ARRA – Emergency Contingency Fund for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Program

This funding was to provide economic stimulus to the nation while furthering the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) mission to promote the economic and social well-being of children, youth, families, and communities. The objective of the

TANF agencies in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam were eligible. Tribal TANF agencies were eligible.

Needy families with children, as determined eligible by the State, Territory, or Tribe in accordance with the State or Tribal plan submitted to HHS.

Federal funds go to the State and the District of Columbia, Territory, or Tribal agency certified by the Chief Executive Officer. Needy families must meet State or Tribal eligibility requirements. Except for 45 CFR 75.202, the guidance in Subpart C of 45 CFR Part 75 does not apply to this program. Also, per 45 CFR 75.101(e), 45 CFR 75.300(c) does not apply to this program.

Emergency Fund awards were made with Federal TANF funds. Jurisdictions used these funds in accordance with section 404 of the Social Security Act. This did not include authority to transfer emergency funds to either the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) or the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) because that transfer authority is limited to awards made under section 403(a) of the Act. Emergency funds are available until expended. Jurisdictions may carry over emergency funds for use in a succeeding fiscal year as authorized under section 404 of the Act, i.e., the funds are available until expended.

Jurisdictions were awarded their emergency fund awards as applications were approved. They may reserve monies, without fiscal year limitation.

Funding was available in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 for jurisdictions that were eligible by having an increase in assistance caseloads or certain types of expenditures.

Jurisdictions had to submit applications by September 1, 2010. Also, per 45 CFR 75.101(e), 45 CFR 75.300(c) does not apply to this program.

Requests for emergency funds approved by HHS were distributed quarterly.

Initial requests were submitted by September 1, 2010, for qualifying expenditures made in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, with updates to data allowed until September 30, 2011.

Review and evaluation of applications has been a priority and we acted upon them within an "as soon as possible" timeframe.

Funding for the program ended September 30, 2010.

Jurisdictions facing an adverse action by the Secretary of HHS may appeal under both administrative and judicial procedures.