People with felony convictions, incarcerated or not, often face “collateral consequences,” which are significant barriers that can range from being denied employment to losing voting rights. Some states subject people with a drug-related felony conviction to restrictions or complete bans on food assistance under SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), cash assistance through TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or both. Public assistance such as TANF and SNAP consistently reduces recidivism, while banning access to assistance has been linked to increases in recidivism. CLASP works to ensure that people transitioning out of incarceration have access to the public benefits support they need to succeed.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance, job training, and other services to families with low incomes who are often facing financial emergencies. Over the past 30 years, the cash assistance program has shrunk considerably. That’s because states receive TANF funds as block grants, making the program unresponsive to the economy. Moreover, many states use TANF dollars to fill holes in their budgets rather than using funds to provide cash, work supports, or child care to families experiencing poverty. CLASP advocates for federal and state reforms that strengthen the program and that target cash to families. We work to direct funding where it’s needed and remove arbitrary rules that keep families from getting help.