Introduction
This brief describes key considerations for identifying additional performance measures as part of state TANF pilot program applications. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will select up to five states to pilot a new set of outcome-based Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) performance measures instead of being held accountable to the Work Participation Rate (WPR). Pilot states will be accountable for four new performance measures related to participants’ employment, earnings, and dependence on government benefits. In addition to these required measures, states will propose two additional performance measures related to employment and reduced dependency, education and skill building, health and family relationships, or another relevant domain.
Purpose
This brief is intended to be a helpful resource for TANF administrators and program staff who are considering which additional performance measures to propose as part of their state’s FRA pilot application.
Key Findings and Highlights
This brief outlines key considerations for identifying the additional performance measures and provides guiding questions and examples for states to reflect on as they develop their pilot applications. Working through these questions can help states identify additional performance measures that are: (1) aligned with program goals, (2) straightforward to interpret and use, (3) based on information that is feasible to gather, and (4) accurate reflections of participant outcomes.
Methods
Key considerations are drawn from literature about performance management.
Citation
Lyskawa, Julia, Quinn Moore, Michelle Derr, and Katie Eddins (2025). Considerations for Identifying Performance Measures in TANF Pilot Programs, OPRE Report 2025-092, Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- Performance measures:
- The metrics used to assess whether pilot states and their programs are achieving the intended results. Measures typically include the focal population (such as work-eligible individuals), an observable outcome (such as earnings), and the time period for assessment (such as the second quarter after exiting the program).
- Performance benchmarks:
- The value of performance measures that pilot states will be held accountable for achieving.
- Outcomes:
- The observable changes or benefits brought about by the program for individual TANF participants in employment, earnings, or family stability and well-being.