The TANF Program: Reports and Resources

TANF Participation Fell in the First Half of 2011 - Fewer families received TANF in June 2011 than in January 2011. This decrease was more likely due to stricter state eligibility and access policies than to decreased need. (PDF) November 2011

In 2010, Food Stamp Participation Increased over 15%; TANF less than 1% - The number of families receiving Food Stamps in 2010 increased over 15 percent, but the number receiving TANF increased less than one percent. (PDF) July 2011

Welfare Reform at Age 15: A Vanishing Safety Net for Women and Children - In 1996, the federal government “ended welfare as we know it,” replacing Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. This report demonstrates that TANF has shredded the safety net. (PDF) April 2011

TANF Caseload Declined Again in the Second Quarter of 2010 - Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) caseloads declined in the second quarter of 2010 as they had in the first quarter. Cumulatively, over these two quarters caseloads fell in thirty five states and the national caseload decreased by 1.8%. December 2010

TANF Caseload Fell Nationally and in 34 States in the First Quarter of 2010 - Despite continued exceptionally high poverty and unemployment rates, the national TANF caseload declined in 34 states and nationally by about 1.4% between December 2009 and March 2010. October 2010

TANF Sanctions Harm the Nation’s Neediest Families - A new report by Legal Momentum demonstrates the serious harm financial sanctions cause Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. These penalties are very common and many are imposed erroneously or for extremely minor violations, burdening the nation’s neediest families with even greater hardship. (PDF) August 2010

Since the Recession Began in December 2007, Caseloads have Increased 48% in Food Stamps But Just 12% in TANF - The number of families receiving TANF has increased just 12% since the recession began in December 2007. By contrast, the number of households receiving Food Stamp benefits increased 48% from December 2007 to February 2010. These figures underscore the urgent need for federal action to make TANF more accessible and responsive. May 2010

Statement of Legal Momentum: Regarding Welfare Reform - Legal Momentum urges Congress and the Obama Administration to move forward with comprehensive reauthorization legislation that will increase federal funding and raise participation rates and benefit levels in TANF. September 2010

Statement Submitted to the House of Representatives on the Role of Education and Training in the TANF Program - TANF's Work First policy has helped perpetuate single mother poverty and single mother employment in low wage “women’s work.” Legal Momentum urges Congress and the Administration to move forward rapidly to amend the TANF statute to embrace the Work Best approach. April 2010

Statement Submitted to the House of Representatives on TANF’s Role in Providing Assistance to Struggling Families - Statement to Congress about a survey and report from Legal Momentum on how TANF responds – and fails to respond - to women fleeing family violence who turn to TANF for assistance. March 2010

Statement Submitted House of Representatives Regarding the Safety Net’s' Response to the Recession - Statement submitted to Congress detailing how millions of women and children are living in extreme poverty, many experiencing hunger, eviction, and other deprivations, in significant part due to fundamental flaws in the safety net and the safety net’s failure adequately to respond to the recession. October 2009

Statement Submitted to the House of Representatives: Improving Work and Other Welfare Reform Goals - Statement to the House of Representatives urging Congress and the Obama Administration to move forward with comprehensive reauthorization legislation that will increase federal funding and raise participation rates and benefit levels in TANF. September 2011

Testimony to the New York State Assembly on the TANF-Funded Welfare to Work Program - Testimony to the New York State Assembly on the TANF-Funded Welfare to Work Program and Career and Technical Education. November 2008

TANF Work First Helps Perpetuate Single Mother Poverty - Federal TANF policy continues to place barriers in the way of the single mothers receiving TANF who wish to go to school even though 40% of TANF recipients have not completed high school. (PDF) March 2010

Pimentel v. Dreyfus Amicus Curiae Brief - An amicus brief in support of the plaintiff, who is challenging a decision by the State of Washington to terminate state-funded food assistance to lawfully present immigrants who are ineligible for federally-funded food assistance due to their immigrant status. (PDF) May 2011

Public Benefits Access for Battered Immigrant Women and Children - Learn about eligibility for documented and undocumented immigrants, how a victim of domestic violence can becomes a “qualified immigrant,” and what benefits are available to “qualified immigrants,” as well as what benefits are available to all immigrants. January 2010

TANF and Emergency Medicaid Access for Battered Immigrant Women and Children - Explains how immigrant victims of domestic violence may qualify for a “good cause waiver” to the default five year bar on public benefits. Applicants must have an immigration petition filed with the Department of Homeland Security and must show a “substantial connection” between the abuse and the need for Medicaid and/or TANF November 2008