TANF Caseload and Payments

How This Program Helps

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides short-term cash assistance to families with children. It also offers services that help parents and caretakers find and keep employment.

Parents, and some caretakers,  must participate in the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) program, the employment-services part of TANF, unless they are excused based on their situation. If they are not excused, parents and caretakers sign an agreement to stay involved in work activities. As a reward for participation, TANF participants may remain eligible for TANF for up to 24 months from the date that the agreement is signed. The agreement allows TANF participants to earn wages up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Data Notes

In January 2022, the program received a one-time federal supplemental payment related to COVID-19 ($13.3 million). This amount is not included in the regular payment totals.

Data Sources

  • Locality Automated System Expenditure Reimbursement (LASER)
  • Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS)