Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Posted by benarmstrong on 1/18/2009 6:11:51 PM.
This policy was first proposed by U.S. Congress.
Level of Government: National
Status: Implemented

Abstract
Background:
TANF was passed in 1996 as the primary component of the Clinton Administration’s bipartisan welfare reform package.  State welfare programs provide cash subsidies to families with children.
Purpose:
To ensure that low-income families with children have the resources to escape from poverty.
 
Plans:
The United States Government gives individual states fixed block grants directed toward low-income families.  State programs that receive aid are "time-limited" and "work conditioned."  In short, TANF reduces the amount of time that a family can receive welfare to five years.  It also places a greater emphasis on job placement so that welfare recipients will no longer need government aid.
Resources:

TANF began with an annual budget of $16.5 Billion.


 

Policy Details

 

TANF limits its grants to state programs that abide by specific guidelines.  The strings are intended to promote work and minimize the time that a family spends on welfare.
Related Links
Conservative Justification of Welfare Reform (Heritage Foundation): The Heritage Foundation argues that the reduction of poverty -- as well as other indicators -- support a tougher approach to welfare that reduces government hand-outs.
Bill Clinton Evaluation of Welfare Reform (NYT): Bill Clinton tells the story of the change in the American welfare system, justifies it, and argues for further reform.
Editorial on Welfare Reform (NYT): The New York Times Editorial Board questions the success of welfare reform arguing against the potential rigidity of time limits.
Analytical Overview of Welfare Reform (CRS): The CRS report provides an outline of the major issues in welfare reform. It also seeks to analyze reform's effects through statistics.

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