The Status of TANF in Oregon

During the 2012 Legislative Session beginning in February, we are fighting to restore important services for families that were cut in 2011. Specifically, we are advocating for: Post-TANF payments that provide a small amount of assistance to newly employed families transitioning off of TANF; and Pre-SSI/SSDI “enhanced grants,” which provide upfront benefits to TANF families likely to qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) while their applications are being reviewed; restoration of TANF JOBS program; Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), which helps low-income, working parents afford day care for their children and keep them off TANF. For a detailed description of these programs, take a look at our fact sheets for 2012.

If you or someone you know has applied for, and/or received, TANF benefits please take a moment to fill out this survey: www.fsrcoregon.org

The 2011 Legislature considered dramatic cuts in Oregon’s TANF program. In the face of a $3.5 billion budget shortfall, the Legislature made choices which ultimately will cut services to vulnerable families. However, thanks to smart and persistent advocacy, some vital services were protected and we are grateful for all those who stepped forward to share their voices -‐ you made an important difference! The TANF Alliance preserved basic TANF benefits for the 30,000 families and 54,000 children who depend on this cash assistance. Below, you will find a detailed list of how programs faired in 2011:

  • TANF five-year lifetime limit was maintained. We prevented the legislature from implementing the proposed 18-month TANF time limit which would have cut 7,500 families, and caused 11,000 children on TANF to face homelessness and possible foster care. By preserving basic cash assistance, we helped to keep families together, protect children, and reduce the number of children entering child welfare.
  • Family Support and Connections (FSC) will continue to serve 5,000 TANF families at risk of entering into child welfare, giving parents the skills to safely stay with their children. FSC provides voluntary home visitation and support services for families working on stability issues; supporting families while on TANF and reducing the number of children entering foster care.
  • Additional domestic violence advocates in Children, Adults and Families (CAF) offices. The legislature invested resources to ensure more TANF families have access to domestic violence assistance, to protect victims and keep families together.
  • Post-TANF assistance was protected through June 2012. The $50 monthly Post-TANF benefit creates a bridge to stable employment for over 2,400 families. A new job brings additional costs such as transportation and clothing. Although this assistance has been protected for the first year, we need to work to restore Post-TANF for July 2012-June 2013.
  • Parents as Scholars (PAS) was maintained for those already participating. Those who were on the PAS waiting list or enrolled in Vocational Training will be able to pursue higher education while on TANF through a Self Initiated Training option, but they will not receive assistance for transportation, child care and other costs that Parents as Scholars participants receive.
  • JOBS services were partially maintained. The recently unemployed or those with some employment experience will still receive limited job search and training services for a 60-day duration. And teen parents will receive limited child care assistance to pursue their diploma or GED. Unfortunately, many Oregonians will not receive services due to these cuts and will be much less likely to return to work should the economy improve.
  • TANF Two-parent families will not be approved for child care. Both parents can participate in JOBS services, but not overlapping hours. One of the adults will participate while the other provides care for the children and vice versa.
  • Pre-SSI/SSDI “enhanced grants,” were eliminated. These funds provided upfront benefits to TANF families likely to qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) while their applications were being reviewed. These families will, however, still be eligible for basic TANF assistance. In addition, once approved for federal aid, participants will recoup the difference between TANF and their federal aid retroactively.
  • Pre-TANF payments were reduced to basic TANF assistance. Families will no longer receive larger payments for housing or utilities costs to help prevent them from needing full TANF services. An individual receiving TANF will be expected to meet their housing and utility costs out of their monthly cash assistance.

What is TANF?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children while they strive to become self-sufficient. The program’s goal is to reduce the number of families living in poverty, through employment and community resources

To qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets and little or no income. The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $506.