How have state welfare policies changed under TANF?
• Expanded work-related participation requirements: Before 1996, most families receiving assistance were not required to participate in work-related activities. Now, most families, and in some states all families, receiving assistance can be penalized for failure to engage in work-related activities. • More severe penalties: Before 1996, the penalty for noncompliance with work-related activities was usually a partial (typically about one-third) grant reduction. Now most states can terminate all cash assistance for a violation of program rules. • Time Limits: Forty-eight states now have policies that can reduce or terminate assistance after 60 months or less; about 20 states have a time limit of less than 60 months for at least some families. • Restricted Access to Education and Training: Many states have sharply curtailed access to longer-term education and training programs or only allow access under very limited circumstances. • Continued Assistance After Families Enter Employment: M
