States now have almost total control over designing their public assistance programs within broad federal guidelines. Rather than open-ended individual entitlements, states now receive capped block grants for cash assistance to needy families. Medicaid, however, remains an entitlement and is not linked to TANF eligibility. Personal Responsibility Agreement. Parents must sign a statement assuring that their children will be immunized, attend school and be raised in a safe and secure environment, and that parents will refrain from substance abuse.
Welfare reform brings changes for just about everyone who has been receiving benefits.
For many, changes have already taken place. Others will be affected as new regulations are implemented, redeterminations are made, or limits are reached. St. JosephCounty currently has 665 adult recipients whose two-year clock started ticking as a result of this project. By August 1997, many immigrants will lose eligibility for food stamps, SSI and other benefits. Funding A state's funding is based on the combined expenditures for AFDC, JOBS, Emergency Assistance, for a designated previous fiscal year.