Office of Family Assistance (OFA)

In recognition of National Homelessness Awareness Month, HHS’ Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF), through OFA, released a Dear Colleague Letter highlighting the ways TANF programs can play a collaborative role in the reduction of homelessness for children and families. As rates of homelessness have climbed to the highest since 2007, we know communities are facing the monumental task of addressing housing instability for children and families and that it will take our continued commitment and deep cross-sector partnerships to support families in finding the stability and well-being they deserve.

Heart2HeartGov is an OFA social media initiative on a mission to inspire and strengthen healthy relationships in every community. From empowering families, to deepening friendships, to fostering inclusive connections, Heart2HeartGov provides vital resources, engaging content, and actionable tools to help individuals build trust, understanding, and respect in all areas of their lives. Join us as we work together to create a culture of compassion, communication, and care—because strong relationships are the heart of a thriving community.

OFA, in partnership with the Children’s Bureau (CB), developed the Families are Strong Together (FAST) TANF-Child Welfare Learning Community. It focused on preventing family involvement in the child welfare system through developing, implementing, and enhancing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-Child Welfare innovations and partnerships. The FAST-LC launched in September 2023 and concluded in September 2024.

The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation's (OPRE) self-sufficiency, welfare, and employment portfolio has sought to understand and inform how TANF and other programs that serve people with low incomes can best support their economic well-being. Studies address a variety of topics including alternative welfare-to-work strategies, job search strategies, career pathways programs, employment retention and advancement approaches, subsidized employment models, and employment coaching programs. Check out their new video to learn how OFA's programs inform OPRE's research.

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, combined federal TANF and state MOE expenditures and transfers totaled $33.9 billion. Of that amount, only 24.6 percent was spent on basic assistance, compared to 70.9 percent in FY 1997. The share of funds spent on basic assistance varied widely by state, with 33 states spending less than 20 percent of TANF and MOE funds on basic assistance. Explore the national and state data in detailed tables.