Define: Displaced Homemaker

Displaced homemaker means an individual who has worked in the home for a substantial number of years providing unpaid household services for family members; who is not gainfully employed; who has had, or would have, difficulty finding employment; and who has depended on the income of a family member and has lost that source of income or has depended on government assistance as the parent of dependent children, but who is no longer eligible for such assistance.

A homemaker is a person who maintains the upkeep of his or her residence, especially one who is not employed outside the home.

A displaced homemaker is someone who has been out of the paid workforce for years, usually raising a family and managing a household and its chores without pay during those years. The homemaker becomes displaced when for some reason—most often divorce, a spouse’s death or a reduction in household income—she must find other means of support, likely including re-entering the workforce. Most were women, as traditional roles meant more women stayed out of the workforce to do the unpaid family work. Many of these women were middle-aged and older, facing age as well as sex discrimination, and many had no job training, as they had not expected to be employed outside the home. Many had ended their education early to conform to traditional norms or to focus on raising children.

The term Displaced Homemaker is described in the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 as a person who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and is now no longer supported by a family member, is underemployed or unemployed and having a difficult time finding an upgrade on his employment status.

Also, according to 29 USCS § 2801 [Title 29. Labour; Chapter 30. Workforce Investment Systems; Workforce Investment Definitions], the term “displaced homemaker” means “an individual who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and who

• has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; and
• is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.

In general, a displaced homemaker is a person who fulfils the following criteria:

• is at least 30-35 years old,
• is unemployed and has not worked as an employee for a substantial number of years but has worked in his or her home, providing unpaid services for family members.
• has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer being supported by that income,
• has been receiving public welfare assistance for having dependent children,
• is underemployed and finding it difficult to upgrade employment.

This term may also refer to: a woman recently divorced, separated, or widowed after many years as a homemaker.

Example

Mrs. Susan is a mother of three who lives in Los Angeles. She has a 7-year-old kid and has chosen to be a stay-at-home parent since she was born. Her spouse works at a neighbourhood business and provides the family with the financial resources to live well. Mrs. Susan’s husband died a few weeks ago owing to a heart issue, leaving her a widow with little financial assistance.

The family had some money saved up, but she believes it will only last 6 months. She now needs to find work in order to support both her daughter’s and her own needs. Mrs. Susan also qualifies as a displaced homemaker under the Workforce Investment Act, and she can apply for financial assistance to help her get things in order and have enough time to locate a job that matches her abilities and talents.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 10th April 2024.