A fresh look at an old debate: Assigned work activities, employment, and post-program earnings in TANF work programs

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2011

Abstract

This study asserts that the type of work activity in which a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participant engages affects the likelihood of employment and post-program earnings. Using a Heckman selection model on administrative data from Louisiana's social service office and unemployment insurance wage data (N=15,816) and controlling for individual and parish characteristics, this study reveals that two work activities, on-the-job training and unsubsidized employment, are associated with an increased probability of employment. Further, unsubsidized employment, on-the-job training, and vocational education are positively associated with earnings, while job search, school attendance, and work experience are negatively associated with earnings. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Policy Practice

First Page

108

Last Page

127

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS