TANF Cash Assistance Program Oversight Audit Series Announced
Summary
HHS OIG announced a new audit series (SRS-A-26-017) to examine state oversight of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which distributes $16.6 billion annually in federal block grant funds to states. The audits will focus on whether states provided adequate oversight of TANF cash assistance programs, including the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. One project (OAS-26-09-021) has been announced with an estimated completion in FY2028.
What changed
HHS OIG has announced a new audit series focused on state oversight of the TANF cash assistance program, which distributes approximately $16.6 billion annually in federal block grant funds to states for cash assistance to eligible recipients via EBT cards. The audits will use a risk-based approach to examine selected states' administration and oversight of TANF funds. GAO has previously highlighted concerns about vulnerabilities in TANF that may create opportunities for fraudulent misuse of EBT cards.
State agencies administering TANF programs should anticipate potential audits and ensure documentation of their oversight processes is complete. The audit series is estimated to conclude in FY2028. No immediate compliance obligations are created by this announcement.
What to do next
- Monitor for audit findings and recommendations
- Prepare for potential HHS OIG audit inquiries regarding TANF program oversight
Archived snapshot
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Series: State Oversight of the TANF Cash Assistance Program
Announced on
04/15/2026
| Last Modified on
04/15/2026
| Series Number: SRS-A-26-017
Status Active Agency Administration for Children and Families
OBJECTIVE
HHS, through the Administration for Children and Families, oversees States’ administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program’s $16.6 billion annual block grant funds. States distribute a portion of these funds as cash assistance to eligible recipients primarily through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards and are managed by contracted vendors responsible for card issuance and transaction processing. Recent information from the Government Accountability Office highlights concerns about whether vulnerabilities in TANF create opportunities for fraudulent misuse of TANF EBT cards. Using a risk-based approach, we will conduct one or more audits of selected States’ TANF cash assistance programs to determine whether States provided adequate oversight.
There is 1 project in this series.
ACTIVE PROJECTS IN THIS SERIES (1)
State Oversight of the TANF Cash Assistance Program
Project OAS-26-09-021 • Announced on Apr 15, 2026
TIMELINE
- April 15, 2026 Series Number SRS-A-26-017 Assigned
- April 15, 2026 Project Announced State Oversight of the TANF Cash Assistance Program - OAS-26-09-021
- Today 1 Project In-Progress
- Est FY2028 Estimated Fiscal Year for Series Completion Work Plan Type Office of Audit Services HHS Agencies Administration for Children and Families Issue Areas Departmental Operational Issues Financial Stewardship Target Groups Children and Families Financial Groups Grants
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