Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), enacted in 1996, reformed U.S. welfare programs by emphasizing work and self-sufficiency. It replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which provides time-limited, work-focused assistance. The law encourages recipients to find employment within two years and actively supports their move toward independence. It also promotes responsible parenting, imposes stricter eligibility rules, and aims to reduce long-term dependency on government aid while promoting employment and economic self-sufficiency.