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Study Name
Achieving Change for Texans—Time Limits (ACT Time Limits)
Study Sharepoint ID
3349.01
Evaluation name
Achieving Change for Texans
Intervention name from study report
Achieving Change for Texans - Time Limits
Intervention (standard name)
Achieving Change for Texans—Time Limits
Strength of Evidence Tag
Low
Reason for the Rating

This study received a low study quality rating because it is a high-attrition randomized controlled trial that does not adjust estimated impacts for potentially important differences between the intervention and comparison groups.

This study received a low study quality rating because it is a high-attrition randomized controlled trial that does not adjust estimated impacts for potentially important differences between the intervention and comparison groups.

Design
Randomized controlled trial
Services
Sanctions
Supportive services
Populations targeted
Cash assistance recipients
Parents
Settings in which the intervention was studied
Urban only
Percent Parents
100.00
Percent welfare population
100.00
Group formation formatted

A total of 44,852 cases were assigned to intervention or comparison groups for the Time Limits and Responsibilities, Employment, and Resources (RER) interventions from June 1996 through September 2000. This review focuses on 29,795 cases that were randomly assigned to the Time Limits or comparison conditions.

Study timing formatted

The program was studied from 1996 to 2002.

Study funding formatted

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funded the study.

Implementing organization formatted

The Texas Department of Human Services.

Treatment condition formatted

The state time limits component, which was part of the Achieving Change for Texans demonstration, limits the number of months in which able-bodied adult caretakers can receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Participants were subject to one of three time limits (12, 24, or 36 months) based on their educational attainment and work history. (The most job-ready participants were limited to 12 months of cash assistance, whereas the least job-ready participants could receive up to 36 months of cash assistance.) After reaching state time limits, they could receive 12 months of transitional Medicaid and child care benefits. Members were also required to comply with a Personal Responsibility Agreement and to meet Responsibilities, Employment, and Resources (RER) requirements, which included expanded TANF eligibility (for example, the elimination of the 100-hour rule).

Comparison condition formatted

Members of the comparison group were not subject to the state time limits, and they did not receive transitional benefits. Participants were required to meet the same RER requirements as in the treatment condition.

Mandatory services formatted

Time limits were mandatory.

Timing of study formatted

Typical Time Limit experiment participants could be assigned to one of three time limits (12, 24 or 36 months) based on their educational attainment and work history. After reaching the state time limit, they could receive 12 months of transitional Medicaid and child care benefits. The length of service could be between two and four years.

Program funding formatted

The Texas Department of Human Services.

Setting details formatted

The Time Limits pilot took place in Texas at a local Texas Department of Human Services pilot office in Bexar County.

Delivered by public or private entity?
Public
Earliest publication year
2003
Most recent publication year
2003
Manuscripts
3349.01
Check edits flag
No
Intervention Duration
48.00