Eliminating Fraud and Improper Payments in TANF Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
Introduced
Summary
Eliminate improper payments in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF by applying the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 to state TANF programs. It would take effect on October 1, 2026 and require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Congress within 1 year a plan to reduce or eliminate improper payments within 10 years.
Show full summary
- Low-income families on TANF could face tighter payment checks aimed at reducing fraud and errors. These checks are meant to improve accuracy of benefit payments.
- State TANF agencies would follow federal payment-integrity standards and gain new measurement and reporting duties starting October 1, 2026.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services must deliver a written plan to Congress within 1 year to cut improper payments over a 10-year horizon.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger checks on TANF payments
This bill would apply federal payment integrity rules to state TANF programs. States would have to measure, report, and fix wrong payments, similar to federal agencies. These rules would start October 1, 2026. HHS would send Congress a plan within 1 year to cut wrong TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) payments within 10 years. If enacted, states could tighten verification or recover overpayments, which could add steps for some families.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Smucker
PA • R
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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