1996 Welfare Reform Act

The 1996 Welfare Reform Act, officially the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, transformed U.S. welfare policies by reducing dependence on government aid. It limited the duration people could receive welfare, encouraged employment through work requirements, and promoted self-sufficiency. The act replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which gives states more control over aid programs. Its goal was to promote work and responsibility among welfare recipients while aiming to reduce long-term reliance on government support.