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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Summary

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), enacted in 1996, replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), which provided cash assistance to families with children experiencing poverty. TANF cash assistance can play a critical role in supporting families during times of need. However, TANF reaches far fewer families and provides less cash assistance to families than AFDC, leaving more families in deep poverty. States have shifted the funds that previously went directly to families to fund other programs.

 

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (2022). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.