---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 607"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "607"
heading: "Mandatory work requirements"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/607"
units:
  - "Chapter 7 — Social Security"
  - "Subchapter IV — Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services"
  - "Part A — Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families"
---

# §607. Mandatory work requirements

- (a) **Participation rate requirements—**
  - (1) **All families—** A [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) to which a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) is made under [section 603 of this title](/usc/42/603.md) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) shall achieve the minimum participation rate specified in the following table for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) with respect to all [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) receiving assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)):

    | If the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) is: | The minimum participation rate is: |
    | --- | --- |
    | 1997 | 25 |
    | 1998 | 30 |
    | 1999 | 35 |
    | 2000 | 40 |
    | 2001 | 45 |
    | 2002 or thereafter | 50. |

  - (2) **2-parent families—** A [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) to which a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) is made under [section 603 of this title](/usc/42/603.md) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) shall achieve the minimum participation rate specified in the following table for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) with respect to 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) receiving assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)):

    | If the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) is: | The minimum participation rate is: |
    | --- | --- |
    | 1997 | 75 |
    | 1998 | 75 |
    | 1999 or thereafter | 90. |

- (b) **Calculation of participation rates—**
  - (1) **All families—**
    - (A) **Average monthly rate—** For purposes of [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1), the participation rate for all [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) is the average of the participation rates for all [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for each month in the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
    - (B) **Monthly participation rates—** The participation rate of a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for all [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for a month, expressed as a percentage, is—
      - (i) the [number of families](#b-2-B) receiving assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)) that include an [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) or a [minor child](/usc/42/619.md?p=2) head of household who is engaged in work for the month; divided by
      - (ii) the amount by which—
        - (I) the [number of families](#b-2-B) receiving such assistance during the month that include an [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) or a [minor child](/usc/42/619.md?p=2) head of household receiving such assistance; exceeds
        - (II) the [number of families](#b-2-B) receiving such assistance that are subject in such month to a penalty described in [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1) but have not been subject to such penalty for more than 3 months within the preceding 12-month period (whether or not consecutive).
  - (2) **2-parent families—**
    - (A) **Average monthly rate—** For purposes of [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2), the participation rate for 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) is the average of the participation rates for 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for each month in the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
    - (B) **Monthly participation rates—** The participation rate of a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for a month shall be calculated by use of the formula set forth in [paragraph (1)(B)](#b-1-B), except that in the formula the term “number of 2-parent families” shall be substituted for the term “number of families” each place such latter term appears.
    - (C) **Family with a disabled parent not treated as a 2-parent family—** A [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) that [includes](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) a disabled [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) shall not be considered a 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) for purposes of subsections [(a)](#a) and [(b)](#b) of this section.
  - (3) **Pro rata reduction of participation rate due to caseload reductions not required by Federal law and not resulting from changes in State eligibility criteria—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall prescribe regulations for reducing the minimum participation rate otherwise required by this section for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) by the number of percentage points equal to the number of percentage points (if any) by which—
      - (i) the average monthly [number of families](#b-2-B) receiving assistance during the immediately preceding [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)) is less than
      - (ii) the average monthly [number of families](#b-2-B) that received assistance under any [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) referred to in [clause (i)](#b-3-A-i) during [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2015.

      The minimum participation rate shall not be reduced to the extent that the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines that the reduction in the [number of families](#b-2-B) receiving such assistance is required by Federal law.

    - (B) **Eligibility changes not counted—** The regulations required by [subparagraph (A)](#b-3-A) shall not take into account [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) that are diverted from a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part as a result of differences in eligibility criteria under a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part and the eligibility criteria in effect during [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2015. Such regulations shall place the burden on the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) to prove that such [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) were diverted as a direct result of differences in such eligibility criteria.
  - (4) **State option to include individuals receiving assistance under a tribal family assistance plan or tribal work program—** For purposes of paragraphs [(1)(B)](#b-1-B) and [(2)(B)](#b-2-B), a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) may, at its option, include [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) in the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) that are receiving assistance under a tribal [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) assistance plan approved under [section 612 of this title](/usc/42/612.md) or under a tribal work [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) to which [funds](/usc/42/12854.md?p=3) are provided under this part.
  - (5) **State option for participation requirement exemptions—** For any [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) may, at its option, not require an individual who is a [single](/usc/42/2304.md?p=m) custodial [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) caring for a [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) who has not attained 12 months of age to engage in work, and may disregard such an individual in determining the participation rates under [subsection (a)](#a) for not more than 12 months.
  - (6) **Special rule regarding calculation of the minimum participation rate—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall determine participation rates under this section without regard to any individual engaged in work in a [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) that receives no assistance under this part and less than $35 in assistance funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)).
- (c) **Engaged in work—**
  - (1) **General rules—**
    - (A) **All families—** For purposes of [subsection (b)(1)(B)(i)](#b-1-B-i), a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) is engaged in work for a month in a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) if the [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) is participating in [work activities](#d) for at least the minimum average number of hours per week specified in the following table during the month, not fewer than 20 hours per week of which are attributable to an activity described in paragraph [(1)](#d-1), [(2)](#d-2), [(3)](#d-3), [(4)](#d-4), [(5)](#d-5), [(6)](#d-6), [(7)](#d-7), [(8)](#d-8), or [(12)](#d-12) of subsection (d), subject to this subsection:

