MEMO: Interpretation of “Federal Means-Tested Public Benefit” in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

Department of Justice

Department of Justice

Notice Date: Dec. 16, 2025
Effective Date: Dec. 16, 2025

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This legal opinion withdraws the 1997 Opinion and confirms that PRWORA’s eligibility requirements for “Federal means-tested public benefit[s]” apply to both mandatory and discretionary spending programs. 

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