HHS/ACF has announced an interim final rule which permits States, Tribes and Territories to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program funds carried over from a prior year for any allowable TANF benefit, service or activity. Previously these funds could be used only to provide assistance. This interim final rule applies to States, local governments, and Tribes that administer the TANF program.
As examples, HHS/ACF enumerates job skills training or retraining activities, employment counseling services, parental counseling services, teen pregnancy prevention activities, services for victims of domestic violence, and after-school programs as allowable under the IFR.
Prior to the passage of the Recovery Act, carry-over funds could only be used to provide basic assistance (i.e., ongoing basic needs payments, and supportive services such as transportation and child care to families who are not employed).
The interim final rule is effective May 27, 2009 and applies to all Federal TANF funds carried over into fiscal year 2009 as well as to all future Federal TANF funds carried over into a subsequent year.
Comments are due on or before July 27, 2009.
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