What is an explanation of TANF?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a federal program that provides grants to states for programs that provide assistance to families in poverty. The federal government allows states to design and implement the programs with funding from a block grant.

As of 2015, the federal government allows grants for state programs that provide assistance for families to support children, assist needy parents with job training and preparation, prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies and encourage the formation of families with two parents.

In Indiana, the Family and Social Services Administration makes TANF money available to families with children under the age of 18 to help them become self-sufficient.