ACF Opens State Applications for Redesigned Welfare Pilot to Promote Work and Self-Sufficiency

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today released a new request for applications for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pilot . The pilot will select up to five states to test innovative approaches aimed at promoting work and reducing government dependency.

Authorized under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the redesigned pilot reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to reshaping welfare programs to encourage employment, personal responsibility, and strong families. The application will allow states to propose alternative performance measures that prioritize employment outcomes, earnings progression, and reduced reliance on TANF, Medicaid, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — rather than the current work participation rates.

“ACF is returning to the original intent of welfare reform to ensure our programs are laser-focused on delivering outcomes for families and results for taxpayers,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. “The pilot represents a new era for TANF where states drive innovation to help families achieve long-term stability and reduced dependency on government programs.”

The new request for applications follows ACF’s earlier decision to deselect the five states previously chosen by the Biden Administration after the election. The Trump Administration determined the Biden TANF pilot did not reflect this administration’s goals and priorities as its metrics did not evaluate employment outcomes or dependency reduction but rather unverifiable and subjective metrics. Since March, ACF overhauled the pilot application to now include objective metrics that test innovative approaches to promote work and reduce government dependency.

The pilot program will operate for six years, with the first year dedicated to establishing baseline data and negotiating performance targets. ACF encourages all states and territories to apply, including those previously selected. The application period will close at 11:59PM ET on August 15, 2025. The pilot program for the selected states will begin on October 1, 2025. 

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