OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska is one of five states chosen for a new federal pilot program aimed at helping families on public assistance move toward long-term independence.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, known as TANF, currently provides short-term support to families for basic needs such as rent, groceries and utilities. The program also tracks how many hours participants spend in work-related activities.

Beginning Oct. 1, the state will launch a six-year pilot project that shifts the focus to long-term outcomes, such as job retention, income growth and overall stability.

“We know that we are successful when they don’t need us anymore,” said Shannon Grotrian, the director of the Office of Economic Assistance at Nebraska DHHS.

Under the pilot, families will

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