Number: RL32598
Title: TANF Cash Benefits as of January 1, 2004
Authors: Meridith Walters, Gene Balk, and Vee Burke, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report describes cash assistance benefits paid to families by state TANF programs on January 1, 2004, with historical data to portray changes in benefit payments over time. It discusses the rules for determining eligibility and benefit amounts for a recipient who gets a job, showing the maximum amount of earnings a family may have and remain eligible for cash welfare. Finally, this report examines the interaction of TANF with two other federal benefit programs, food stamps and the earned income tax credit. The report shows total income available from these sources plus wages at various hours of weekly work, state by state. This report does not discuss nonfinancial eligibility rules in state TANF cash assistance programs nor does it cover eligibility rules for the wider range of TANF benefits and services provided to families.
Pages: 33
Date: September 12, 2005