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Changes in State TANF Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Shantz, Katie.
Hahn, Heather.
Nelson, Mary.
Lyons, Matt.
Flagg, Ann.
Technical Report
12 p.
Copyright
Published: October 19, 2020
Urban Institute
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View: https://www.urban.org/research/publication/changes-state-tanf-policies-response-covid-19-pandemic
Download: https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/102684/changes-in-state-tanf-policies-in-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.pdf
In May 2020, the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) fielded a survey to State Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) administrators in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. The survey was designed to learn how State agencies were adjusting their TANF programs in response to COVID-19. In total, 28 States responded to the survey. Of those, 20 agreed to share their responses for an analysis. In addition to the survey, APHSA held a discussion with State TANF administrators in mid-June 2020 to discuss the survey results and future technical assistance needs and is convening recurring discussions with administrators to support long-term planning and responses to COVID-19. Findings from the survey indicate: of the 20 States that responded to the question, 7 had opted not to count the economic impact payments or the additional unemployment insurance payments as income or assets in determining TANF eligibility; of the 19 that responded to the question, 11 were using or expanding their short-term benefit programs (nonrecurring benefits designed to address a specific crisis or need) for families impacted by COVID-19; of the 19 that responded to the question, 15 indicated that they currently had opportunities for virtual learning activities in place, or were considering or developing these opportunities, to meet work requirements remotely; and of the 19 States that responded to the question, 14 had changed their policies to issue good cause exemptions for all or targeted groups of recipients. 9 references.
Keywords:
COVID-19; TANF; State agencies; policy formation; poverty; low income families; remote service delivery; State disaster response