TANF’s requirement that enrollees engage in structured job search programs – which can be both time consuming and fruitless – may discourage participation, says Kristin Seefeldt. She points out that TANF’s inflexible work requirements may push very low-income families into abject poverty and homelessness if their inability to meet job search stipulations make them ineligible for the temporary welfare. Seefeldt says she’s found that “work requirements don’t always help people find jobs…[and] the penalties imposed for failure to meet [welfare program] rules can wind up punishing low-income kids and prolonging hard times.”

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