text: what does gain stand for? (welfare work progam in california)?   "greater avenues for independence" gain aims to increase employment and foster self-sufficiency among people receiving aid to families with dependent children (afdc). gain was originally mandatory for all welfare recipients except single parents with children under the age of six (and was later reduced to three under jobs). welfare recipients are exempt from remaining registered in the program if they obtain a full-time job or are chronically ill. gain’s regulations permit temporary deferral from the participation requirement for those who have a part-time job, temporary illness, family emergency, or another situation that precludes attending an activity.