Welfare reform: impact on former AFDC recipients with disabilities

Abstract

Welfare reform as defined in the United States has resulted in the abolishment of the federally structured Aid to Families with Dependent Children program and the establishment of block grant state-sponsored assistance to poor children and their parents. While available data support the finding that 30% of these children and/or parents have serious or multiple disabilities, the states in general have not addressed ways in which obstacles will be overcome in facilitating self-sufficiency for this population. This paper explores the tenets of the newly implemented Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act and the Virginia state initiative approved as a waiver prior to the federal legislation. Implications for families with a history of disability previously covered under AFDC are discussed, as well as recommendations for prevention of unfair impact of the new law on this group.