SALT Supports an Increase in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) by 18% annually beginning in Fiscal year 2022 via Budget Amendment Item 350 #1h with Patron Delegate Sam Rasoul.

SALT supports the original purpose of TANF, which is to enable the children in needy families to be cared for in their own homes or homes of relatives.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded program, one having a $136 million surplus at the end of FY 2019.

SALT’s proposed budget amendment addresses two critical issues:

1. Standards of assistance have increased rarely and minimally, resulting in lost purchasing power, and
2. Most low-income families cannot qualify because eligibility levels are so unconscionably low.
3. TANF eligibility is tied to the monthly cash assistance level

Solution : Raise the standards of assistance.

• From 1996 to present, the cost of living increased by 65.3%, however, TANF payments increased by only 18.4% during this time.
• In 1985, a three-person Virginian family received an average of 291/month.
• If TANF had kept pace with the rate of inflation, the monthly amount would be $676.
• Currently, a three-person Virginian family receives an average $321/month.
• This amendment would increase the monthly amount by 18%.

An 18% percent benefit increase is needed to re-invest in families still receiving TANF. This federally funded benefit will help to close the gap to bring benefits up to our goal of 50% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for a family of three in the next four years. This federally funded benefit will help thousands of Virginians make ends meet and boost Virginia’ s economy.

This federally funded benefit will not only help thousands of Virginians make ends meet but also boost Virginia’s economy. Spending on children (especially low-income children) has among the highest returns on investment of any form of government spending. Let’s do it!

(January 2021)