TANF Sanctions - Brief Summary

Publication Date: November 2001

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

Type:

Abstract:

The 1996 welfare reform law (P.L. 104-193) established a block grant program for time-limited and work-conditioned aid for needy families with children called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF requires that states penalize families if a recipient refuses to engage in required work. States determine actual penalties. According to TANF state plans, for a first violation, 19 states end family benefits until compliance, or for a minimum penalty period. Others reduce benefits for a first infraction. For repeat violations, penalties are increased in size or length. Counting both first and subsequent violations, 38 jurisdictions under some circumstances have provisions to penalize work infractions by ending family benefits for a time. Ultimately, seven of those 38 jurisdictions end family benefits for life. In FY1999, sanctions (including some not related to work) caused the closing of 156,000 TANF cases (6 % of all closures).