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Exiting The TANF Program
When transitioning out of the TANF program, individuals find themselves in one of three situations that constitute the reasons for exiting: It has been observed that certain situations of TANF exit are more prominent depending on the geographic area which recipients live in. Focusing the comparison between metropolitan (urban) areas and non-metropolitan (rural) areas, the number of recipients experiencing non work TANF related exit is highest among rural areas (rural areas in the South experience the highest cases of this type of exiting the program).
 * 1) The first situation involves work related TANF exit, in which individuals no longer qualify for TANF assistance due to acquired employment.
 * 2) The second type of situation is non- work TANF related exit in which the recipient no longer qualifies for assistance due to reaching the maximum time allowed to be enrolled in the assistance program. Once their time limit has been reached, individuals are removed from receiving assistance.
 * 3) The third type of situation is continued TANF receipt in which employed recipients earning a wage that does not help cover expenses continue receiving assistance.

Information asymmetry or lack of knowledge among recipients on the various TANF work incentive programs, is a contributor to recipients experiencing non work related TANF exits. Not being aware of the offered programs, impacts their use and creates misconceptions that influence the responsiveness of those who qualify for such programs resulting in longer time periods requiring TANF services. Recipients who exit TANF due to work, are also affected by information asymmetry due to lack of awareness on the “transitional support” programs available to facilitate their transitioning into the work field. Programs such as childcare, food stamps, and Medicaid are meant increase work incentive but many work transitioning TANF recipients do not know they are eligible. It has been shown that TANF exiting working women who use and maintain the transitional incentive services described above, are less likely to return to receiving assistance and are more likely to experience long term employment.