Official Goals

• The TANF block grant comes with four official goals. While the federal government sets some of the standards for TANF eligibility, states are allowed to design the program with many of their own rules. However, state TANF programs should operate so that they can best accomplish the four goals. These goals are: to encourage the creation and maintenance of two-parent families; to prevent pregnancies outside of marriage; to promote job preparation, marriage and work; and to help needy families care for their children in their own homes.
  
  

Funding

• The TANF block grant was first set when it was established in 1996. At the time, the amount was funded with $16.6 billion, and it has remained at this amount ever since. This is a great deal of money, but the real value of the grant has dropped a great deal in the ensuing years. According to an article by Liz Schott for the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the real value of the TANF block grant declined by 27 percent between 1996 and 2009.
  
  

Spending

• The TANF block grant is not spent only on providing cash assistance. As of 2009, only 27.8 percent of TANF money went to cash assistance. Assisting with child care received 17.5 percent, while work support and employment programs received another 14.9 percent. Administration of the program took 7.4 percent of block grant money.
  
  

Work Requirements

• Individuals who receive TANF benefits are expected to meet state and federal work requirements. According to federal law, each state has to ensure that at least 50 percent of its TANF recipients are engaged in work activities. The minimum participation rate for two-parent families is much higher, however. It began at 75 percent and then climbed to 90 percent. Single parents with children under 6 must work at least 20 hours per week, while single parents with children six and older must work at least 30 hours. Two-parent families must work a minimum of 35 hours per week, or 55 hours if they receive federal child care help. If states do not meet the federal TANF participation rates, they receive financial penalties from the federal government. If families do not meet their TANF work responsibilities, their benefits will be decreased and then terminated.