Welfare, Welfare Reform, & TANF

Contents Key Findings Conclusions Savings and assets can cushion families against sudden income losses and can bolster long-term economic gains. These savings, however, can make a low-income family ineligible for benefits from means-tested programs when they encounter economic difficulties.

About this Research Brief

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services This report was written by Gil Crouse, Sarah Douglas, and Susan Hauan of the Office of Human Services Policy under the direction of Melissa Pardue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Services Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.

This report examines the employment patterns and income progression of single mothers and their families for two years after they exit poverty. The study found that 30 percent of single mothers were poor but then left poverty. Work effort was high among single mothers who left poverty: on average they worked for three-quarters of the subsequent two years following their poverty exit.

Prepared for:U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)Office of Human Services Policy (HSP)Contract: 233-02-0086; Task Order 23

By: Andrew Burwick and Gretchen Kirby Mathematica Policy Research (MPR) Submitted to: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation

Contributors to this report include Gil Crouse, Sarah Douglas, Susan Hauan and Julia Isaacs of the Office of Human Services Policy under the direction of Jerry Regier, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Services Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.