View Research by Author - Donald W. Alderson

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/DonaldWAlderson

The purpose of this report is to develop an initiative to link the Current Population Survey (CPS) to state Food Stamp program (FSP) administrative data. A linked CPS-FSP file would create new opportunities to explore dynamic program participation patterns of FSP participants and eligible non-participants. In addition, researchers could use the file to examine data collection and processing issues (e.g., imputation procedures), by comparing CPS survey responses to comparable fields in the administrative records. We estimate that this pilot would cost approximately $194,000. It is important to note that the costs are for illustrative purposes only and depend upon the specific implementation plan chosen by the USDA. For example, the costs could change significantly if additional states are included in the linkage process.

Contrary to expectations, adults on welfare in 1999 were not more disadvantaged than those on welfare in 1997. In both 1997 and 1999, about one-quarter of adults receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) were new entrants, nearly one-fifth received cash assistance intermittently during the previous two years (cyclers), and almost half were long term recipients. New recipients had fewer disadvantages than long-term recipients in 1999, while cyclers generally faced as many disadvantages as long-term recipients. The authors conclude that states will face tough policy choices as time limits loom and work policies evolve.

While the recent, dramatic exodus from welfare is well known, relatively little is known about those who continue to receive welfare. The number receiving cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program dropped from 4.1 to 2.4 million families over the three-year period ending December 1999. While the best studies provide somewhat different explanations of the causes of caseload decline, it seems safe to conclude that new policies combined with the exceptionally strong economy have substantially increased work among low-income single mothers and decreased their reliance on welfare.

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