      | If the month is in [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3): | The minimum average number of hours per week is: |
      | --- | --- |
      | 1997 | 20 |
      | 1998 | 20 |
      | 1999 | 25 |
      | 2000 or thereafter | 30. |

    - (B) **2-parent families—** For purposes of [subsection (b)(2)(B)](#b-2-B), an individual is engaged in work for a month in a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) if—
      - (i) the individual and the other [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) in the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) are participating in [work activities](#d) for a total of at least 35 hours per week during the month, not fewer than 30 hours per week of which are attributable to an activity described in paragraph [(1)](#d-1), [(2)](#d-2), [(3)](#d-3), [(4)](#d-4), [(5)](#d-5), [(6)](#d-6), [(7)](#d-7), [(8)](#d-8), or [(12)](#d-12) of subsection (d), subject to this subsection; and
      - (ii) if the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) of the individual receives federally-funded [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care assistance and an [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) in the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) is not disabled or caring for a severely disabled [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A), the individual and the other [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) in the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) are participating in [work activities](#d) for a total of at least 55 hours per week during the month, not fewer than 50 hours per week of which are attributable to an activity described in paragraph [(1)](#d-1), [(2)](#d-2), [(3)](#d-3), [(4)](#d-4), [(5)](#d-5), [(6)](#d-6), [(7)](#d-7), [(8)](#d-8), or [(12)](#d-12) of subsection (d).
  - (2) **Limitations and special rules—**
    - (A) **Number of weeks for which job search counts as work—**
      - (i) **Limitation—** Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, an individual shall not be considered to be engaged in work by virtue of participation in an activity described in [subsection (d)(6)](#d-6) of a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)), after the individual has participated in such an activity for 6 weeks (or, if the unemployment rate of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) is at least 50 percent greater than the unemployment rate of the [United States](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-2) or the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) is a needy [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) (within the meaning of [section 603(b)(5) of this title](/usc/42/603.md?p=b-5)), 12 weeks), or if the participation is for a week that immediately follows 4 consecutive weeks of such participation.
      - (ii) **Limited authority to count less than full week of participation—** For purposes of clause (i) of this subparagraph, on not more than 1 occasion per individual, the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) shall consider participation of the individual in an activity described in [subsection (d)(6)](#d-6) for 3 or 4 days during a week as a week of participation in the activity by the individual.
    - (B) **Single parent or relative with child under age 6 deemed to be meeting work participation requirements if parent or relative is engaged in work for 20 hours per week—** For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under [subsection (b)(1)(B)(i)](#b-1-B-i), a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) who is the only [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) or caretaker relative in the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) of a [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) who has not attained 6 years of age is deemed to be engaged in work for a month if the [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) is engaged in work for an average of at least 20 hours per week during the month.
    - (C) **Single teen head of household or married teen who maintains satisfactory school attendance deemed to be meeting work participation requirements—** For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under [subsection (b)(1)(B)(i)](#b-1-B-i), a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) who is married or a head of household and has not attained 20 years of age is deemed to be engaged in work for a month in a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) if the [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6)—
      - (i) maintains satisfactory attendance at secondary [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1) or the equivalent during the month; or
      - (ii) participates in education directly related to employment for an average of at least 20 hours per week during the month.
    - (D) **Limitation on number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work by reason of participation in educational activities—** For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under paragraphs [(1)(B)(i)](#b-1-B-i) and [(2)(B)](#b-2-B) of subsection (b), not more than 30 percent of the number of individuals in all [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) and in 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11), respectively, in a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) who are treated as engaged in work for a month may consist of individuals who are determined to be engaged in work for the month by reason of participation in vocational educational [training](/usc/42/285e–2.md?p=b-2), or (if the month is in [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2000 or thereafter) deemed to be engaged in work for the month by reason of subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.
- (d) **“Work activities” defined—** As used in this section, the term “work activities” means—
  - (1) unsubsidized employment;
  - (2) subsidized private sector employment;
  - (3) subsidized public sector employment;
  - (4) work experience ([including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted [housing](/usc/42/1490p–2.md?p=r-3)) if sufficient private sector employment is not available;
  - (5) on-the-job [training](/usc/42/285e–2.md?p=b-2);
  - (6) job search and job readiness assistance;
  - (7) community service [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4);
  - (8) vocational educational [training](/usc/42/285e–2.md?p=b-2) (not to exceed 12 months with respect to any individual);
  - (9) job skills [training](/usc/42/285e–2.md?p=b-2) directly related to employment;
  - (10) education directly related to employment, in the case of a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) who has not received a high [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1) diploma or a certificate of high [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1) equivalency;
  - (11) satisfactory attendance at secondary [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1) or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, in the case of a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) who has not completed secondary [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1) or received such a certificate; and
  - (12) the provision of [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care services to an individual who is participating in a community service [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4).
- (e) **Penalties against individuals—**
  - (1) **In general—** Except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#e-2), if an individual in a [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) receiving assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)) refuses to engage in work required in accordance with this section, the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) shall—
    - (A) reduce the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) pro rata (or more, at the option of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5)) with respect to any period during a month in which the individual so refuses; or
    - (B) terminate such assistance,

