Proposed Information Collection Activity; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Financial Report, ACF-196T
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Notice
Summary
Tribal agencies running the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will keep using the same financial report form, but with clearer, easier instructions that cut their paperwork time by a third. This update doesn’t change the form itself but makes reporting faster and simpler. Comments on this 3-year extension are due by March 31, 2026, helping save time and keep funds flowing smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal TANF reporting time cut 33%
If you are a tribal agency that runs a TANF program, the time to complete each quarterly ACF-196T response is estimated to fall from 1.5 hours to 1.0 hour — a 33% drop. ACF estimates 50 tribal respondents with 4 responses each will see total annual burden fall from 306 hours to 200 hours.
Form unchanged; instructions clarified
ACF is not changing the ACF-196T form itself; it is revising only the instructions to be easier to read while keeping the substance the same. Tribal agencies must still report the same quarterly financial data required by statute.
3-year extension requested; comments due
ACF is requesting a 3-year extension of the TANF Financial Report (Form ACF-196T, OMB #0970-0345; current expiration 03/31/2026). Comments on this information collection are due March 31, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09383 — Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access
The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help programs serve more kids better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!
2026-06632 — Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes: Recalibration of the Caseload Reduction Credit and Prohibition of Small Checks in Work Participation Rate Calculation
The government is updating how it measures work participation for families getting help through TANF. They’re changing the base year for counting caseload drops from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 in work rate calculations. These changes, required by a 2023 law, affect states and could impact funding starting soon, so everyone should pay attention and share their thoughts by May 6, 2026.
2026-09749 — Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Consumer Education Website and Reports of Serious Injuries and Death
The government is asking to keep the Child Care Consumer Education website and serious injury/death reporting rules for three more years, with no changes to how states and providers report. This affects all states, DC, and territories that get child care funds, helping families stay informed and safe. Comments are open until June 15, 2026, and the paperwork burden has been slightly lowered.
2026-09620 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Community Services Block Grant Disaster Supplemental Annual Report (New Collection)
The government wants to start collecting a new annual report about how disaster relief money from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian is being used to help low-income families recover. This affects states like Florida, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico, plus any future disaster funding. They’re asking for public feedback by July 13, 2026, to make sure the report works well without causing extra hassle or costs.
2026-09623 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Guidance for Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, ACF-123
Tribal groups running Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs will see clearer, simpler instructions for submitting their plans. These updates cut the time it takes to respond by about a third, making the process faster and easier. Comments on these changes are open until July 13, 2026, and the guidance extension lasts three more years with no extra costs.
2026-08989 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Evaluation of the Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration-New Information Collection Request
The government is launching a 5-year project called NextGen to help noncustodial parents get better jobs and pay child support more consistently. Ten child support agencies across the U.S. will try out new programs, and researchers will study how well these efforts work. If you’re involved with these agencies or interested in child support, now’s the time to share your thoughts before July 6, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01854 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan that helps them do their job better. If you’re involved with railroads or just curious, you can comment until March 31, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might change how info is gathered, aiming to make it easier and clearer for everyone.
Next: 2026-01856 — Hazardous Materials: Information Collection Activities
The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is asking for public feedback on renewing seven important paperwork approvals related to transporting hazardous materials. This affects companies and workers who handle dangerous goods, ensuring the rules stay clear and up-to-date. Comments are open until March 31, 2026, with no new costs expected—just keeping things running smoothly!