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
What’s In the Approved FY 2021 Budget for the Safety Net?
By Kate Coventry, Qubilah Huddleston and Alyssa Noth • September 21, 2020 • Health Equity / Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Blog
What’s in the Mayor’s Proposed Budgets for the Department of Human Services?
By Kate Coventry • May 21, 2020 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Homelessness / Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Blog
DC Takes Steps to Ensure Residents Can Access Needed Benefits
By Kate Coventry • April 23, 2020 • 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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