How the TANF Block Grant Falls Short:
Spending, Benefits and Reaching People in Need

States’ experience with TANF provides strong evidence that punitive work requirements and block granting exacerbate deep poverty and should not be extended to other programs.

The funds’ diminished value and broadened dispersal have left states with fewer resources to serve needy families.

A core purpose of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is to provide families that have fallen on hard economic times with direct financial assistance, or cash assistance, to...