WHAT IS AFDC?
AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) is a program
administered and funded by Federal and State goverments to provide
financial assistance to needy families. In an average State, more than
half (55 percent) of the total cost of AFDC payments are funded by the
Federal goverment. The States provide the balance of these payments,
manage the program, and detemine who receives benefits and how much they
get.
In order to be eligible to receive AFDC payments, a family must have a
dependent child who is -
- Under age 18 and living with them. (An 18 year-old who is expected to
complete secondary school or its equivalent before turning 19 may also be
covered.)
- Deprived of financial support from one of their parents due to the
parent's death, continued absence, or incapacity. (This includes children
in two-parent families where the principal family earner is unemployed.)
- A resident of the State they live in.
- A U.S. citizen or an alien who is permanently and lawfully residing in
the United States.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division
Questions? / 1-866-758-1060
Last Revised: September 13, 2000 at 02:46:51 PM
