Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Children and teacher The TANF Program was designed to help needy families achieve economic self-sufficiency. OCR ensures that the TANF Program complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws. As an HHS program that provides block grants to States, territories and tribes, the TANF Program must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex.

OCR ensures that people have equal access to and an opportunity to receive services from all HHS funded programs. Persons who believe they (or someone else) have been discriminated against -- because of race, color, national origin, age, or disability -- in health care or human services may file a complaint with OCR. For information on how to file a civil rights complaint.

Enforcement Success Stories

OCR Resolution Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families: an agreement to ensure that: sanctions (i.e., reductions in income assistance) are not applied to TANF participants in a discriminatory manner based on race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency); and TANF applicants and participants will be screened and assessed to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations or program modifications.
OCR Resolution Agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance: an agreement to ensure that TANF applicants and beneficiaries with learning disabilities receive comprehensive and effective screening and assessment.
OCR Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the Oregon Department of Human Services: an agreement to ensure that TANF applicants and beneficiaries are: screened for disabilities; provided with an assessment if screening indicates a possible disability; and granted reasonable program modifications if an assessment documents a disability.

Policy Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions: Meeting the needs of TANF applicants and beneficiaries under Federal civil rights laws. In partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), OCR has developed this technical assistance tool so that State TANF Agencies can comply with Federal civil rights laws and more effectively serve TANF applicants and beneficiaries with limited English proficiency and/or disabilities.
Joint Letter from OCR and ACF sent to State TANF Agencies regarding Frequently Asked Questions: Meeting the needs of TANF applicants and beneficiaries under Federal civil rights laws.
Urban Partnerships Initiative Online Toolkit, funded by ACF, highlights promising practices of TANF agencies around the country.
OCR Guidance on TANF and Disability
Video Presentation: OCR Guidance on TANF and Disability
Policy Guidance Regarding Inquiries into Citizenship, Immigration Status and Social Security Numbers in State Applications for Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Food Stamp Benefits.
Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform - An Overview
OCR TANF Related Training: “Ignorance of Disability is No Excuse: Screening TANF Customers for Hidden Disabilities to Ensure Equal Opportunity," presented at the 2007 National Equal Opportunity Professional Development Forum, U.S. Department of Labor.