Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Program objective

The TANF program issues awards to States and the District of Columbia, Territories, and Indian Tribes to assist needy families with children so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.

No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.

Eligible applicants (program level)

• ✓Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• ✓U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• ✓U.S. Territory (or Possession) Government (including freely-associated states)

Eligible entities include States and Indian Tribes. According to 45 C.F.R. 260.30, State refers to the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, unless otherwise specified. Indian Tribe is defined under 25 U.S.C. 5304 per 42 U.S.C. § 619(4)(A), and includes the 13 specified entities in Alaska, per 42 U.S.C. § 619(4)(B). States and Indian Tribes that operate TANF programs must do so under plans determined to be complete (or for Tribes, approved) by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 603(b) for Contingency Funds, all States and the District of Columbia are eligible if they are determined to be a "needy State", as defined under 42 U.S.C. § 603(b)(5), by satisfying criteria related to the state's unemployment rate or the average number of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Tribes are not eligible for Contingency Funds. See 45 CFR 264.70(c). Per the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, eligible recipients for Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds were: states, the District of Columbia, Tribes operating a Tribal TANF program, and all five U.S. territories.

Intended beneficiaries: Resident/Citizen of a U.S. Territory, Other and U.S. Citizen.

Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.

Frequently asked questions