Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program was designed to help needy families achieve economic self-sufficiency. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ensures that the TANF Program complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws. As an HHS program that provides block grants to States, territories and tribes, the TANF Program must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex.

Legal Information

TANF Final Rule
Summary of Selected OCR Enforcement Activities
- OCR Resolution Agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance: an agreement to ensure that TANF applicants and beneficiaries with learning disabilities receive comprehensive and effective screening and assessment.
- OCR Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the Oregon Department of Human Services: an agreement to ensure that TANF applicants and beneficiaries are: screened for disabilities; provided with an assessment if screening indicates a possible disability; and granted reasonable program modifications if an assessment documents a disability

Policy Information

Frequently Asked Questions: Meeting the needs of TANF applicants and beneficiaries under Federal civil rights laws. In partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), OCR has developed this technical assistance tool so that State TANF Agencies can comply with Federal civil rights laws and more effectively serve TANF applicants and beneficiaries with limited English proficiency and/or disabilities.
Joint Letter from OCR and ACF sent to State TANF Agencies regarding Frequently Asked Questions: Meeting the needs of TANF applicants and beneficiaries under Federal civil rights laws.
OCR Guidance on TANF and Disability
Video Presentation: OCR Guidance on TANF and Disability
Policy Guidance Regarding Inquiries into Citizenship, Immigration Status and Social Security Numbers in State Applications for Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Food Stamp Benefits.
Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform - An Overview
OCR TANF Related Training: “Ignorance of Disability is No Excuse: Screening TANF Customers for Hidden Disabilities to Ensure Equal Opportunity," presented at the 2007 National Equal Opportunity Professional Development Forum, U.S. Department of Labor.