Archived: Increase the percentage of people who leave Public Assistance (TANF) due to increased income/earnings or at their request

The Department of Social and Health Services' Economic Services Administration (ESA) provides help to low-income families to help them move along a pathway to self-sufficiency and reduce their chances of needing future assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers education, job training and job-match services to help families obtain better jobs. The data is monitored to help track how well the program is helping families move along their path to self-sufficiency.

The program has shown changes of less than 4% from June 2011 to June 2013 in the percent of families who leave TANF due to increased income or at their request.

(It should be noted that the income level at which a family would no longer be eligible for TANF is below the federal poverty level)

TANF participants' employment and earnings increased significantly over the last year according to the 2014 Workforce Training Results Report. This report is published annually by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. The report found:

• The employment rate rose from 40% to 53%
• Median quarterly hours of employment rose from 303 to 356
• Median annualized earnings increased from $12,573 to $15,479
• Full-time employment increased from 37% to 44%

Engage parents in activities that help them manage barriers and move them along their pathway to self-sufficiency.

Connect parents to work preparation activities such as job search, supported/subsidized work programs, and education and training programs that lead to employment.

Identify and eliminate areas where clients fall through gaps and streamline the program using Lean tools for process improvement.

Services provided: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/services.shtml

How to apply for services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): http://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/applying.shtml

Related:

Number who leave public assistance (TANF) due to increased income or at their own request, compared to other reasons

(The chart shows the number has been steady with small seasonal dips in the December and March quarters.)

Where to get more information?

Supplemental Reports:

September 2017 Supplemental Report

October 2015 Supplemental Report

April 2014 Supplemental Report

March 2014 Supplemental Report