Work First 001 - Work First Preface & PHILOSOPHY

Change # 03-2009

December 1, 2009

THE MOVE TO WORK FIRST

In 1996, the federal government enacted the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). In 1996, North Carolina implemented its’ TANF program under the name of Work First. North Carolina's Work First Program was built upon the premise that "all people have a responsibility to their families and communities to work and to provide for their children.”

The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005, formerly known as the Budget Reconciliation Act, was signed into law on February 8, 2006. The DRA reauthorized TANF through 2010. The DRA:

Maintained the 50% all-family work participation rate and the 90% two-parent family rate.

Changed the base year for the Caseload Reduction Credit from 1996 to 2005.

Required the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to define each work category more precisely.

Added additional categories of individuals into the State work participation calculation.

Established new work verification plan requirements for which the state can face sanctions for failure to comply with the approved plan.

For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.