Description of the Indicator
This indicator identifies the number and percentage of households receiving cash assistance, or public assistance income. Eligible households benefit from programs such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Why is it important?
Programs like TANF offer support to families with children and pregnant individuals. For a total of five years within their lifetimes, households may use cash assistance to meet various needs, such as rent, utilities, transportation, and education. Providing cash assistance to low-income families can diminish financial barriers to well-being.
How is the region performing?
A small proportion of households receive cash assistance across the four-county area and statewide. Numbers have remained relatively stable over the reporting period, with some variation. Wayne County has been seeing a steady decline since the spike in households receiving assistance in 2020, however.