Pandemic-Era Innovations for the Future of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs

TANF programs adapted in many innovative ways to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These innovations included strategies to administer and deliver program services virtually, increase access to and use of technology among participants and staff, and promote meaningful participant engagement and accountability. This Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation brief discusses promising practices that were developed across the country in these three areas. As the pandemic evolves, some of the innovations could benefit from further testing, adaptation, and scaling. The brief describes several considerations for TANF programs as they continue to build on these changes.