Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose. The change from Aid to Families for Dependent Children (AFDC) to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has dramatically altered the social safety net for poor families in the United States. Under TANF, families are not entitled to welfare, benefits are time-limited, and most recipients are required to work. TANF has been deemed a “success” when measures such as a reduction in caseload size and attainment of employment are used as indicators. However, these measures do not address a move out of poverty or a change in life situations for TANF leavers. Measures such as income above the poverty line, consistent employment, availability of benefits, access to transportation and childcare, access to adequate housing, and satisfaction with employment provide a more complete and meaningful reflection of TANF success. This presentation will provide a descriptive analysis of TANF leavers, identify factors that affect successful exits from TANF, and explore how TANF leavers have faired financially since leaving welfare for employment. Methods. The study sample consists of individuals who left welfare for employment in 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2005. The sample was drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), a longitudinal study of a representative sample of U.S. individuals and families conducted by the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Descriptive and comparative analyses of TANF leavers are presented. Variables of interest include income from employment, time left on welfare, educational level, specialized training, and non-wage income (food stamps, subsidized child care, subsidized health care, and other income). Comparative analyses were conducted using chi square analyses, t-tests, and ANOVAs to examine the differences in income level between groups. Groups used for analyses include low and high education, time left on welfare and time-limits exhausted, and families with young children and with school age children. Results. TANF leavers who have left welfare for employment earn low wages, many at or below the poverty line. Variability of income from employment was related to level of education and family composition. TANF leavers also have uneven access to supports such as subsidized child care, subsidized health care, other forms of income, and other non-cash assistance programs. The lack of access to these programs combined with their income levels portends an uncertain economic future for TANF leavers and their children. Implications for practice. Simply getting a job and leaving welfare are not the only or most appropriate measures of a successful TANF exit. Other, non-economic factors are more directly related to TANF leavers moving out of poverty. Findings from this analysis will be useful in advocating for welfare policies that ensure access to basic resources for poor families. Findings from the proposed research will also inform direct practice with TANF recipients as the results will identify factors that are directly related to TANF leavers moving out of poverty. Furthermore, the proposed research will strengthen social work's contribution to the public policy debate as it will highlight the factors that increase the likelihood of a successful TANF exit.