LINCOLN — Nebraska has been chosen as one of five states to participate in a new six-year pilot program by the Trump administration aimed at overhauling how the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is measured and managed. The other states are Iowa, Arizona, Ohio, and Virginia. While no additional funding is being offered, Nebraska will receive federal “coaching” and support. The state’s Office of Economic Assistance expects that benefit amounts for the roughly 2,700 participating families won’t change. The pilot seeks to move away from measuring success simply by the “work participation rate” (WPR)—which tracks hours worked in qualifying activities—and instead allow states flexibility to focus on outcomes such as increased employment, earnings, reduced dependency, and family stability. Nebraska Examiner

Nebraska officials say their application stood out for its “employment first” philosophy and for aligning TANF with other federal programs (e.g. Healthy Marriage, Responsible Fatherhood). Participants will still receive support for childcare, transportation, and other barriers, and the pilot is to allow “tailored support” for those with mental or physical health challenges. The program is set to begin in October, with the first year focused on designing the program and setting goals.

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