The Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program was a federal assistance initiative in the United States, established in 1935. It aimed to provide financial support to low-income families, particularly those with children, to help them meet basic needs. The program was designed to assist single parents, often mothers, who were struggling to support their families. AFDC was replaced by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in 1996 as part of welfare reform. TANF introduced work requirements and time limits on benefits, shifting the focus from unconditional cash assistance to promoting self-sufficiency among recipients.