Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
In February 2006, President Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), which reauthorized the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant through 2010. On June 28, 2006, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the interim final regulations regarding the TANF program. These regulations required Washington to make major changes to the WorkFirst program in order to meet strict new federal participation standards and avoid paying penalties. For more information on the impacts of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) and Washington’s WorkFirst program, visit DRA.
Washington State's TANF Plan
Federal law requires states to submit a plan describing each state's TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Current TANF State Plan — The plan presented below was amended and submitted to HHS on December 21, 2007.
- Cover Letter — From Robin Arnold-Williams, Secretary of the state Department of Social and Health Services, submitting the amended Plan to HHS.
- Body of the Plan — comprised of an Introduction and five sections: I. Benefits, II. Employment Services, III. Waivers, IV. Strengthening Families, and V. Administration
- Optional State Certifications — A certification by the Chief Executive Office of the State, Governor Christine O. Gregoire, specifying that the state will operate its TANF program in compliance with Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. This certification, signed December 13, 2005, is completed at each biennial review of the TANF State Plan and remains in effect until the next biennial review.
WorkFirst Sustainability
This report is submitted to the legislative fiscal committees as an addendum to the WorkFirst spending plan required in Section 207(1)(c) of Substitute House Bill 1128 (Chapter 522, Laws of 2007). It describes in greater detail the proposed expenditures for the WorkFirst program included in Governor Gregoire’s 2007-09 biennial budget.
Cover Letter | Plan — January 2008
Washington's TANF Caseload Reduction Report
Washington must annually submit a Caseload Reduction Report to the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, which is used to determine the TANF work participation rates for each federal fiscal year. In accordance with CFR Sections 261.41(b) (8) and (9), this report is now available for public review and comment until January 18, 2008.
Washington's TANF Caseload Reduction Reports for FFY 2008
Form ACF-202 – TANF Caseload Reduction Report
Please send any written comments to:
Steve Ebben, Policy Analyst
Economic Services Administration
Office of the Assistant Secretary, MS: 45070
PO Box 45070
Olympia, WA 98504-5070