    subject to such good [cause](/usc/42/9908.md?p=c-2) and other exceptions as the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) may establish.

  - (2) **Exception—** Notwithstanding [paragraph (1)](#e-1), a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) may not reduce or terminate assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)) based on a refusal of an individual to engage in work required in accordance with this section if the individual is a [single](/usc/42/2304.md?p=m) custodial [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) caring for a [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) who has not attained 6 years of age, and the individual proves that the individual has a demonstrated inability (as determined by the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5)) to obtain needed [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care, for 1 or more of the following reasons:
    - (A) Unavailability of appropriate [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care within a reasonable distance from the individual’s home or work site.
    - (B) Unavailability or unsuitability of informal [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care by a relative or under other arrangements.
    - (C) Unavailability of appropriate and affordable formal [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) care arrangements.
- (f) **Nondisplacement in work activities—**
  - (1) **In general—** Subject to [paragraph (2)](#f-2), an [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) in a [family](/usc/42/290ff–4.md?p=d-2) receiving assistance under a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part attributable to [funds](/usc/42/12854.md?p=3) provided by the Federal Government may fill a vacant employment position in order to engage in a work activity described in [subsection (d)](#d).
  - (2) **No filling of certain vacancies—** No [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) in a work activity described in [subsection (d)](#d) which is funded, in whole or in part, by [funds](/usc/42/12854.md?p=3) provided by the Federal Government shall be employed or assigned—
    - (A) when any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or
    - (B) if the employer has terminated the employment of any regular [employee](/usc/42/1320a–7h.md?p=e-7) or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction of its workforce in order to fill the vacancy so created with an [adult](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) described in [paragraph (1)](#f-1).
  - (3) **Grievance procedure—** A [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) with a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part shall establish and maintain a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of alleged [violations](/usc/42/2000e–16a.md?p=c) of [paragraph (2)](#f-2).
  - (4) **No preemption—** Nothing in this subsection shall preempt or supersede any provision of [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) or local law that provides greater protection for [employees](/usc/42/1320a–7h.md?p=e-7) from displacement.
- (g) **Sense of Congress—** It is the sense of the Congress that in complying with this section, each [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) that operates a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part is encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring [adults](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) in 2-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) and [adults](/usc/42/619.md?p=1) in [single](/usc/42/2304.md?p=m)-[parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) [families](/usc/42/12704.md?p=11) that include older preschool or [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1)-age [children](/usc/42/256e.md?p=g-2) to be engaged in [work activities](#d).
- (h) **Sense of Congress that States should impose certain requirements on noncustodial, nonsupporting minor parents—** It is the sense of the Congress that the [States](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) should require noncustodial, nonsupporting [parents](/usc/42/675.md?p=2) who have not attained 18 years of age to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after [school](/usc/42/6372.md?p=1).
- (i) **Verification of work and work-eligible individuals in order to implement reforms—**
  - (1) **Secretarial direction and oversight—**
    - (A) **Regulations for determining whether activities may be counted as “work activities”, how to count and verify reported hours of work, and determining who is a work-eligible individual—**
      - (i) **In general—** Not later than June 30, 2006, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall promulgate regulations to ensure consistent measurement of work participation rates under [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part and [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as defined in [section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i)), which shall include information with respect to—
        - (I) determining whether an activity of a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) of assistance may be treated as a work activity under [subsection (d)](#d);
        - (II) uniform methods for reporting hours of work by a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) of assistance;
        - (III) the type of documentation needed to verify reported hours of work by a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) of assistance; and
        - (IV) the circumstances under which a [parent](/usc/42/1396a.md?p=k-3) who resides with a [child](/usc/42/675.md?p=8-A) who is a [recipient](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) of assistance should be included in the work participation rates.
      - (ii) **Issuance of regulations on an interim final basis—** The regulations referred to in [clause (i)](#i-1-A-i) may be effective and final immediately on an interim basis as of the date of publication of the regulations. If the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) provides for an interim final regulation, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall provide for a period of public comment on the regulation after the date of publication. The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may change or revise the regulation after the public comment period.
    - (B) **Oversight of State procedures—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall review the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) procedures established in accordance with [paragraph (2)](#i-2) to ensure that such procedures are consistent with the regulations promulgated under [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A) and are adequate to ensure an accurate measurement of work participation under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part and any other [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as so defined).
  - (2) **Requirement for States to establish and maintain work participation verification procedures—** Not later than September 30, 2006, a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) to which a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) is made under [section 603 of this title](/usc/42/603.md) shall establish procedures for determining, with respect to [recipients](/usc/42/2996a.md?p=6) of assistance under the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded under this part or under any [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) funded with [qualified State expenditures](/usc/42/609.md?p=a-7-B-i-V) (as so defined), whether activities may be counted as [work activities](#d), how to count and verify reported hours of work, and who is a work-[eligible individual](/usc/42/239.md?p=a-6), in accordance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to [paragraph (1)(A)(i)](#i-1-A-i) and shall establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the procedures.

