The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a federal assistance initiative in the United States designed to provide financial support to low-income families with children. It aims to help these families achieve self-sufficiency through temporary cash assistance, job training, and other supportive services. States administer the program, allowing them to tailor their approaches to meet local needs. TANF was established in 1996, replacing the previous welfare program known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). The program emphasizes work requirements, encouraging recipients to find employment and reduce dependency on government assistance. Funding is provided through block grants to states, which have flexibility in how they use the funds.