COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The director of South Carolina's social services agency expects to double the number of welfare recipients who trade a government check for a paycheck.
Director Lillian Koller said Wednesday she wants staff to help 10,120 families by June 30 find jobs that take them off welfare rolls. That's up from 5,060 cases closed between September 2009 and June 2010 because their incomes increased.
It's a bold goal for a state with the fourth-highest unemployment rate. But Koller insists it's doable in what she calls commonsense baby steps.
Each of 150 case managers must ensure five clients a week apply for a job, and one person has an interview. Others must find at least one unadvertised job per week.
In July, 18,712 South Carolina families were receiving welfare checks.
A look at the increase in the number of South Carolina families receiving welfare amid and following the Great Recession:
--In fiscal year 2007-08, an average of 14,677 families, representing 32,985 people, monthly received welfare benefits.
--2008-09: 17,086 families monthly, representing 40,201 people.
--2009-10: 20,029 families monthly, representing 48,344 people.
--2010-11: 20,342 families monthly, representing 49,737 people.
--The monthly high came in October 2010, with 21,691 families, representing 53,076 people.
--The numbers have decreased slightly every month since, to 18,712 families, representing 45,130 people as of the latest report in July.
--$270: The monthly maximum families can receive in South Carolina.
--$160: The average monthly welfare benefit.
--$763: The maximum a mother with two children can earn monthly to qualify for welfare in South Carolina.
Source: South Carolina Department of Social Services.
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