The Impact of Work Attachment Strategies on Employment and Economic Status of TANF Leavers

This study explores how state work attachment strategies and individual factors are related to employment and family income of welfare leavers. Using the 2002 National Survey of America's Families, this study finds that strict sanctions for noncompliance with work requirements were less likely than weak sanctions to increase employment and family income of welfare leavers. A strict policy regarding the number of months allowed before work requirements were enforced was less likely to increase the family income of welfare leavers than a more lenient policy. In addition, those who were less educated, were single, and had disabilities were less likely to be employed or have a higher family income. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.