Street Sense Media: Mayor’s budget proposes even harsher cuts to TANF than those going into effect this October

Elizabeth Short from Street Sense Media reports on TANF cuts the Mayor’s proposed FY27 budget. The article highlights a mother in DC who is supported by TANF and describes the potential impacts that cuts will have on her family and other families and children in DC.

Between 15,000 and 17,000 families receive TANF benefits in the District, officials said at a March 6 hearing. Families use this money to pay for whatever they might need during the month: snacks, clothing, field trips, and, most often, rent.

“TANF is a critical safety net for families,” Jessica Berger, supervising attorney in the public benefits unit at Legal Aid DC, said.

According to District officials, roughly half of households receiving TANF in the District will reach the 60-month time limit this fiscal year. While officials expect 2,000 families to receive hardship extensions from time limit penalties, officials said, roughly 6,000 will see their benefits cut by 75% by 2028, or cut entirely next year, if Bowser’s budget is passed as written.

Increased hunger and homelessness will be two of the primary impacts of these cuts, advocates said. According to the Children’s Law Center, TANF cuts could also decrease school attendance, reduce educational success, limit brain development, and increase financial stress and child neglect.