3000 Defining Delaware’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program

Statutory Authority 45 CFR §260.20 The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) modified the Social Security Act and established the TANF program. TANF is a federally funded cash assistance program designed to assist low-income families with minor children in the home. 1. States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish the federal purposes of TANF. A. The four federal purposes of TANF are to: i. Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; ii. End the dependence of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; iii. Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and iv. Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. 2. Delaware's TANF program is operated by the Division of Social Services (DSS) and provides cash assistance for minor children who are: • Needy as determined by DSS standards; and • Living in the home of a parent, guardian, custodian, or specified relative. A. The key objectives of Delaware's TANF Program are to: i. Provide access to opportunities and services that support the capacity to earn a living wage. ii. Reduce barriers to increase the possibility for long term self-sufficiency. iii. Promote the stabilization of all families. B. The State and the family have mutual responsibilities. i. The State will provide cash assistance, case management, supportive services, and employment and training services to increase the family's opportunity for self-sufficiency. ii. The family must comply with required TANF components and may participate in programs that focus on their individualized needs in order to accomplish their personal goals. C. DSS creates programs for TANF eligible families and non-custodial parents of TANF minors based on the four federal TANF purposes and the key objectives of Delaware's TANF program. These programs are outlined in Delaware's TANF State Plan. 14 DE Reg. 304 (10/01/10) 25 DE Reg. 534 (11/01/21)