## Source credit

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 407, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2129; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§ 5003(a), 5504, 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 594, 609, 620; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7102(a), (b)(1), (c)(1), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 136; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title II, § 2101(b), (d)(2), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 448, 449; Pub. L. 112–96, title IV, § 4005(b), Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 198; Pub. L. 118–5, div. C, title I, §§ 301, 303, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 34, 35.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 607, act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 407, as added May 8, 1961, Pub. L. 87–31, § 1, 75 Stat. 75; amended July 25, 1962, Pub. L. 87–543, title I, §§ 104(a)(3)(E), 131(a), 134, 76 Stat. 185, 193, 196; Oct. 13, 1964, Pub. L. 88–641, § 2(b), 78 Stat. 1042; June 29, 1967, Pub. L. 90–36, § 2, 81 Stat. 94; Jan. 2, 1968, Pub. L. 90–248, title II, § 203(a), 81 Stat. 882; June 28, 1968, Pub. L. 90–364, title III, § 302, 82 Stat. 273; Dec. 28, 1971, Pub. L. 92–223, § 3(a)(10), (11), 85 Stat. 805; Oct. 20, 1976, Pub. L. 94–566, title V, § 507(a), (b), (d), 90 Stat. 2688; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXIII, §§ 2313(a), (c)(2), 2353(q), 95 Stat. 853, 854, 874; July 18, 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2663(c)(4), (j)(3)(B)(ii), 98 Stat. 1166, 1171; Oct. 13, 1988, Pub. L. 100–485, title II, § 202(b)(7)–(11), title IV, § 401(a)(2)(B), (C), (b)(1), (3), (c), (h), 102 Stat. 2377, 2378, 2394–2396; Nov. 10, 1988, Pub. L. 100–647, title VIII, § 8105(1)–(3), (5), 102 Stat. 3797; Dec. 19, 1989, Pub. L. 101–239, title X, § 10403(a)(1)(A)(i), (2), 103 Stat. 2487, 2488; Nov. 5, 1990, Pub. L. 101–508, title V, §§ 5061(a), 5062(a), 104 Stat. 1388–231, 1388–232, related to dependent children of unemployed parents, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–193, § 103(a)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5514(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 620.

### Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii), (B). Pub. L. 118–5, § 301, substituted “2015” for “2005”.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 118–5, § 303, added par. (6).

2012—Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 112–96 substituted “603(b)(5)” for “603(b)(6)”.

