Definitions for "Temporary Assistance to Needy Families"
Block grant program that replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193) creates the TANF program that transforms welfare into a system that requires work in exchange for time-limited assistance. The law specifically eliminates any individual entitlement to or guarantee of assistance, repeals the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, Emergency Assistance (EA) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs and replaces them with a block grant entitlement to States under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act.
Financial Support in the form of a cash grant, given to a family with children in need of financial help. The grant is offered because the head of the family or custodial parent is not employed and not receiving child Support or assistance from the non-custodial parent. Formerly called AFDC - Aid to Families with Dependents. TANF does not include Medicaid, food stamps or WIC benefits. These must be applied for separately.