Marriage and the TANF Rules: A Discussion Paper

Publication Date: February 2005

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Paula Roberts; Mark Greenberg

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

From the “Marriage Plus” perspective, two goals should be paramount in designing public benefits programs from a family structure perspective. First, the state should seek to develop rules that do not discourage marriage. Second, these rules should not disadvantage children who live in single-parent families. This paper explores the issues that arise in pursuing these goals. For purposes of analysis, the authors consider only the rules for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant. Updated February 8, 2005.