The African American Female Experience as a TANF Recipient in New Jersey
Allison N. Sinanan

Abstract
This study examined the possible differences that African American females experience on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) in southern New Jersey based on a chart review of 168 welfare cases. A focus on race is essential to understanding how welfare reform affects the attainment of economic self-reliance among African American women. Prior research illustrates that African American women are disproportionately represented in welfare caseloads and confront more challenges in transitioning off of welfare toward a position of economic self-reliance (Browne and Kennelly, 1999; Burnham, 2002, 2005). Findings from this study indicate that African American women spent an average of seven more months on TANF than White women but were not more likely to pass the five year limit when compared to White women receiving TANF benefits. African American women also participated on average in five more work activities than their White counterparts.

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