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Why This is Important

Welfare reform in 1996 led to the creation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program when Congress replaced the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program. When implementing welfare reform at the state level, Maine chose a strategy of investment. Maine’s TANF program helps families overcome barriers to work through training, education and supports. The goal is to help families, not only to move from welfare to work, but ultimately to leave poverty behind forever.

The maximum monthly TANF benefit for a family of three in Maine reaches 39% of the federal poverty level. With the addition of food stamps to the family budget, the maximum combined benefit stands at 68% of federal poverty level. (Maine Equal Justice Partners, 2006)

Where We Stand

Similar to the nation, Maine has seen a small decline in the number of families enrolled in TANF between 2000 and 2007. The number of Maine children receiving TANF declined from a high in 2000 of 18,588 to the lowest number through the measurement period: 16,143 in year 2007. Declines occurred in total number of TANF recipients (Maine) in a somewhat uneven pattern from a high in 2000 of 27,338 to the 2007 lowest period measure of 23,587.

Data Source and Context

The data source is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Separate State Program-Maintenance of Effort, Aid to Families with Dependent Children Caseload Data as of April 24, 2007. This report can be found online at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/data-reports/index.htm