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Project Description

This project will address three populations: those who leave welfare, those who are diverted, in this case through cash payments, and those who appear to be eligible but do not enroll. The study has two major purposes: to examine client well-being post welfare; and to examine in detail those factors associated with client success or failure in attaining self-sufficiency once off the rolls. Linked administrative data will be used to track three cohorts: a pre-TANF cohort from the fourth quarter of calendar 1996; an early implementation cohort from fourth quarter 1997; and a full implementation cohort from fourth quarter 1998. TANF data will be linked to data from food stamps, Medicaid, child support, child welfare, unemployment insurance, and the State Basic Health plan from at least 12 months before exit until at least 12 months after. The second cohort will include a sample of continuing cases for comparison. Finally, a mixed-mode survey with 1300 cases sampled and approximately 1000 completed interviews is planned for the third cohort.

Project duration: Oct 1998 - Sep 1999

Sites studied include Washington-statewide

Sample Characteristics and Sites Studied

Cohort 1: Leavers, formal cash divertees, and eligibles not enrolled Q4 1996- pre-TANF administrative data and results of earlier State Baseline survey, at least 12 and perhaps 24 months of follow-up for final report.

Cohort 2: Leavers, formal cash divertees, and eligibles not enrolled Q4 1996- pre-TANF administrative data and results of exit cohort survey.

Cohort 3: Leavers, formal cash divertees, and eligibles not enrolled Q4 1996- pre-TANF administrative data (including CW) and a new survey in April-May 1999 (1300 sampled, 1000 completed).

Recent Findings in Brief

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