Are two parent families eligible for TANF cash assistance?
• A Under PRWORA each State defines what “needy family” means for purposes of defining eligibility for cash assistance. The State defines what constitutes need for single and two parent families served with TANF block grant funds and what constitutes need for families served with State MOE funds. There is no (Federal) statutory definition of a needy family that must be used in determining eligibility. States have the option of using the same definition of need for single parent families as for two parent families. States also have the option of using different definitions of need for different family types and to implement different programs for single and two parent families. Program providers must check with their State human service agency to determine what are the eligibility rules for receipt of cash assistance. For more information on State flexibility under PRWORA, please refer to the HHS report, A Guide to Funding Services for Children and Families Through the Temporary Assista
