Determinants of unemployment and economic hardship of welfare leavers who have reached their lifetime limits

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey design is used to explore the determinants of unemployment and economic hardship among former welfare recipients who have reached their 5-year lifetime limits in a sample of 276 former WV WORKS recipients in West Virginia. The findings of the study indicate that respondents with mental problems; physical disabilities; or without a high school diploma, child care, or transportation were more likely than others to be unemployed. In addition, either mental health problems or a lack of transportation were significantly associated with the economic hardships of the welfare leavers. Policy implications suggest that the lifetime-limit policy be exempted for those with mental problems or physical disabilities, or extended for those who have children under age 2 and comply with mandatory work requirements.