2009—Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 111–5, § 2101(d)(2), struck out “(or if the immediately preceding fiscal year is fiscal year 2008, 2009, or 2010, then, at State option, during the emergency fund base year of the State with respect to the average monthly assistance caseload of the State (within the meaning of section 603(c)(9) of this title), except that, if a State elects such option for fiscal year 2008, the emergency fund base year of the State with respect to such caseload shall be fiscal year 2007))” before “under the State”.

Pub. L. 111–5, § 2101(b), inserted “(or if the immediately preceding fiscal year is fiscal year 2008, 2009, or 2010, then, at State option, during the emergency fund base year of the State with respect to the average monthly assistance caseload of the State (within the meaning of section 603(c)(9) of this title), except that, if a State elects such option for fiscal year 2008, the emergency fund base year of the State with respect to such caseload shall be fiscal year 2007))” before “under the State”.

2006—Subsecs. (a)(1), (2), (b)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(b)(1), inserted “or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title)” after “this part”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(a)(1)(A), inserted “or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title)” after “this part”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(a)(1)(B), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “the average monthly number of families that received aid under the State plan approved under part A of this subchapter (as in effect on September 30, 1995) during fiscal year 1995.”

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(a)(2), substituted “and the eligibility criteria in effect during fiscal year 2005” for “and eligibility criteria under the State program operated under the State plan approved under part A of this subchapter (as such plan and such part were in effect on September 30, 1995)”.

Subsecs. (c)(2)(A)(i), (e)(1), (2). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(b)(1), inserted “or any other State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 609(a)(7)(B)(i) of this title)” after “this part”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 109–171, § 7102(c)(1), amended heading and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “During fiscal year 1999, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate shall hold hearings and engage in other appropriate activities to review the implementation of this section by the States, and shall invite the Governors of the States to testify before them regarding such implementation. Based on such hearings, such Committees may introduce such legislation as may be appropriate to remedy any problems with the State programs operated pursuant to this section.”

1997—Pub. L. 105–33, § 5514(c), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 104–193, § 103(a)(1), which enacted this section.

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(a), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(b), inserted “and not resulting from changes in State eligibility criteria” after “Federal law” in heading.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(c), inserted “or tribal work program” after “assistance plan” in heading and “or under a tribal work program to which funds are provided under this part” before period at end of text.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(e), substituted “participating” for “making progress” in cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(d)(1), substituted “and the other parent in the family are” for “is” and inserted “a total of” before “at least”.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(d)(2), substituted “individual and the other parent in the family are” for “individual’s spouse is”, inserted “for a total of at least 55 hours per week” before “during the month”, and substituted “50” for “20” and “(6), (7), (8), or (12)” for “or (7)”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(f), inserted “or the State is a needy State (within the meaning of section 603(b)(6) of this title)” after “United States”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(g), inserted “or relative” after “parent” in two places in heading and substituted “who is the only parent or caretaker relative in the family” for “in a 1-parent family who is the parent”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(h), in heading substituted “Single teen head of household or married teen” for “Teen head of household” and, in introductory provisions, substituted “married or a” for “a single” and struck out “, subject to subparagraph (D) of this paragraph,” after “is deemed”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(i), substituted “an average of at least 20 hours per week during the month” for “at least the minimum average number of hours per week specified in the table set forth in paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5003(a), amended heading and text of subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of determining monthly participation rates under paragraphs (1)(B)(i) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of this section, not more than 20 percent of individuals in all families and in 2-parent families may be determined to be engaged in work in the State for a month by reason of participation in vocational educational training or deemed to be engaged in work by reason of subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.”

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 105–33, § 5504(j), substituted “engage in work required in accordance with this section” for “work” in introductory provisions.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–5, div. C, title I, § 305, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 36, provided that: “The amendments made by this title [amending this section and section 611 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2024, except for sections 301 and 303 [amending this section] which shall take effect on October 1, 2025.”

### Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title II, § 2101(d)(2), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 449, provided that the amendment by section 2101(d)(2) of Pub. L. 111–5 is effective Oct. 1, 2011.

### Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 7102(c)(1) of Pub. L. 109–171 effective as if enacted on Oct. 1, 2005, except as otherwise provided, see section 7701 of Pub. L. 109–171, set out as a note under section 603 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7102(d), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 137, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 611 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2006.”

### Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5003(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 594, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 103(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–193].”

Amendment by section 5504 of Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in section 103(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, at the time such section 103(a) became law, see section 5518(a) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 602 of this title.

Amendment by section 5514(c) of Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in the provision of Pub. L. 104–193 amended at the time the provision became law, see section 5518(d) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 862a of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

### Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as a note under section 601 of this title.