TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is there to ensure that DC’s children have their most basic needs met, no matter the economic hardships their parents face.
The District’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, administered by the Department of Human Services, makes sure children living in poverty have their most basic needs met in the short term. TANF also helps put families on the path to stability by helping their parents get back on their feet. DCFPI works to ensure that TANF offers comprehensive and effective services, including adequate cash assistance benefits and services such as job training and transportation subsidies.
Featured Publications & Resources
Report
Reducing Inequality, Increasing Opportunities for DC Residents: Recommendations to the New Mayor and DC Council
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 5, 2015 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Early Child & Pre-K to 12 Education / Health Equity / Inclusive Economy / Income & Poverty / Jobs & Training / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support / Taxes
Testimony
Testimony of Kate Coventry, Policy Analyst, At the Public Oversight Roundtable on the Human Impact of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Benefits Cuts
By Tina Paden • October 3, 2014 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Blog
Use Additional Revenue to Help TANF Families Succeed
By Kate Coventry • June 6, 2014 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Latest on this Issue
Testimony
TANF Benefits Are a Lifeline for DC Families, and Limits and Cuts Will Do Major Harm
By Tazra Mitchell • June 6, 2025 • TANF & Income Support
Fact Sheets
DC Can Boost Income to Tackle Child Poverty
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • May 23, 2024 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Testimony
District Child Tax Credit Bill is a Tool for Tackling Child Poverty and Should be Strengthened
By Erica Williams • January 24, 2024 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
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