Considerations for Identifying Performance Measures in TANF Pilot Programs

Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA), the Administration for Children and Families will select up to five states to pilot a new set of outcome-based Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) performance measures instead of being held accountable to the Work Participation Rate (WPR). Pilot states will be accountable for four new performance measures related to participants’ employment, earnings, and dependence on government benefits. In addition to these required measures, states will propose two additional performance measures related to employment and reduced dependency, education and skill building, health and family relationships, or another relevant domain. This Office for Planning, Research and Evaluation brief describes key considerations for identifying additional performance measures and is intended to be a helpful resource for TANF administrators and program staff who are considering which additional measures to propose as part of their state’s FRA pilot application.