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New Welfare Caseload Data Show Further Welfare Caseload Declines

Date: Dec. 5, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Unemployed and Low-Income Entitlements and the Safety Net


New Welfare Caseload Data Show Further Welfare Caseload Declines

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the number of families receiving cash benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare program continues to fall - dropping to 1.77 million families in June 2006 - the lowest level since 1969. Further, as the chart below indicates, the rate of decline in welfare dependence in recent months is once again increasing, following several years of stagnating caseloads.

"These data suggest States are once again focusing on encouraging self-sufficiency instead of welfare dependence, likely in response to strengthened welfare reforms included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171). This is good news," said Wally Herger (R-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee. "I encourage more states to take advantage of strengthened welfare reforms to help even more low-income families work and become self-sufficient off of welfare."

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/news.asp

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