Mandatory work program for welfare recipients

(a) There is established a mandatory work program for certain applicants and recipients of temporary assistance for needy families and temporary assistance for other needy families consistent with federal regulations and requirements under title IV, part A of the Social Security Act, title 42 United States Code section 601 et seq. The purposes of the first-to-work program shall be to encourage, assist, and require temporary assistance for needy families and temporary assistance for other needy families applicants and recipients to fulfill their responsibilities to support their children by preparing for, accepting, and retaining employment. The department shall adopt rules consistent with the requirements of title IV, part A of the Social Security Act, title 42 United States Code section 601 et seq., and in accordance with chapter 91 for the purposes of this part. (b) The department may provide housing assistance subsidies of up to $500 per month to eligible households receiving benefits under the temporary assistance for needy families or temporary assistance for other needy families programs during the household's participation in the first-to-work program. Any plan developed pursuant to section 346-51.5 for expenditure of temporary assistance for needy families funds shall be updated to account for expenditures for housing assistance subsidies. The expenditure of funds for the administration of housing assistance subsidies shall be exempt from chapters 103D and 103F.