federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides financial aid and support services to low-income families with children. Its goal is to help families achieve self-sufficiency through cash assistance, job training, child care, and employment programs. TANF funds are distributed to state and local agencies, which set specific eligibility rules and program details. The program emphasizes work, responsibility, and mobility, often requiring recipients to participate in employment-related activities to continue receiving benefits. TANF aims to reduce dependency on government aid and promote economic independence.