Legal Definitions - workfare

Workfare is a program that requires people who receive public welfare benefits to work for the government in exchange for those benefits. This means that instead of just receiving money, they have to perform a job provided by a government agency.

For example, a person who receives food stamps may be required to work at a local community center or government office for a certain number of hours each week. Another example is a person who receives unemployment benefits may be required to participate in job training or work at a government agency to continue receiving those benefits.

These examples illustrate how workfare programs aim to encourage people to work and become self-sufficient, rather than relying solely on government assistance. By requiring individuals to work for their benefits, workfare programs also help to reduce the burden on taxpayers and the government.