Our state’s direct cash assistance programs, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), are our most effective pathways out of poverty. The WFTC is a state version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that provides cash assistance to people with low incomes, including people – often immigrants – who file taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The main goal of TANF is to help families meet their most basic needs and to protect children from the devastating effects of “deep poverty” (measured by living 50% or more below the Federal Poverty Line – $1076 per month for a family of three).
Community members statewide report from the trail that these programs are confusing to access, difficult to navigate, and are riddled with benefits cliffs without sturdy bridges to financial stability. Families are not given a clear map and are often not aware of the support available to them. Even for those able to navigate the trail, the amount that they receive makes it nearly impossible to meet all their basic needs, never mind build up savings.
Field Notes:
“[The TANF time limit] really hits me harder than the amount of money. The length of time is not long enough. Also, the 20, 25 hours of non-work that TANF makes people do is really, really hard for a healthy person that’s really, really, really motivated to do it. I’m doing school. I’m doing mental health counseling once a week. I’m doing the YWCA advocacy on top of that. That’s once a week. On top of that I have to do another group an hour a week. All those challenges, not challenges, but things that I have to do around raising a child as well and then my homework and everything else, that’s like…When am I going to get a job? They need to coordinate, figure out a better way to figure out how to get a job, how to get people more stable than just here’s your money. We know the hoops to the system of getting the money and then what you get out of it is nothing.”
–Spokane Listening Session Attendee, 2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, families were able to access TANF when they needed it, even if they were past the federal time limit, due to broad hardship exemptions. When that expired in July 2023, that bridge to stability washed away, leaving a benefits cliff that cuts families off support while they’re still in need.
Many families who otherwise qualify are unable to navigate our current burdensome process to maintain access to TANF. Black, Indigenous, and multiracial families are cut off benefits at higher rates than their portion of the TANF caseload due to time limits, and incremental efforts to clear this path have unfortunately only increased this inequity.
The Working Families Tax Credit puts much-needed cash back into the pockets of Washingtonians, but the trail is inaccessible to many. Childless adults younger than 25 are ineligible, prevented from accessing lifeline support because of their age. For those who are eligible, the process presents another set of obstacles for folks who are already hiking uphill to make ends meet. Streamlining eligibility and application with other benefits programs would link the WFTC to other benefits programs, linking the trails and making them easier to access and navigate.
We envision a system where Washingtonians living on a low income are presented with a clear, well-marked pathway out of poverty. Investing in much-needed trail maintenance to our state’s direct cash programs will make it easier for Washingtonians to access and maintain financial stability.
What We’re Doing About It
Reinstating TANF Hardship Time Limit Exemptions to ensure that all families that need help can receive it and increase equitable access.
Ensuring that the TANF grant amount increases with the rising cost of living by aligning it with 16% of the Need Standard.
Expanding access to the Working Families Tax Credit to young adults who are currently excluded.
Aligning WFTC eligibility and application to integrate with other social safety net programs in our state.
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