Understanding Systemic Barriers in TANF: Insights from Michigan-Based Social Service Organizations

Background and Purpose
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, established to relieve poverty among low-income families, continues to falter in addressing ongoing structural inequities, especially those faced by highly vulnerable subpopulations. While existing literature thoroughly documents TANF's policy framework and outcomes, there is a notable lack of scholarship that critically examines the viewpoints of social service organizations (SSOs) operating at the intersection of policy implementation and community needs. This study aims to investigate SSOs’ perceptions of systemic inequities ingrained within Michigan’s TANF system, highlight the structural and bureaucratic obstacles that TANF clients face, and reveal the compensatory roles that community-based organizations undertake in bridging service gaps.

Methods
This mixed-methods study employed a statewide online survey targeting Michigan-based SSOs that self-identify as food assistance providers, emergency shelters, or domestic violence service agencies. From August to December 2021, a total of 777 organizations were invited to participate via email. The final sample included 214 respondents (27.5% response rate). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, and thematic coding of open-ended responses was undertaken in NVivo to surface dominant narratives and experiential patterns. Responding organizations were distributed across core service domains, including food provision (n = 108; 50.5%), community outreach (n = 66; 30.8%), and shelter/housing support (n = 41; 19.2%).

Results
Thematic and statistical analyses identified several entrenched systemic barriers within Michigan’s TANF program architecture. Chief among these were restrictive eligibility thresholds, burdensome application procedures, and limited administrative discretion regarding waivers and deferrals. Respondents emphasized the disproportionate exclusion of TANF-eligible clients with disabilities, mental health conditions, or caregiving obligations. These procedural constraints often resulted in benefit delays or denials, prompting increased reliance on SSOs for essential support services. Despite their pivotal role, community organizations reported a lack of formalized coordination with state agencies, leading to fragmented and inconsistent service delivery. Respondents overwhelmingly advocated for a reconfiguration of the TANF system that prioritizes simplified application processes, expanded administrative flexibility, and enhanced intersectoral collaboration.

Conclusion and Implications
Findings underscore the imperative for structural reform within Michigan’s TANF system to address the multifaceted nature of economic precarity effectively. Recommended interventions, such as redesigning eligibility protocols, institutionalizing flexible waiver mechanisms, and developing robust state-community partnerships, are essential to dismantling access barriers and fostering equitable economic outcomes. These insights contribute to a growing body of critical policy research and call for expanded qualitative inquiry, particularly longitudinal and participatory studies that center the lived experiences of TANF recipients themselves. By advancing a relational understanding of policy implementation, this study highlights the interdependence of administrative systems and community infrastructures in pursuing social equity.