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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 1 Introduction to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

1.1 Legal Basis and Program Purpose The South Carolina Family Independence Act of 1995 forms the legal basis for the establishment of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the current welfare program in the State.

1. Federal Funding Federal funding for the TANF Program is provided through the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), Title I, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

TANF funds are provided to meet four specific purposes. These are: A. To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. B. To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. C. To prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies. D. To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

2. Primary Goals of TANF The primary goals of TANF are to: A. Reform welfare so that disadvantaged individuals can be prepared for employment and find jobs. B. Remove barriers for clients and assist them in finding employment.

3. Program Purpose It is the mandate of the Department of Social Services (DSS) to assist all eligible individuals Chapter 1