What are a TANF agency's obligations with regard to not discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin?

TANF agencies are required to ensure that their programs do not discriminate against people on the basis of their race, color, or national origin. A TANF agency may violate Title VI if it: (1) excludes a person or people from program participation based on race, color, or national origin; (2) denies benefits or services to a person or people based on race, color, or national origin; or (3) provides different or lesser benefits to a person or people based on race, color, or national origin. For example, a TANF agency may violate Title VI if, on the basis of a person's race, color, or national origin, it provides different job or training activities, applies sanctions (which can stop cash assistance) differently, or allows/disallows exemptions or extensions of TANF time limits.

Content created by Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Content last reviewed on November 18, 2015