TANF Caseloads Declined in Most States in Second Quarter, But Most States Saw Increases Over the Last Year

Publication Date: October 2002

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Mark Greenberg; Hedieh Rahmanou; Elise Richer

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

CLASP has collected new data on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) caseloads through June 2002 for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In the most recent quarter for which data are available (April-June 2002), nearly all states (44) report a caseload decrease. This decrease is consistent with prior years, as caseloads typically peak in March of each year. Families who are hitting welfare time limits may play a role in these declining caseloads. Even with the recent declines, CLASP also finds that a majority of states (29) report caseload increases over the past year, between June 2001 and June 2002. Overall, most states are now seeing caseloads fluctuate over time, as opposed to move in a steady direction either up or down.

A PDF file of the spreadsheet data is a supplementary file.