Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that gives cash assistance and other forms of aid to low-income families with children. In 1997, TANF replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, which had similar goals.

From 1997 to 1999, TANF was being phased in and AFDC was being phased out.  The data for the entire population includes people participating in either program. However, the breakdowns by family type only include TANF families. Data for families are reported for each fiscal year (October to September).