Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. TANF was created by the Welfare Reform Law of 1996, and replaced what was commonly known as welfare.

Operated by the Office of Family Assistance , located in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, TANF programs are run by states, territories and tribes, and thus eligibility, benefits and services differ from state to state.

Other Web Sites:

State TANF Programs
The Administration for Children and Families maintains a database of links to different state programs offering Temporary Assistance to families. Click the link for your state for information.
TANF Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides basic information on the TANF program, though TANF programs vary from state to state.