Darlene Smith, on Behalf of Herself and All Others Similarly Situated v. C. Patrick Babcock, Director of the Michigan Department of Social Services

ENGEL, Senior Circuit Judge.

This case is about one state’s efforts to lead welfare recipients down the path to self-sufficiency. At issue is the proper implementation of the Earned Income Disregard (“EID”),1 a provision of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (“AFDC”),2 which encourages welfare recipients to seek gainful employment.

Defendant C. Patrick Babcock is the Director of the Michigan Department of Social Services (“MDSS”), the agency responsible for implementing Michigan’s AFDC program. Plaintiff Darlene Smith is a recipient of AFDC in Michigan who recently quit her job…