Welfare Reform Has Biggest Effect

Among all new laws taking effect this week, the changes in welfare are likely to affect the greatest number of Idaho residents.

There are indications the new laws will cut the number of families getting assistance.

Those getting cash assistance must sign a Personal Responsibility Contract agreeing to participate in work activities for at least 20 hours per week, cooperate with authorities to establish paternity and collect child support and immunize and keep children in school.

About half of the people on the rolls for that program in March met the June 20 deadline to sign a personal contract to keep receiving benefits. Others can sign up later, but may see some interruption or reduction in their July benefits until the paperwork is completed.

Highlights:

A two-year lifetime limit on cash assistance. The average stay on public assistance in Idaho is 14 months, but 19 percent of the 8,000 recipients in 1995 had been on welfare for 24 months or more.

Parents of minor parents must support not only their own child but also that child’s child. Teen parents won’t qualify for assistance unless they live with their own parents and the entire family qualifies.

Family size no longer will be the major factor in determining the size of the monthly welfare check. A maximum amount will be set and applied to all families. To start, that maximum is $276, lower than every other Western state but Nevada’s $266.

Money will be available on a one-time basis to keep people from fully entering the welfare system. It might be cheaper and more effective to help someone with a rent deposit or car repair bill if that keeps them employed.

, DataTimes