Improving Family Economic Security Through Evidence-Based State Policy Reforms: TANF and SNAP flexibilities

State legislatures and administrative practices influence how much support low-income families receive from TANF cash assistance and SNAP (food stamps). Although both are federal programs, some states establish rules that are less generous than federal guidelines, while others opt to provide more generous support for parents and children. As a result, families’ experiences with these programs vary depending on the state in which they live. To learn more about the policy options that states can set, click on TANF flexibilities or SNAP flexibilities here or in the table. Click on a profile below to view flexibilities as they have been set in that state.