* UMASS/AMHERST *
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inn 111 mil 1 11
3150bb 02fl5 3773 fl
Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare Office of Research and Evaluation
John D. Pratt Daniel J. Friedman
Commissioner Director
July, 1980
1979 WELFARE CASELOAD DYNAMICS SURVEY
JUV.170B3
U"^ofMassaChusetts
Oeposifoiy Cbpy
Donna Shandler Balboni
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. SUMMARY 1-2
II. INTRODUCTION 3
III. AFDC-BASIC RECIPIENTS 4-7
IV. COMPARISON OF AFDC-BASIC RECIPIENTS
WITH OTHER GROUPS 8-9
V. AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS 10-13
VI. COMPARISON OF AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS
WITH OTHER GROUPS 14
VII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 15
VIII. TABLE I - AFDC BASIC RECIPIENTS 16-18
IX. TABLE II - AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS 19-21
X. APPENDIX 22
XI. FOOTNOTES 23-16
-i-
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/1979welfarecaselo00balb
I. SUMMARY
The following profiles of AFDC-Basic and AFDC-UF family heads
were obtained from mail surveys of the AFDC caseload conducted in
January and February of 1979. Family heads were then contrasted with
new and former recipients of AFDC. The samples of new recipients were
drawn from case openings in May 1978. The samples of former recipients
were drawn from cases closed during August and September 1977.
AFDC-Basic
In early 1979, the average AFDC-Basic family head was a 33 year old,
divorced or separated mother. She received aid for herself and two
children. The average age of a Basic child was 9.8 years. Eighty-five
percent of AFDC-Basic family heads were white (including Hispanics who
classified themselves as white); 11% spoke Spanish or Portuguese as their
primary language. 47% graduated from high school, and 15% attended college.
Eighty-three percent had been living in Massachusetts over ten years and
2% had been living here less than one year. Most (51%) rented apartments
not in public housing, and paid an average of $156 monthly for rent.
Eighty-six percent of Basic family heads had a paid employment history
and 22% were working in January or February 1979. As of January 1979,
the average Basic family head had been receiving AFDC for 3 years and
7 months.
All Basics had characteristics which might lead to a longer stay on
AFDC than new Basics. Compared to Basic family heads new to the caseload,
all Basics were: older, more often women, more often a minority, and less
likely to be living with relatives other than spouse. Compared to Basic
heads formerly receiving assistance, all Basics were less likely to be
working at the time of survey completion.
AFDC-UF*
In early 1979, the average AFDC-UF family head was a 34 year old
married father. He received aid for himself, his wife, and 2.5 children.
The average age of a UF child was 8.2 years. Ninety-two percent were white
(including Hispanics who classified themselves as white); 12% spoke Spanish
or Portuguese as their primary language. Forty percent graduated from
high school, and 13% attended college. Seventy-eight percent had lived
in Massachusetts over ten years, and 2% had lived here less than one year.
Most (51%) rented apartments not in public housing and paid an average
of $164 monthly for rent. 15% of UF family heads were working in January
or February 1979; 10% of the wives in UF cases worked then too. As of
January 1979 the average UF had been receiving AFDC for 1 year and 8 months.
*The AFDC-Unemployed Parent Program replaced the AFDC-Unemployed Father
program in June, 1979. Eligibility for AFDC was expanded to include
unemployed mothers on the same basis as fathers.
-1-
All UF's had characteristics which might lead to a longer
stay on AFDC than new UFs. Compared to UF family heads new to the
caseload, all UFs were less educated, more likely to speak Spanish,
and less likely to be working at the time of survey completion.
Compared to UF family heads formerly receiving assistance, all UF's
were less likely to be working at the time of survey completion.
-2-
II. INTRODUCTION
This report has two purposes:
— First, to portray AFDC-Basic and AFDC-Unemployed
Father* recipients by describing their demographic charac-
teristics, housing situations, current welfare grants,
other financial assistance, and employment and welfare
histories; and
--Second, to contrast AFDC recipients with new and former
AFDC recipients.
Data on the AFDC caseload were obtained from mail surveys of
628 AFDC-Basic cases and 647 AFDC-Unemployed Father cases. Random samples
were drawn from the December 1978 AFDC-Basic and UF caseloads, and data
were collected in January and February 1979. The response rates (71%
for Basics, 62% for UFs) were excellent for mail surveys. Mail survey
data were supplemented by and validated against data obtained from the
Recipient and Dependent Master Files (RDMF) of DPW's computer (see Appendix)
Statistical tests of significance were performed on characteristics being
compared to determine real differences not attributable to sampling error.
*The AFDC-Unemployed Parent program replaced the AFDC-Unemployed Father
program in June, 1979. Eligibility for AFDC was expanded to include
unemployed mothers on the same basis as fathers.
