Pennsylvania
Statistics on children, youth and families in Pennsylvania from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Population (birth to 18) by age group in Pennsylvania
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Population (birth to 18) by age group
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because one or more years have been deselected.
Why This Indicator Matters
Cash assistance programs like TANF have been found to play a critical role in supporting disadvantaged families. In fact, research suggests that “income supports help families in poverty maintain stability and promote children’s healthy development.”[4] Despite the positive outcomes associated with TANF, however, Pennsylvania has not increased cash grants in more than 30 years to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.[5] The number and proportion of families receiving TANF assistance in Pennsylvania is also declining, indicating the state’s overall disinvestment in improving conditions for those living in poverty.
[1] Administration for Children & Families, Office of Family Assistance. (2022). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). United States Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf
[2] United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). What is TANF? https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-tanf/index.html
[3] Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (2022). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Moving to Independence. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/TANF.aspx
[4] Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2022). Policy Basics: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. https://www.cbpp.org/research/family-income-support/temporary-assistance-for-needy-families
[5] Drexel University, Center for Hunger-Free Communities. (2020). Pennsylvania Cash Assistance Behind the Times: Steady Decline of TANF Cash Grants and Impact on Families. https://drexel.edu/~/media/Files/hunger-free-center/research-briefs/tanf2020.ashx
Definition and Source
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Definition
Data Source
Notes
Updated April 2022.
Last Updated