Employment & Income

• Employment was the primary reason recipients were able to leave cash assistance (51%). However, 38% of leavers that returned to cash assistance were employed at the time of the interview, indicating that employment was not always enough to keep them off of welfare.
• Most leavers (81%) had at least a high school education, increasing the likelihood of employability.
• The average hourly wage for leavers increased by 8% from 1999 to 2000 (from $9.73 to $10.52/hour).
• The most commonly cited barriers to employment were: health problems, disabilities and problems with child care.
• 33% of respondents reported that lack of child care disrupted his/her work-related activities.

Other Supports (at time of interview)

• 18% of respondents reported receiving child support payments. The average monthly payment was $282. However, the average child support payment made by respondents (12%) was $318 per month.
• 18% of leavers received subsidized child care compared to 31% of respondents who received subsidized child care while involved in TANF job training and work-related programs.
• Government health care was the most frequently cited government service used by leavers.
• 30% of respondents relied on food banks, family support, or community organizations since leaving welfare.
• 28% of respondents were living in either subsidized housing or public housing projects.

Family Well-Being

• 36% of all respondents reported being unable to pay rent, housing or utility bills at least once in the past year.
• 17% of respondents reported that someone in their household did not receive needed medical care in the past year, most often due to lack of money.
• 30% of respondents reported at least one family member with no medical coverage.
• The average housing cost for respondents was $430 per month and 70% of respondents reported stable housing arrangements.
• 75% of respondents reported having adequate transportation to get to work.