Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) is financial government assistance in the form of cash given to a family with children in need of financial aid. A head of the family or custodial parent who is unemployed and not receiving child support or assistance from the non-custodial parent may be eligible for AFDC.
Federal and state governments share in its cost. The federal government provides broad guidelines and program requirements, and states are responsible for program formulation, benefit determinations, and administration. Eligibility for benefits is based on the state's standard of need as well as the income and resources available to the recipient.
