The "Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025" reauthorizes the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program from 2026 through 2030. This legislation introduces significant reforms aimed at increasing employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing program accountability. The amendments outlined in the bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

A major reform shifts the program's focus from work participation rates to performance accountability and work outcomes. States will now be required to achieve minimum levels for "employment exits," measured by the percentage of individuals in unsubsidized employment six months after leaving the program. New performance indicators will track employment, retention, earnings, and high school completion, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) establishing an online dashboard for public reporting of State performance.

The bill mandates universal engagement in work activities for all work-eligible recipients, supported by Individual Opportunity Plans (IOPs). These plans require an assessment of an individual's skills and barriers, a personal responsibility agreement, specific work activity obligations, and employment goals. States must regularly review these plans and can impose pro-rata reductions in assistance for individual non-compliance.

Financial controls are tightened by prohibiting the use of TANF funds for families with monthly incomes exceeding twice the federal poverty line. The administrative cost limit for States is reduced from 15% to 10%, though exceptions are made for information technology and case management. States are also prohibited from direct spending on child care services but gain expanded authority to transfer up to 50% of their grants to the Child Care and Development Block Grant or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.

To ensure funds are directed to core purposes, States must reserve at least 25% of their federal grant and 25% of their qualified State expenditures for specific core activities like work supports, education, training, and case management. The bill also strengthens program integrity by applying federal improper payments laws to State TANF programs and requiring a plan to reduce such payments. A new non-supplantation requirement ensures federal funds supplement, rather than replace, State general revenue spending.

A new program purpose is added: to reduce child poverty by increasing employment entry, retention, and advancement for needy parents. State plans, now requiring HHS approval every 24 months, must detail how they will meet new requirements, including engaging noncustodial parents, promoting marriage, and providing transitional benefits. HHS will also coordinate activities and provide technical assistance to States based on scientifically valid research.

Data reporting is improved by requiring States to submit full-population data, including detailed information on work eligibility status and participation hours. The bill also designates data exchange standards for better interoperability and allows States to set aside up to 15% of funds for future use during economic downturns. Furthermore, it explicitly prohibits the use of funds at establishments selling marihuana and eliminates several obsolete provisions, such as welfare-to-work grants and high-performance bonuses.