Vulnerability to future dependence among former AFDC mothers

Abstract

This study analyzes short-run AFDC recidivism among mother- only families. Findings suggest that a sizable minority of former AFDC recipients return to AFDC rapidly. Those most likely to return to AFDC are those switching jobs, those moving to publichousing, those adding children, and those not getting regular child support payments. The results also suggest that wages are better predictors of staying off AFDC than are alternative measures of success in the labor market.