Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Description
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program was created by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. States and Tribes have broad flexibility to develop and implement TANF programs that meet the following goals:
- Provide assistance to needy families;
- 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.
The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) oversees the State and Tribal TANF programs.
For additional information, please visit the Office of Family Assistance website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/.
The Division of Tribal Services (DTS) oversees the Tribal TANF programs. To learn more about DTS, go to the DTS Homepage.
State and Territory Partners and Other Resources
- Arizona Department of Economic Security (800) 352-8401
- California Department of Social Services (800) 952-5253
- Welfare to Work Division of the California Department of Social Services
- Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (671) 735-7399
- Hawaii Department of Human Services (808) 643-1643
- Nevada Welfare Division (775) 684-0500