103.1 Purpose of Cash Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides money and other services to the needy. This assistance is provided to promote self-respect, rehabilitation, and independence while helping families maintain a decent and healthful standard of living.

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(c)(1)

TANF is a federally funded program providing money for dependent children who are needy because financial support is not available from one or both parents. The payment is made to parents or relatives who care for the children in family homes. The purpose is to prevent a child from being forced from their own family for economic reasons.

The purpose of the welfare system is to:

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(c)(2)

Improve delivery of financial assistance and social services to eligible individuals.

Make sure individuals have the right to claim and receive assistance without conditions other than eligibility requirements.

Make the best use of time, skills, money, employees, and other resources.

Provide services or referrals to available services that can help individuals solve problems, get back to living independently, and have a functioning family.

Enable the local welfare administration to provide strong leadership to the community and to identify and stimulate actions to solve problems among individuals who are dependent, ill, or poorly adjusted or who have unmet needs.

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(d)

Preserve the individual’s dignity, rights, and freedoms.

The County Assistance Office (CAO) is responsible for giving the community information about Department of Human Services (DHS) services.

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(b)

Updated October 21, 2024, replacing February 21, 2014.