In 1996, the old welfare program was replaced by a new and very different one. Some important changes that you and your family need to know are as follows:

60 MONTH (FIVE YEAR)TIME LIMIT:
After you have received public assistance for a total of 60 months, you will not receive your benefits in the same form again. However, you will still receive the same overall grant value! Your family will also receive food stamps and medicaid. (For more information, see Fact Sheet No. 6, 6a, & 8.)

Note: Time limits will not begin to take effect for families until after December 1, 2001 at the earliest.

WORK REQUIREMENTS:
You will be required to perform work activities unless you fit into one of a few limited categories of exempt individuals. Examples of people who may be entitled to an exemption include individuals who are physically or mentally ill/disabled and individuals who are caring full-time for a disabled household member. (For more information on exemptions, see Fact sheet No. 13 & 15.)

SANCTIONS:
Your benefits can be reduced (sanctioned) if you do not follow all of the requirements of the new welfare law. There are many different reasons that people get sanctioned, but some common ones include:

• refusing to participate in the BEGIN/Work Experience Program
• refusing to try to find child care
• refusing to cooperate with the child support enforcement unit.

If you believe that you have a good reason for your refusal, you should fight the sanction by requesting a fair hearing. (See Fact Sheet No. 2.)

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