The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

On August 22, President Clinton signed into law "The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193)," a comprehensive bipartisan welfare reform plan that will dramatically change the nation's welfare system into one that requires work in exchange for time-limited assistance. The law contains strong work requirements, a performance bonus to reward states for moving welfare recipients into jobs, state maintenance of effort requirements, comprehensive child support enforcement, and supports for families moving from welfare to work -- including increased funding for child care and guaranteed medical coverage.

Highlights of "The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996" follow.