The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. The program's goal is to reduce the number of families living in poverty, through employment and community resources. TANF is a needs-based program for families with children under age 18 (or under age 19 if the child is in high school) who need financial support because of: death of a parent; parent is absent from the home; physical or mental incapacity; or underemployed/unemployment of parent.
The four purposes of TANF are 1) provide assistance to needy families so children may be cared for in their homes or in the homes of relatives; 2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; 3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; 4) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
TANF is federally funded through a block grant from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. Under the maintenance of effort (MOE) provision in the federal regulations, states are required to contribute money equal to 80% of the amount spent on Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and AFDC-related programs during fiscal year 1994. The 80% MOE can be reduced to 75% for each year the work participation rates are met. For Nevada, the total TANF MOE requirement is $27,145,177. If TANF contingency funds are received, a 100% MOE match is required. The TANF program mandates the state to participate in the Child Support Enforcement Program. Statutory Authority: NRS 422A.