Brief Work Requirements in Safety Net Programs
Subtitle
Lessons for Medicaid from TANF and SNAP
Heather Hahn
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Despite the logic supporting work requirements in public assistance programs, evidence shows work requirements often fail to achieve their goal of creating economic mobility for those receiving assistance for two primary reasons: First, work requirements don’t necessarily help people find jobs. Second, the red tape associated with work requirements can cause people to lose access to vital supports even when they are working or should be exempt from requirements. To find jobs and maintain self-sufficiency without relying on public assistance, people need access to skill development, job opportunities with living wages, and access to affordable health insurance and other benefits.
Research Areas Health and health care Social safety net
Tags Families with low incomes Poverty Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Welfare and safety net programs Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) From Safety Net to Solid Ground Hunger and food assistance
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population Income and Benefits Policy Center Health Policy Center