Inflation and unprecedented need caused by the pandemic have resulted in Louisiana increasing the cash benefit amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF. The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services administers the program.
“We are increasing the cash benefit amount for TANF for the first time in more than two decades beginning in January,” said DCFS's Lorrie Briggs.
Briggs said the additional funding is long overdue.
TANF provides money to help families meet basic needs, like food, shelter, and clothing. It also provides cash assistance for people who are in the process of learning a marketable job skill, and offers help to grandparents who find themselves raising their children’s children.
“According to federal Census data in 2019, 19% of Louisiana’s population is living in poverty, including 25% of grandparents who are responsible for the care of one of more of their grandchildren. The 2021 Kids Count Databook ranked Louisiana 48th for overall child well-being.”
Briggs said the TANF benefit increases take effect with the beginning of the New Year and should make a tangible difference for the recipient.
“The TANF cash benefit will increase from $240 to to the national average of $484 for a three-person household,” said Briggs.
