Which program replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?

Which program replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?

• A. TANF
• B. SSI
• C. Unemployment Insurance
• D. OASDI

Answer: (A)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaced AFDC. This shift happened with welfare reform in 1996, moving from an entitlement to cash aid to a block-granted program administered by states that emphasizes work and self-sufficiency. TANF combines cash assistance with required work activities, time-limits on benefits (often a five-year lifetime limit), and other work-focused supports like child care and job preparation. The idea is to provide temporary help while encouraging recipients to move into employment and independence, rather than offering open-ended cash aid. The other options serve different purposes: SSI provides needs-based benefits for disabled, elderly, or blind individuals; Unemployment Insurance offers wage replacement for those who lose jobs through no fault of their own; OASDI provides retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaced AFDC. This shift happened with welfare reform in 1996, moving from an entitlement to cash aid to a block-granted program administered by states that emphasizes work and self-sufficiency. TANF combines cash assistance with required work activities, time-limits on benefits (often a five-year lifetime limit), and other work-focused supports like child care and job preparation. The idea is to provide temporary help while encouraging recipients to move into employment and independence, rather than offering open-ended cash aid. The other options serve different purposes: SSI provides needs-based benefits for disabled, elderly, or blind individuals; Unemployment Insurance offers wage replacement for those who lose jobs through no fault of their own; OASDI provides retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.