New Hampshire has had a continuing balance of unspent federal TANF dollars which are carried over each year. At the end of State Fiscal Year 2024, the State had a balance of nearly $74.5 million, an increase of about $3.3 million from the prior year, after adjusting for inflation to the most recent year. Annual TANF balances are likely driven by the number of enrollees receiving benefits each year and policy decisions directing the uses of these funds, as well as economic changes, which have influenced the balance over the last two decades. Following the 2007-2009 recession, greater need among Granite State families likely contributed to a large decrease in unspent TANF funds. In 2018, an increased number of enrollees contributed to spending down of the TANF balance, due to newly-expanded income thresholds. Declines in enrollment and increases in the TANF balance since 2021 suggest that enhanced outreach may be needed to help ensure that eligible Granite State families are able to access the program’s benefits and make use of these funds.  

Learn more in NHFPI’s July 2024 blog: Under Enrollment in Key Aid Program and Increased Available Funds Provide Opportunities for Enhanced Outreach and Assistance