-3-
III. AFDC-BASIC RECIPIENTS (See Table I)
Demographics
--The typical AFDC-Basic family head (Basic)* was a 33 year
old, divorced or separated woman. She received AFDC for
herself and two children. The average age of a Basic
3
child was 9.8 years.
--81% of Basics attended high school; 47% graduated from
high school; and 15% attended college.
--85% were white**, while 14% were black, and 1% were American
T j- 4
Indian.
--86% spoke English as a primary language, 10% spoke Spanish,
1% spoke Portuguese, and 1% spoke French.
--60% had lived in Massachusetts all their lives, another 23%
had lived here over 10 years, 15% had lived in Massachusetts
1 to 10 years, and only 2% had lived in Massachusetts less
than 1 year.
--57% of Basics were divorced or separated, another 24% had
never married, 16% were married and living with their spouses,
and 3% were widowed.
*AFDC-Basic family head is defined as the person whose name appears
on the assistance check.
**This includes people of Hispanic origin who classified themselves
as white.
-4-
Housing and Household Situation
--51% of Basics rented apartments (not in public housing),
15% rented apartments in public housing, 13% rented houses,
11% owned their own homes, and at least 6% shared apartments
with other relatives.
--The average Basic paid $150 for rent or mortgage each month.
Home-owners paid $183 monthly on average for mortgage, house-
renters paid $177, apartment-renters (not in public housing)
paid $156 monthly on average for rent, and apartment-renters
in public housing paid $106.
— 19% of Basics lived with their spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends;
11% lived in households including relatives other than spouse;
and 3% lived with friends or boarders.
Current Grant
--90% of AFDC-Basic family heads were mothers of all children
included in the AFDC payment, 2% were grandmothers of all
children included in the AFDC payment, an additional 1%
were both mother and grandmother to different children included
in the AFDC payment, 1% were aunts, 3% were fathers, and 1%
were related in other ways to the AFDC children.
—82% of Basic cases received AFDC for only one adult, including
81% for a female adult8 and 1% for a male adult.9 4% of Basic
cases received AFDC for two adults, including 3.2% for a wife
or mother and disabled husband/father. ?'° 14% of Basic cases
did not include an adult.
-5-
—An average of 2 children received assistance in each Basic
case. 45% of Basic cases included only 1 child, 28% included
2 children, 14% included 3 children, and 13% included 4 or
1 2
more children.
--In late 1978, Basic cases received a total monthly payment of
$296. 13
Current Employment and Other Assistance
--22% of Basics were employed in January or February 1979. '4
The average Basic who worked in January or February 1979 was
employed 30 hours a week, and earned $3.68 an hour before
deductions.15 36% of Basics were service workers (such as waitresses,
practical nurses, and counter workers), 27% were clerical
or salespeople, 22% were semi-skilled (such as assemblers,
seamstresses, and packers), 8% were technical or professional
workers (such as nurses, teachers, and dental technicians),
4% were self-employed or managers, and 3% were skilled workers.
—4% of Basics received money from a spouse; 2% received money
from other relatives; and 1% received child support payments
paid directly to them.
--At least one fourth (25%) of Basics received Emergency Assistance
during 1978. 16
Employment History
--86% of Basic family heads had a paid employment history. 54%
worked between 1975 and 1979, earning about $3.02 hourly and
working about 21 months during this period. 37% of Basics who
-6-
worked between 1975 and 1979 were service workers, 29%
were clerical and salespeople, 21% were semi-skilled,
6% were technical or professional workers, 5% were
skilled workers, and 3% were self-employed or managers.
Welfare History
--As of January 1979, the average Basic case had been receiving
welfare for 3 years 7 months. 27% of Basic cases had
received welfare previously; these cases averaged 3 years of
assistance during their most recent stay on welfare. 72%
of Basic cases had not received welfare previously; these
cases averaged 3 years and 9 months of assistance.
-7-
IV. COMPARISON OF AFDC-BASIC RECIPIENTS WITH OTHER GROUPS
Demographic characteristics, current grant, current employment,
employment history, and welfare history of AFDC-Basic recipients
were compared with those of new and former recipients of AFDC-Basic
18
in Massachusetts. Comparisons are only reported when it is clear
19
that differences are real and not due to sampling error.
New Recipients of AFDC-Basic
A mail survey of new AFDC-Basic recipients was conducted in May
20
1978. Generally, current Basics have characteristics which might
lead to a longer stay on AFDC than new Basics. Compared to AFDC-Basic
recipients new to the caseload (New Basic) in May 1978, current AFDC-
Basic recipients (Current Basic) in December 1978 were:
--older (Current Basic: 33; New Basic: 29);
--more likely to be women (Current Basic: 96%; New Basic: 91%);
21
--more likely to be a minority (Current Basic: 15%; New Basic:
10%);
--less likely to have arrived in Massachusetts in the last year
(Current Basic: 2%; New Basic: 10%);
--more likely to be divorced (Current Basic: 29%; New Basic: 9%);
--less likely to be living with relatives other than spouse,
boyfriend or girlfriend (Current Basic: 11%; New Basic: 23%);
--more likely to have no adults included in the AFDC check
(Current Basic: 14%; New Basic: 9%);
--less likely to be pregnant women with no other children
(Current Basic: 0%; New Basic: 21%);
--more likely to be working at the time of survey completion
(Current Basic: 22%; New Basic: 13%).
