Latest Resources
Changes in State TANF Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
In partnership with The Urban Institute, APHSA co-produced a brief “Changes in State TANF Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”. In this brief, we describe how some state agencies adapted their policies during the early months of the pandemic to meet their states’ and families’ unique situations, needs, and challenges.
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APHSA submitted comments in response to a proposed rule from the Social Security Administration that would increase the frequency of redetermination reviews for many individuals receiving disability benefits. The proposed rule would add further stress on individuals to navigate an already burdened system, particularly impacting children and individuals with behavioral health needs. Read our comment letter here.
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New Paper! Measuring What Matters: Shifting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to an Outcomes-Based Model
The purpose of TANF is right in the name—to provide temporary assistance for needy families. Unfortunately, the current TANF system can make it challenging for parents to become self-sufficient or advance in today’s economy. APHSA’s joint paper with the National Skills Coalition (NSC) suggests TANF shift to an outcomes-based accountability system where states are rewarded based on how successfully they assist TANF participants in earning in-demand job skills and gaining sustainable, family-supporting employment.
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TANF at 20: Time for Rational Changes (released November 2016)
TANF at 20: Time for Rational Changes was developed by a special work group led by APHSA's Center for Employment and Economic Well-Being and the National Association of State TANF Administrators. It contains suggested legislative, regulatory and administrative recommendations for improving TANF to be more client- and family-centric and to align TANF more productively with elements of other workforce programs. Please click here to read the full paper.
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