Bill Summary
The "Restoring Temporary to TANF Act" aims to amend the Social Security Act to ensure that states allocate a minimum of 25% of the funds they receive from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program towards core work-related activities. These activities include work supports, education and training, apprenticeships, short-term benefits, and case management aimed at helping individuals create personal responsibility plans. The goal of this legislation is to enhance the effectiveness of TANF by promoting job readiness and self-sufficiency among recipients. The amendment is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Possible Impacts
The "Restoring Temporary to TANF Act" proposes changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that could have several impacts on individuals and families. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Work Supports**: By requiring states to allocate at least 25% of TANF funds for core work activities, individuals receiving assistance may have greater access to resources like job training, education, and apprenticeships. This could empower beneficiaries to improve their employability, potentially leading to better job opportunities and financial stability.
2. **Enhanced Support for Individual Responsibility Plans**: The legislation emphasizes the development of individual responsibility plans, which could lead to more personalized support for TANF recipients. This individualized approach could help participants identify and pursue specific goals related to employment and self-sufficiency, ultimately fostering a more structured path out of poverty.
3. **Short-Term Financial Assistance for Work-Related Expenses**: With the inclusion of non-recurring short-term benefits as an allowable expenditure, the legislation could provide timely financial assistance to cover crucial work-related expenses (such as transportation or childcare) for TANF recipients. This support could alleviate immediate financial burdens, making it easier for individuals to accept job offers or attend training programs without the fear of losing income or facing additional hardships.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2354 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2354
To amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to set aside
funds expended under the program of block grants to States for
temporary assistance for needy families, for core work purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 26, 2025
Mr. Moore of Utah introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on Ways and Means
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to set aside
funds expended under the program of block grants to States for
temporary assistance for needy families, for core work purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Restoring Temporary to TANF Act''.
SEC. 2. SET-ASIDE OF FUNDS FOR CORE WORK PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 608(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(13) Requirement to expend funds for core work
activities.--A State to which a grant is made under section
403(a)(1) for a fiscal year shall expend not less than 25
percent of the grant amount on work supports, education and
training, apprenticeships, non-recurring short term benefits,
work activities (as defined in section 407(d)), and case
management needed to assist individuals with developing an
individual responsibility plan pursuant to subsection (b) of
this section.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2026.
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