Journal of Family and Economic Issues

, Volume 31, Issue 2, pp 198–211 | Cite as

Welfare-to-Work Programs and the Dynamics of TANF Use

Original Paper
First Online:

Abstract

This study examines the effects of participation in Welfare-to-Work programs on the dynamics of TANF recipients’ welfare use. Using the Survey of Program Dynamics and the Welfare Rules Database, the study analyzes how participation in Human Capital Development and Labor Force Attachment programs affects the probabilities of TANF exit and re-entry, while holding the effects of the state economy and various TANF rules constant. The analyses reveal that LFA programs are not associated with a higher probability of TANF exit than HCD programs. Instead, TANF recipients’ employment status and the local labor market conditions are more important predictors of TANF exit. It also reveals that, for TANF leavers, severe poverty and economic insecurity are significantly related to their welfare recidivism.

Keywords

Human capital development Labor force attachment Survey of Program Dynamics Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Welfare-to-Work 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Social Work, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickUSA

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