Notes on the TANF Data

There are three document types on this website:

• 50-state policy comparisons
• Individual state policy descriptions
• Findings in brief

The policy descriptions and comparisons are not meant to be read as stand-alone documents.  Findings in brief describe the issues covered and define the terms used in the policy descriptions and comparisons.  We suggest printing a copy of Findings in Brief for each section to keep with any data reports you print, and reading it before interpreting the data.

SPDP's goal is to provide information on state policies that are written in state statute, regulation and caseworker manual.  The information presented on this website describes state policy, not practice.

Data Collection
SPDP data was collected through two surveys, first completed by an independent policy analyst or advocate each state.  The TANF agency in each state was then given an opportunity to review and verify the information.  To resolve discrepancies between the original respondents' answers and information provided by state agencies, SPDP staff consulted state statute, regulations, and policy manuals.   Finally, SPDP staff edited the data to standardize it across states.

Date of Policy
SPDP began collecting data on state policies in 1997 and continued through 1999, so the effective dates of policies described vary across topics.   Policy comparison charts indicate the date of policies described.

The first survey, covering Applications, Categorical Eligibility, Financial Eligibility and Emergency Assistance, was initially fielded in early 1998, and survey respondents answered based on legislation enacted through December 31, 2023 and any implementing regulations. State agencies verified the information provided by respondents between September 1998 and March 1999 (see table below), and were asked to provide information on 1998 policy changes. The data reflects information they provided on changes that went into effect through December 31, 1998.  In addition, notes describing any 1999 policy changes that we know about are included in the policy comparisons and descriptions.

The second survey, on Time Limits, Work Activities and Requirements, Sanctions, Child Care, Child Support, Program Administration, Immunization and Child Health Provisions and Drug-Related Provisions, was initially fielded in late 1998.   State agencies verified the information between July 1999 and January 2000 (see table below), and were asked to update the information to reflect current policy.  As of February 2000, agencies in 3 states--Massachusetts, North Carolina and Wyoming--had not provided verification.  The policy comparisons reflect policies in place as of October 1999 unless otherwise noted.

Abbreviations & Acronyms

AU:  Assistance unit
C D:  County discretion to determine policy
EA:  Emergency assistance
EITC: Earned Income Tax Credit
FPL:  Federal poverty level
GA:  General assistance
HHS:  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
MOE:  Maintanence of effort obligation (the level of spending a state must meet in order to receive its full federal TANF block grant)
N/A:  Not applicable
PRUCOL:  Person residing under color of law
SSI:  Supplemental Security Income
TANF:  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
--:  No answer/Unknown

SPDP Data Verification Dates and State Program Names