PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: The vast majority of applicants for welfare benefits in Pennsylvania are rejected every month, data from the state show, and some blame a 2012 change in state law for sharply increasing the rate at which people are rejected from the program…
The change? Beginning in July 2012, state law required applicants to apply to at least three jobs a week — including while their application for assistance is still pending, which can be several weeks. Previously, an applicant would be required to fulfill the program’s work requirement after being approved for assistance, rather than prior to approval…
Advocates for clients say county assistance offices across the state are not properly informing applicants of this requirement early in the application process, but instead weeks after an application is submitted and aren’t taking into account barriers those in need of assistance often face, such as a lack of transportation or childcare… (more)
Requiring people to seek employment seems like good public policy but it’s easily thwarted. Yes, children can be an extra burden to the process but we all face challenges in our daily lives. As an alternative which might be helpful is to put welfare applications on-line along with qualifications and benefit levels so more people, especially younger people, can take advantage of the benefits and adjust their lives accordingly.