Federal Data Matching Checks Whether TANF Recipients Still Qualify
Published Date: 6/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services is restarting a program that helps states check if people getting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are eligible by matching their info with new job and wage records. This program starts around July 19, 2025, runs for 18 months, and helps stop errors and fraud in TANF benefits. If all goes well, it could be extended for another year without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
TANF–NDNH Matching Restarts July 19, 2025
You may have your TANF application or case checked against new hire, quarterly wage, and unemployment insurance records starting about July 19, 2025. The matching runs for 18 months through January 18, 2027, and may be renewed for one additional year if no changes are made and the parties certify compliance.
Matches Used to Find Duplicate or Out‑of‑State Cases
State TANF agencies will use match results to check whether someone is getting TANF in more than one state or lives in another state. If a match shows duplicate participation or out‑of‑state residence, the state agency will receive that information to act on it.
Work Activity and Contact Info Updated from Matches
State TANF agencies may use the new hire, wage, and unemployment information to update a recipient's reported work activities and contact information. These updates come from data returned by the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH).
Matches Must Be Verified Before Adverse Actions
Before a state can suspend, terminate, reduce, or finally deny your TANF benefits based on a match, the agency must verify the match findings as required by the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(p)).
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Key Dates
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