This project describes how federal and state policies affect child-only caseloads, discusses the national TANF and child-only caseload trends, and examines the characteristics of child-only cases.

A variety of circumstances result in child-only cases. In some cases, the child is not living with a parent, but with a relative, who chooses not to be included in the assistance unit or whose income and assets preclude him or her from receiving cash assistance. In other situations, the child is living with a parent, but the parent is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient, a non-qualified alien, a qualified alien who entered the country after August 1996, a sanctioned adult, or otherwise excluded.

State TANF policies affect the number and composition of child-only cases; five policies in particular are worth noting: sanction policy, alien policy, treatment of SSI, non-parental caregivers, and time-limit policy. In addition, many states are creating alternative programs for relative caregivers, offering higher payments than TANF, which may result in a shift of cases from TANF into the alternative programs. Depending on state financing choices, these cases mayor may not be counted as TANF child-only cases.

The characteristics of child-only cases vary across states, counties, and type of caregiver (for example, parent versus non-parent). Demographics and policy choices in each state and county affect the characteristics and composition of the child-only caseload.