Low-Income Populations

Content Findings from Existing Research Options for Future Research  

Contents Research Questions Data Sources Study Limitations Characteristics of the Study States Key Findings Potential Next Steps The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opport

Content Key Research Questions Data and Methods Key Findings Conclusions Endnotes

By: Fredrik Andersson, Julia Lane, Erika McEntarfer  

Content The Value of Hardship Measures Defining and Measuring Hardship Material Hardship Indexes Measuring Hardship Using the SIPP Unanswered Questions for Future Research  

This report analyzes the experiences of welfare "cyclers," a group that has received relatively little attention in previous research on welfare dynamics. For this study, "cycling" is defined as receipt of welfare benefits during three or more discrete spells during a four-year "observation" period.

The $3 billion Welfare-to-Work (WtW) grants program established by Congress as part of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 provided funds to over 700 state and local grantees.

National welfare reform legislation in 1996 created the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, which imposed time limits on cash assistance receipt and broadened and strengthened mandates for clients to work or engage in work-related activities.

Contents Update on the Status of Program Operations Post-WtW Plans Adjustments Related to TANF Policies Adjustments Related to WIA Policies Adjustments Due to the Economy

In recent years, policymakers and program administrators have increasingly focused on the role of noncustodial parents (NCPs) in the lives of low-income families.