DSHS Basic Needs programs (Basic Food, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and General Assistance for the Unemployable (GAU)) are primary indicators of need.   The data presented is point in time data, available via special agreement. 
As policy decisions tighten program requirements and funding, residents accessing DSHS Basic Needs programs (TANF, Disability LIfeline, and Basic Food) in Pierce County has increased 5.3% when comparing the data from the 3rd quarter of 2011 to the 3rd quarter of 2010, even while TANF and Disability lifeline show significant drops in numbers..  The table below shows the caseloads for the three programs, as well as the percent change for each program and the program totals.

The DSHS monthly case load data shows that TANF enrollment is decreasing.  This is due to families “timing out,” and recent legislation has significantly cut the cash amount for a number of TANF recipients.  We have already seen about 2,000 (-18.5%) families drop off of the program since January 2011.
Similarly, the Disability Lifeline, formerly GAU, recipients have been notified that the program will end and replaced by three programs (Aged, Blind, and Disabled, Pregnant Women Assistance, and Housing and Essential Needs (non-cash housing and other assistance such as hygiene and bus tokens)).  An estimated 2,100 people will no longer receive cash assistance. 
The Basic Food program continues to increase its enrollment.  The current monthly caseload for Basic Food is at over 64,000 individuals, a 10.5% (6,112) increase compared to a year ago and more than double the 25,000 in March of 2008. 

Source: Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Region 5