The ACF-196R is the federal form that states use to report TANF expenditures quarterly to the Office of Family Assistance (OFA). Part II of this form requires detailed narrative descriptions for specific expenditure categories that need additional context to demonstrate alignment with TANF purposes.

The narrative sections of the ACF-196R form provide essential context for understanding state TANF expenditures and support OFA’s oversight responsibilities. While numerical data shows what was spent, narratives explain how and why funds were used, ensuring transparency and accountability in TANF program administration. This guide will help you develop clear, comprehensive narratives that satisfy federal reporting requirements and effectively communicate your state’s TANF activities.

This toolkit is designed for state TANF administrators, budget officers, and financial reporting staff responsible for completing ACF-196R narrative requirements. It includes three standalone resources that complement the official ACF-196R instructions by providing practical tools and examples to improve narrative quality. 

These resources are designed to help states effectively complete ACF-196R narrative requirements. Each resource can be used independently or as part of a comprehensive approach to improving expenditure narratives.

This template can be used when estimating expenditures. It offers guidance on key components and proposed questions to answer.

This template can be used for Other Expenditures (Line 23 - includes Tribal TANF Programs and unique programs). It offers guidance on key components and proposed questions to answer.

This template can be used for Non-Assistance Authorized Solely Under Prior Law (Lines 8a-8c). It offers guidance on key components and proposed questions to answer.

This template can be used for Assistance Authorized Solely Under Prior Law (Lines 7a-7c). It offers guidance on key components and proposed questions to answer.

Through technology, the opportunity to provide coaching virtually has become a reality. The Coaching in a Virtual World module was developed for case managers and their supervisors to enhance their knowledge of how to implement best coaching practices in a virtual world. It discusses the benefits of virtual coaching, and how to implement virtual coaching in a person-centered way. The module also provides strategies to address virtual coaching challenges. 

The Coaching in a Virtual World module builds upon and incorporates the previous modules from the Coaching for Success series designed for TANF employment case managers.

This guide addresses two significant fraud vulnerabilities the GAO identified: beneficiary misuse of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards (including selling cards on e-commerce platforms) and EBT card fraud perpetrated by agency employees. The checklist provides concrete security features, monitoring protocols, and response procedures to safeguard TANF benefits delivered through EBT cards.

The entirety of the TANF Fraud Risk Management: Visual Resources for TANF Agencies can be accessed here: https://peerta.acf.hhs.gov/content/tanf-fraud-risk-management-visual-resources-tanf-agencies.

This visual guide, developed in alignment with GAO recommendations, focuses on key TANF fraud risks organized by the type of individual potentially involved in committing fraud (e.g., beneficiary, agency employee, subrecipient, contractor) and outlines clear risk indicators, prevention strategies, and detection methods. The guide is designed to support TANF agencies in strengthening program integrity through a user-centered, accessible format that promotes transparency and accountability.

The entirety of the TANF Fraud Risk Management: Visual Resources for TANF Agencies can be accessed here: https://peerta.acf.hhs.gov/content/tanf-fraud-risk-management-visual-resources-tanf-agencies.

These visual guides support TANF agencies in proactively identifying, preventing, and mitigating fraud risks before they escalate to federal oversight. Grounded in the findings of GAO Report 25-107290, these resources address specific vulnerabilities in TANF fraud risk management and translate those insights into practical tools. By implementing these strategies, TANF agencies can strengthen program integrity, reduce inefficient spending, enhance accountability, and prevent the diversion of funds from their intended purpose, thereby upholding TANF’s core mission of assisting families in need.