Wyoming Welfare Waiver
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala has approved a major welfare demonstration submitted by the state of Wyoming that will encourage recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children to enroll in school, undertake a training program or enter the workforce.
"Wyoming's demonstration has a number of elements which are in keeping with President Clinton's commitment to promoting independence and responsibility for families who receive welfare benefits. We look forward to working with the state to see that the demonstration is implemented in an effective manner," Secretary Shalala said.
Under the demonstration, Wyoming's AFDC program will be modified in four major areas:
*Working AFDC families will be allowed to accumulate $2,500 in assets. The current asset ceiling of $1,000 per family will be increased in those cases where an AFDC parent is employed.
*Unemployed, non-custodial parents of AFDC children who are not paying child support and who have been ordered into Wyoming's JOBS program by the courts, will be allowed to receive services under Wyoming's welfare-to-work (JOBS) program.
*AFDC minor children who refuse to stay in school or accept suitable employment could have their benefits reduced by $40 a month. Similarly, adult AFDC recipients who are deemed eligible to work or perform community service, but who refuse to do so, could face a reduction in benefits of up to $100 per month.
*AFDC benefits for adults who have completed a post-secondary educational program while on welfare, or who have been convicted of program fraud, will be significantly restricted.
The Wyoming demonstration program becomes effective immediately and will operate for a period of five years. Some of the elements of the program will be administered in selected counties; others will apply statewide. The plan will include a rigorous evaluation utilizing random assignment to control and experimental groups.
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Contact: David Siegel (202) 401-9215
