<Li> and encourage the formation and maintenance of two - parent families . </Li> <P> Since these four goals are deeply general, "states can use TANF funds much more broadly than the core welfare reform areas of providing a safety net and connecting families to work; some states use a substantial share of funding for these other services and program". </P> <P> Funding for TANF underwent several changes from its predecessor, AFDC . Under AFDC, states provided cash assistance to families with children, and the federal government paid half or more of all program costs . Federal spending was provided to states on an open - ended basis, meaning that funding was tied to the number of caseloads . Federal law mandated that states provide some level of cash assistance to eligible poor families but states had broad discretion in setting the benefit levels . Under TANF, states qualify for block grants . The funding for these block grants are fixed and the amount each state receives is based on the level of federal contributions to the state for the AFDC program in 1994 States are required to maintain their spending for welfare programs at 80 percent of their 1994 spending levels, with a reduction to 75 percent if states meet other work - participation requirements . States have greater flexibility in deciding how they spend funds as long as they meet the provisions of TANF described above . </P> <P> In July 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services released a memo notifying states that they are able to apply for a waiver for the work requirements of the TANF program . Critics claim the waiver would allow states to provide assistance without having to enforce the work component of the program . The administration has stipulated that any waivers that weaken the work requirement will be rejected . The DHHS granted the waivers after several Governors requested more state control . The DHHS agreed to the waivers on the stipulation that they continue to meet all Federal requirements . States were given the right to submit their own plans and reporting methods only if they continued to meet Federal requirements and if the state programs proved to be more effective . </P>

Where does the money for tanf come from