Factsheet: Eliminating work requirements can support single mothers and foster equitable U.S. economic growth

Breaking Barriers: Why Eliminating Work Requirements Helps Single Mothers Thrive 

Work requirements for public assistance programs are often justified as a way to promote employment, but the evidence tells a different story. For single mothers, these policies create obstacles, reduce access to vital support, and worsen poverty without increasing hours worked or wages. From Medicaid to food assistance programs, the administrative burdens and rigid rules tied to work requirements are hurting families rather than helping them.

This factsheet outlines how eliminating work requirements would not only improve outcomes for single mothers but also support stronger, more equitable economic growth. It breaks down the myths behind these policies, highlights the real-life impact on single mothers and their children, and offers policy solutions rooted in data. It also explores alternatives that actually improve employment outcomes, such as subsidized child care and simplified application systems.