Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
A federal program authorized under titles IV-A and XVI of the Social Security Act that changed the eligibility requirements for receiving public assistance and set a five-year adult lifetime limit on receiving cash assistance. In California, TANF is implemented as CalWORKs and provides temporary financial assistance, employment and training programs. See Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.