Education and Training for TANF Recipients: Opportunities and Challenges under the Final Rule

Publication Date: March 2008

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Elizabeth Lower-Basch

Research Area: Education; Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

On February 5, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the final rules implementing changes in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. This paper explains the changes in the new rules that affect recipientsÂ’ access to education and training, and the actions that states will need to take in order to take advantage of these changes. Many welfare recipients lack the education needed to successfully compete in the labor market. By enabling recipients to participate in education and training activities, states can help improve their long-term employment and earnings outcomes as well as increase their participation rates.