Full welfare sanctions fail to boost work compliance, support needed.
The study compared full and partial family work sanctions in Texas. Both types of sanctions did not significantly differ in recipients' reasons for not complying with work rules. Full sanctions did not provide a stronger incentive for recipients to find work. Front line workers responded similarly under both regimes, creating a culture focused on eligibility and compliance. The study suggests that a better balance between support and sanctions is needed in welfare-to-work programs.