Survey of Closed Cases-Pennsylvania

Tracking Recipients after They Leave Welfare

Survey of Closed Cases-Pennsylvania

TANF Telephone Survey: Employment Status since Case Closed

March 1997-January 1998

Date: March 13, 1998

Investigator: Bureau of Program Evaluation

Contact Person: Charles Kupsis (717) 787-7690, Department of Public Welfare

Method - Telephone survey conducted in January and February 1998. Random selection of 435 closed cases, however, 72 cases were dropped from the study because the families returned to public assistance in less than 7 days. Out the remaining 363 cases, 169 surveys were completed, a response rate of 47%.

Findings in Brief

Employment status at time of interview

Employed at time of interview		53.3%
Not employed since leaving welfare		24.3%
Of those currently working:
Work over 30 hours per week		62%
Earn hourly wage over $6.50		59%
Returned to TANF		12%
Sources of support if not currently working
TANF		25.3%
Family/friends		19.0%
Unearned income		22.8%
Unemployment comp.		7.6%
SSI		3.8%
Husband works		2.5%
Charity		2.5%


Greatest barriers to employment		Currently Working	Not Currently Working
Health	34%
Childcare	41%		14%
Problems finding job	29%
Transportation	20%		3%

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

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