ERIC Number: ED657490
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jun
Pages: 18
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Patterns and Trends in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Participation: Longitudinal Analysis of Federal TANF Participation in 28 States
Emma Monahan; Emily Wiegand; Robert Goerge; Rose Geoghegan; Hyein Kang
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides funding for states to implement and administer cash assistance to families who meet eligibility and work requirements, as well as provides funds for a wide range of other activities like education and training activities (US DHHS, 2023). TANF is funded by a block grant, meaning states receive a sum of money that can be allocated to allowable activities at the state's discretion. States have discretion to determine many aspects of TANF eligibility. This has resulted in significant variation across states in terms of eligibility requirements, time limits, and the amount of cash assistance a family receives (Knowles, Dehry, Shantz, & Minton, 2022). This brief aims to add to the literature by describing results from a series of longitudinal analyses using Federal TANF data from 28 states. Caseload dynamics are examined in multiple ways in these analyses; key state and household characteristics are included in analyses to identify any notable differences across subgroups. These findings are preliminary and were conducted to demonstrate how Federal TANF data can be used to conduct longitudinal research that offers important insights into TANF participation over time. Specifically, linked longitudinal TANF data allow us to examine households' full trajectories of TANF benefits over time, how quickly households are returning, and what characteristics may be associated with exiting and returning to TANF. Implications for TANF programs and future research efforts are discussed.
Descriptors: Federal Programs, Family Programs, Welfare Services, Block Grants, Resource Allocation, State Action, Participation, Family Needs, Family Characteristics, State Aid, Eligibility, Adults, Children, Racial Differences, Ethnicity
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. 1313 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Tel: 773-753-5900; Fax: 773-753-5940; Web site: http://www.chapinhall.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A