below that can also provide a good starting point.

CBPP Policy Basics on TANF and Tribal TANF: 

Policy Basics: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (cbpp.org)

Policy Basics: Tribal TANF | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (cbpp.org)

CLASP TANF 101 Series:

TANF 101: Block Grant | CLASP

TANF 101: Cash Assistance | CLASP

TANF 101: Work Participation Rate | CLASP

CBPP TANF Report on TANF’s Benefits and Shortcomings: TANF Cash Assistance Helps Families, But Program Is Not the Success Some Claim | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (cbpp.org)