TANF, which stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a welfare program that’s run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
TANF provides temporary financial relief to families who have children if the parents or guardians of those children are not earning enough money to cover basic daily necessities (like food, rent, clothes, and healthcare). If you need help paying for your food bills, or other essential items, and you are responsible for taking care of children, you might qualify for TANF benefits.
TANF was created in 1996. At the time, the government’s goal was to help people rise out of poverty, by providing them with temporary financial support and job-seeking assistance. This is why the word “temporary” is used in the name. This is also why the government encourages all TANF recipients to find jobs, and get vocational training so that they can support themselves and their families, without relying on public assistance.
In 2018, the U.S. government spent over $30 billion on TANF programs, including job training, child care assistance, pre-K education, child welfare services, and other forms of basic assistance. Still, TANF benefits are not enough to cover most people’s bills. They are mainly intended to provide temporary support for families that have extreme needs.
In this article, you will learn about the TANF program’s goals, how to sign up, and more. For starters, according to the official website, the TANF program has four main goals.
4 Goals of TANF
1. Keep children in their own homes when possible
There’s no better place for children to be raised than with their own parents, in their own homes (when it’s a safe environment). If the home environment isn’t safe, the next best place is with a close relative. With that in mind, the TANF program provides temporary relief to families who are struggling, with the goal of keeping them together under the same roof.
2. Encouraging employment
Studies show that children have the best chance to thrive when their parents are self-sufficient and employed. Of course, this isn’t always possible. But TANF encourages people to find jobs and offers job-seeking resources. Each state has a job seeking resources for TANF recipients. Find your nearest TANF agency.
3. Reduce the number of out-of-wedlock births
Children who are born with parents that are not married are less likely to complete their education, and they are more likely to get involved with crime. This is an unfortunate reality for too many young people in America. This is why TANF programs encourage parents to get married and stick together if they plan on having children.
4. Encourage and support the growth of two-parent families
Similar to the above goal, children that grow up in loving, two-parent families are more likely to succeed. This is why TANF encourages parents to become married and raise children together, rather than in single-parent households.
How to Apply For TANF Benefits
If you think you might qualify for TANF benefits, the first thing you need to do is locate your local state social services agency. Find yours here, and get the help you need.
