Welfare
Reform
In 1996 welfare reform laws were
initiated in order to help get the most out of these programs.
After generations of dependency upon welfare the goal was
changed to help people to be able to help themselves. The
government decided they could continue to give out money and
benefits each month with nothing in return or they could get
some productivity out of welfare recipients.
One of the biggest changes was with the
cash assistance program. It used to be called AFDC for
Assistances for Families with Dependent Children. With the
welfare reform though it became known as TANF for Temporary Aid
for Needy Families. There became a five year lifetime limit for
families to receive such add. Once they had reached that limit
they could no longer apply for it.
What this means is that a family
basically had five years to get a plan in order and to take
action upon it. Each welfare recipient also had to see a case
manager to complete an IRC or Individual Responsibility
Contract. They had to decide if they wanted to go to college
and get a degree, look for work, or to engage in job training
skills.
In order to help the welfare recipients
achieve their set goals other funds could be offered as well.
For example they could assist with vehicle repairs, paying for
child care, counseling, clothing for work, buying books for
school, and getting them enrolled in on the job training
programs.
Of course there are those individuals
that still believe welfare benefits should be a right. They
have no intension of doing anything to better their own life
for their children or themselves. Initially they believed they
could just sit around for five years and collect benefits. They
government was ready for this and took action in the form of
sanctions.
Anyone not complying will lose 25% of
their benefits the first month, 50% the second month, and then
get nothing after that until they are back in compliance. This
means they have to go in and discuss their plans with their
case manager. With welfare reform in place it is no longer to
be viewed as a hand out. Instead it is a stepping stone to
helping families to obtain a better quality of life.
|