Policymakers havebecome increasinglyinterested in exploringthe relationshipbetween public benefits rulesand marriage. Do the rulesaffect decisions to stay single,cohabit, or marry? If so, in whatways? Answering these questionsraises complex issues thatare endemic to any system thatprovides benefits on a group(i.e., family) basis rather thanlooking at individual needs. Thecomplexity becomes particularlyacute when eligibility for oramount of a benefit depends onhousehold composition andincome. Thus, they arise in abroad range of means-testedbenefits, such as cash assistance,child care, food stamps, subsidizedhousing, and Medicaid, aswell as tax system rules.This issue brief examines theissues in the context of the Temporary Assistance forNeedy Families (TANF) program.