In our line of work, we witness firsthand the challenges faced by families who rely on cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. As Marist social work  students, we participate in internships. Throughout this time, we have worked with individuals from multiple backgrounds, but most prominently, individuals who rely on the cash assistance provided by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. 

We would like to address the current asset limitations under TANF disqualify many families who are in dire need of support. These families may have modest savings set aside for emergencies or own a vehicle that's essential for employment. However, these minimal assets have the tendency to render them ineligible for assistance. It's counterproductive to force people to deplete their savings or sell reliable transportation just to qualify for help. These onerous limitations place unnecessary strain on families, effectively punishing them for attempting to improve their financial situations.

We propose a reasonable increase in the asset limitations associated with TANF eligibility. By raising these limits, we can help more families in need without penalizing their progress towards economic self-sufficiency, which was the goal set forth by TANF when created in 1996. . This change would empower families to pursue sustainable improvements in their livelihoods.

Please sign this petition to advocate for a more accessible and effective TANF policy that succeeds in serving a greater audience than minimal number of families it serves currently.