Aid to Families with Dependent Children

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was a U.S. government program established in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act. It provided financial assistance to low-income families with children, helping them meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. The program aimed to reduce poverty and support single parents or families facing financial hardships. AFDC was replaced by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in 1996, which introduced work requirements and time limits on benefits, shifting the focus toward helping families achieve self-sufficiency.