Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The TANF program issues awards to States and the District of Columbia, Territories, and Indian Tribes to assist needy families with children so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Eligible entities include States and Indian Tribes. According to 45 C.F.R. 260.30, State refers to the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, unless otherwise specified. Indian Tribe is defined under 25 U.S.C. 5304 per 42 U.S.C. § 619(4)(A), and includes the 13 specified entities in Alaska, per 42 U.S.C. § 619(4)(B). States and Indian Tribes that operate TANF programs must do so under plans determined to be complete (or for Tribes, approved) by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 603(b) for Contingency Funds, all States and the District of Columbia are eligible if they are determined to be a "needy State", as defined under 42 U.S.C. § 603(b)(5), by satisfying criteria related to the state's unemployment rate or the average number of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Tribes are not eligible for Contingency Funds. See 45 CFR 264.70(c). Per the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, eligible recipients for Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds were: states, the District of Columbia, Tribes operating a Tribal TANF program, and all five U.S. territories.

Needy families with children, as determined eligible by the State, Territory, or Tribe in accordance with the State or Tribal plan submitted to HHS.

Once a plan is determined complete, or in the case of an Indian Tribe, the plan is approved, by ACF, Family Assistance Grants are issued in quarterly payments. Contingency Fund awards will be made monthly. Post award, the Division of Payment Management will establish an account from which a recipient may draw down award funds.

States and Indian Tribes must implement their assistance programs according to their State and Tribal plans. ACF does not have authority to approve or disapprove a State plan, only to determine its completeness. Tribal plans are subject to approval by ACF.