Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The Maryland Department of Human Services received a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, CFDA 93.558) block grant award of $262.7 million from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award supports the state's comprehensive assistance programs designed to help low-income families with children achieve self-sufficiency through financial assistance, employment training, child care support, and related social services. The TANF block grant enables Maryland to implement its state plan, which promotes job preparation and work participation among needy parents, supports child welfare and permanency, and encourages family formation and stability.

Under this award, the Maryland Department of Human Services administers assistance benefits and supportive services to eligible Maryland families in accordance with the state's federally approved TANF plan. The department implements programs that remove barriers to employment, provide work-related services, and offer complementary support such as nutrition assistance and energy support through coordinated delivery with other state social service programs. Quarterly payments will be distributed to the state following plan approval by the Administration for Children and Families, with drawdown procedures established through the Division of Payment Management to ensure effective fund utilization and compliance with federal audit and accounting requirements under the Uniform Guidance.