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Benefits to Employment Act

12/31/2022, 5:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4538

Bill 117 HR 4538, also known as the Benefits to Employment Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide additional benefits to individuals who are employed, particularly those who may be struggling financially.

One key provision of the Benefits to Employment Act is the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This tax credit is designed to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income individuals and families. The bill proposes increasing the maximum credit amount and expanding eligibility criteria to allow more individuals to qualify for this benefit.

Additionally, the Benefits to Employment Act includes provisions to increase access to affordable childcare for working families. This includes expanding funding for childcare subsidies and increasing the availability of high-quality childcare options for parents who are employed. Another important aspect of the bill is the establishment of a job training and placement program for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. This program aims to provide training and support to help individuals secure stable and well-paying employment opportunities. Overall, the Benefits to Employment Act seeks to address the financial challenges faced by individuals who are employed but still struggling to make ends meet. By expanding access to benefits such as the EITC, increasing access to affordable childcare, and providing job training and placement services, this bill aims to support working families and promote economic stability.

Congressional Summary of HR 4538

Benefits to Employment Act

This bill modifies the required content of, and renames, individual responsibility plans under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Generally, these plans document employment goals and work activities for certain recipients of TANF assistance; states may reduce TANF assistance to recipients who fail without good cause to comply with their plans.

Specifically, the bill requires the plans to contain more specific content, such as the number of hours a recipient must participate in work activities. It also changes the name from individual responsibility plans to individual opportunity plans.

In addition, states must develop plans for all recipients who are required to engage in work as a condition of receiving TANF assistance. (Under current law, states have the option of developing the plans for certain recipients.) States must also meet with TANF recipients periodically to review and update their plans.

Current Status of Bill HR 4538

Bill HR 4538 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 19, 2021. Bill HR 4538 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 19, 2021.  Bill HR 4538's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of July 19, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4538

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4538

Primary Policy Focus

Social Welfare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4538

To amend title IV-A of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes.
Benefits to Employment Act
Benefits to Employment Act

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