Connecticut

HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today approved "A Fair Chance," a welfare demonstration that will operate in Connecticut.

A Fair Chance has two components, Pathways and Family Strength. Pathways will require work activity after 24 months of Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits and will establish provisions for child support assurance. Family Strength will provide incentives and supports to promote self-sufficiency among welfare recipients.

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"I am pleased to approve this demonstration, which emphasizes the importance of work," said Secretary Shalala. "It provides additional support for AFDC families and encourages work and self- sufficiency."

Under the Pathways provisions, AFDC recipients will be required to work a minimum of 15 hours a week after 24 months of AFDC, 25 hours a week after 36 months, and 35 hours a week after 48 months. Work activities include unsubsidized and subsidized employment and other activities approved by the state.

Another feature of Pathways provides child support assurance payments. Under the child support assurance program, the state pays the difference between the non-custodial parent's payment and a state-established minimum. This helps increase income for families leaving AFDC.

Family Strength provisions raise the current resource limit for AFDC eligibility from $1,000 to $3,000 and remove the time limit for earnings disregards. In addition, they extend transitional child care and medical benefits for an additional year, to a total of two years.

"By increasing expectations for work, we can help families move toward independence," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. "We are particularly pleased that Connecticut is using elements of the President's Work and Responsibilities Act."

Family Strength will be implemented statewide and Pathways will be implemented in the New Haven and Manchester areas. The demonstration will be carefully evaluated and will operate for seven years.

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