Welfare Reform Act

The Welfare Reform Act, passed in 1996 in the United States, transformed the welfare system by introducing stricter eligibility requirements and promoting work. It replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which provides time-limited assistance and emphasizes job training and employment. The Act aimed to reduce dependency on government aid and encourage self-sufficiency among low-income families. It also shifted more responsibility to states, allowing them to design their own welfare programs while meeting federal guidelines.