Must individuals pursue work to receive TANF benefits?

To receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits, individuals are generally required to pursue work or participate in work-related activities. This requirement is part of TANF's purpose, which is to provide financial assistance while encouraging recipients to find and maintain employment.

The work requirement is designed to help recipients transition from dependency on government assistance to self-sufficiency. While there can be some exemptions or different requirements based on individual circumstances, such as caregiving responsibilities, the general expectation is that participants in the TANF program will engage in work.

This emphasis on pursuing work reflects the program's objective to alleviate poverty by not only providing temporary financial support but also fostering job readiness and employment among beneficiaries.