Precarious Work Schedules Could Jeopardize Access to Safety Net Programs Targeted by Work Requirements

This Urban Institute brief examines how variations in work schedules for participants in TANF and other safety net programs affect their ability to comply with weekly work requirements for reasons beyond participants’ control. Some challenges participants face include nonstandard work schedules, fluctuation in number of weekly working hours, capacity to receive advance notice of work schedules, and controlling or setting the number of hours per week they can work. While facing these challenges, participants also need to address work requirements so they can receive food assistance and attain child or dependent care or other case assistance.