Tribes Sought for Feedback on Streamlining Welfare Data Woes
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The government wants to hear from Tribal TANF leaders, staff, and participants about their experiences with data reporting. They’ll use surveys, interviews, and talking circles to find ways to make reporting easier and clearer, helping Tribal programs work better. Comments are open until June 5, 2026, and this effort aims to improve support without adding extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Effort to Reduce Tribal TANF Reporting Burden
If you are a Tribal TANF leader, staff member, or participant, the agency will gather your input to inform future changes to Tribal TANF data reporting requirements and accompanying guidance to improve clarity and address inconsistencies. The stated goal is to mitigate a long‑standing burdensome requirement into a more efficient and sustainable data collection process.
Improved Data Technical Assistance for Grantees
The agency will use information from surveys, interviews, and talking circles to improve data-related technical assistance provided to Tribal TANF grantees. This aims to make support clearer and more useful for Tribal TANF programs.
Research to Support Program Improvements
Information collected will inform OPRE-sponsored research so Tribal TANF programs can use evidence to make better decisions about program implementation and to improve participant outcomes. The activity is intended to yield actionable information for program operations and monitoring.
Time Burden for Participants and Staff
If you participate in this collection (talking circles, surveys, interviews, or observations), the agency estimates the total annual burden at 135 hours. Data collection is expected to take place over about 2.5 years and the request covers a 3-year period.
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