FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, Oct. 6, 1995
Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215
HHS APPROVES WELFARE WAIVER FOR GEORGIA
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced approval of Georgia's
"Work for Welfare" demonstration project. This is the second
waiver demonstration approved for Georgia under the Clinton administration.
"In little more than a week, the Clinton administration has helped
four states enact welfare reform on a local level," said Secretary
Shalala. "Georgia's project will require parents to move into work
quickly and support their children responsibly."
The project has two components. The first will be implemented in 10
counties. Adults who have received Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC) payments for 24 of the previous 36 months will be required to
work up to 20 hours per month at an assigned job in local, state or
federal government, or at a non-profit agency.
If work is not available, time will be spent in job search. Courts may
order non-custodial parents who are delinquent in child support payments
to also take part.
Failure to comply will result in the loss of the individual's benefits
for one month the first time, three months the second, and two years
the third. Children's benefits will not be affected, and participation
is not required if transportation is not available.
The 10 counties are Bibb, Cook, Crisp, Dooly, Irwin, Jenkins, Lowndes,
Walker, Wayne, and White.
A second component, to be implemented statewide, allows a family to
have a vehicle of any value if it is used to commute to work or school.
It also disregards the earnings of children attending school full-time,
through age 18.
"Georgia's demonstration emphasizes that work is the essential
goal of welfare reform, while protecting children," said Mary Jo
Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. "The Clinton
administration's ongoing commitment to state flexibility is ending
welfare as we know it for states across the country."
The demonstration will operate for five years and will include a rigorous
evaluation.
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