House Bill 91 Proposes Changes to TANF for Georgia Families in Deep Poverty
House Bill 91 aims to revitalize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Georgia, which has seen a steep decline in beneficiaries over the past decades. Currently, only 16,000 children and families receive TANF assistance, a staggering drop of 93 percent since 1996, when 254,000 beneficiaries were recorded. This decline highlights a significant gap in support for families facing deep poverty in Georgia.
The proposed bill seeks to increase the maximum TANF cash assistance amount, which has remained unchanged at $280 for a family of three since 1990. By aligning this benefit with deep federal poverty guidelines, the bill intends to provide a more substantial safety net for families with children in economic distress. If passed, families would receive 75 percent of a newly established need standard based on 50 percent of the federal poverty line. This change aims to better reflect the realities of living expenses for Georgia families.
For example, under the proposed changes, a family of three would see their monthly benefit increase from $280 to $679, significantly impacting a household’s financial stability. This adjustment is especially crucial given that nearly 1.3 million Georgians currently live below the poverty line, with 1 in 5 children affected.
Economic conditions in Georgia have toughened, making this legislative initiative particularly timely. Families in poverty often face multiple challenges, including housing instability and insufficient resources for basic needs such as utilities, food, and child care. The TANF program has not only struggled to reach those in need but also failed to supply adequate support for those it does serve.
Furthermore, funding changes for TANF would not incur significant costs for the state. Currently, only a small fraction of the federal TANF block grant is used for direct cash assistance, with Georgia consistently holding unspent TANF funds at the end of each fiscal year. These surplus funds, which have grown from $42 million in 2015 to $88 million in 2019, could be redirected to support the proposed increases in cash assistance without disrupting other budget areas.
For recipients, it is essential to stay informed about House Bill 91, as its passage could mean significant financial relief for families in dire situations. Those reliant on TANF or considering applying should keep abreast of legislative updates and connect with the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) through Georgia Gateway for assistance and information on eligibility.
As this bill progresses through the legislative process, Georgia residents are encouraged to advocate for changes that can alleviate poverty and improve the economic security of families across the state.