Some public assistance programs require recipients to work, get job training, or perform other work-related activities to qualify for benefits. What’s required and who’s subject to work requirements vary widely across programs and states, and the rules are changing.
As the Trump administration seeks to strengthen and expand these mandates, we’ll be laying out the current state of work requirements and tracking policy changes as they occur.
ADDITIONAL READING
Work Requirements, Time Limits, and Work Incentives in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance
Work Requirements in Housing Authorities: Experiences to Date and Knowledge Gaps
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This tool compiles data from the Welfare Rules Databook, published by the Department of Health and Human Services; the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service; Urban Institute’s analysis of state Section 1115 waiver applications submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and annual reports submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development by Moving to Work demonstration sites. Data found in this project will continue to be updated from these and other sources.
PROJECT CREDITS
This project is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. We are grateful to them and to all our funders, who make it possible for Urban to advance its mission. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, or the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Funders do not determine research findings or the insights and recommendations of Urban's experts.
RESEARCH Heather Hahn, Eleanor Pratt, Eva Allen, Genevieve M. Kenney, Diane K. Levy, Elaine Waxman, and Nathan Joo
DESIGN Christina Baird
DEVELOPMENT Alice Feng
EDITING Serena Lei, Michael Marazzi, and Archana Pyati
ILLUSTRATION Roberuto/Getty Images