Administrative Data Matching-Washington

Tracking Recipients after They Leave Welfare

Administrative Data Matching-Washington

Transition from Welfare to Work: Findings from the First Year of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

Date: April 1999

Investigator: Washington Department of Health and Human Services

Contact: Jay Ahn

Method - This study compares closed cases from two time periods-cases open during at least one month in the 4^th quarter of 1996 (Cohort I - pre-reform) and cases open during at least one month during the 4^th quarter of 1997 (Cohort II - post-reform). Comparisons are based on administrative data about benefit receipt and unemployment insurance wage records. (Washington has also completed a survey of families that have left welfare. It is summarized below.)

Findings in Brief

Employment status

		Cohort I	Cohort II
		Pre-reform	Post-reform

Quarter prior to leaving welfare
	Percent with earnings	45.0%	47.0%
	Median qtrly earnings	$1,458	$1,398

Selection quarter - 4th 1996
	Percent with earnings	54.0%	56.0%
	Median qtrly earnings	$2,343	$2,418

1st quarter after exit
	Percent with earnings	51.0%	51.0%
	Median qtrly earnings	$2,545	$2,522

2nd quarter after exit
	Percent with earnings	52.0%	52.0%
	Median qtrly earnings	$2,723	$2,726

3rd quarter after exit
	Percent with earnings	53.0%	53.0%
	median earnings	$2,762	$2,775

4th quarter after exit
	Percent with earnings	52.0%	N/A
	median earnings	$2,983	N/A


Percent returning to TANF in year after selection		28.8%	23.2%

For more information please contact Jack Tweedie at NCSL, 303-830-2200.

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