-8-
No differences were found between Current Basics and New Basics
in average number of children, educational level, and past work history.
Former Recipients of AFDC-Basic
A mail survey of former AFDC-Basic recipients was conducted in
22
August and September 1977. Compared to AFDC-Basic recipients who
stopped receiving assistance (Former Basic) in August and September
1977, current AFDC-Basic recipients (Current Basic) in December 1978
were less likely to be working at the time of survey completion (Current
Basic: 22%; Former Basic: 46%).
No differences were found between Current Basics and Former Basics
in average age of recipient and work history.
-9-
V. AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS* (See Table II)
Demographics
—The typical Unemployed Father (UF) was 34 years old. He received
aid for himself, his wife, and 2.5 children. The average age
of a UF child was 8.2 years.3
—73% of UFs attended high school; 40% graduated from high
school; and 13% attended college.
—92% were white**, while 6% were black, and 1% American Indian.4
—87% spoke English as a primary language, 11% spoke Spanish,
1% Portuguese, and 1% other languages.
—58% had lived in Massachusetts all their lives, another 20%
had lived here more than 10 years, 19% had lived in Massachusetts
1 to 10 years, while 2% had lived in Massachusetts less than
1 year.
--97% of UFs were married and living with their wives.
Housing and Household Situation
--51% of UFs rented apartments (not in public housing), 16%
owned their own homes, 15% rented apartments in public
housing, and 14% rented houses. »
--The average UF paid $166 for rent or mortgage each month.
Homeowners averaged $218 monthly for mortgage, house-renters
paid $191, apartment renters (not in public housing) paid
$164, and apartment-renters in public housing paid $100.
*The AFDC-Unemployed Parent program replaced the AFDC- Unemployed
Father program in June, 1979. Eligibility for AFDC was expanded
to include unemployed mothers on the same basis as fathers.
**This includes people of Hispanic origin who classified themselves as white.
-10-
—The average UF household was a single family unit, consisting
of husband, wife, and children. Only 3% had other relatives
living in their households.
Current Grant
--90% of UF family heads were the fathers of all the children included
in the AFDC payment, 2% were stepfathers of all children
included in the AFDC payment, and an additional 7% were both
father and stepfather to different children included in the
AFDC payment.
24
—All UF cases received aid for 2 adults. This included—
according to self-report— 20% for a wife and disabled father,
4% for a father and disabled wife, and 3% for a disabled
father and disabled wife. Neither father nor wife was
disabled in 67% of UF cases.
--An average of 2.5 children received assistance in each UF
case. 27% of UF cases included only one child, 32% included
2 children, 16% included 3 children, and 22% included 4
or more children. iC
—In late 1978, UF cases received a total monthly payment of
$375. 13
Employment History and Other Assistance of Father
--79% of UFs were employed at some time between 1975 and 1979,
earning about $4.20 hourly, and working about 26 months during
this period. 27% were semi-skilled (such as assemblers and
del iverymen) , 22% were skilled (such as plumbers, auto mechanics,
electricians, and bakers), 14% were unskilled, 14% were service
-11-
workers (such as waiters and janitors), 8% were self-employed
or managers, 8% were clerical or sales, and 6% were pro-
fessional and technical workers.
—28% were employed sometime from July to December 1978.
Average monthly earnings over the six month period were
$337. 25
--15% of UFs were employed in January or February 1979, working
37 hours a week. An eligibility requirement for the program
at that time was that the father be unemployed or work less
than 100 hours a month. Some UFs might be eligible due to
intermittent employment. For example, an UF who performs
outside labor might work only two weeks per month due to
weather conditions and still be eligible for assistance.
In addition, some of these UFs are not eligible for assistance,
possibly due to a change in work situation at time of survey completion
--At least 37% of UFs received Emergency Assistance in
1 5
Massachusetts during 1978.
--98% of UFs received Food Stamps.
Employment History of Wife
--40% of the wives in UF cases worked at some time between 1975
and 1979, earning about $2.81 an hour, and working about 16
months during this period. 42% of the wives in Ur cases who
worked between 1975 and 1979 were service workers, 28% were
clerical or salespeople, 22% were semi-skilled, 4% were
technical and professional workers, 2% were skilled workers,
2% were unskilled workers, and 1% were self-employed or managers.
12-
—16% of the wives in UF cases were employed sometime from
25
July to December 1978. Average monthly earnings were $242.
--10% of the wives in UF cases were employed in January or
February 1979, working 30 hours a week.
Welfare History
--As of January 1979, the average UF case had been receiving
welfare for 1 year and 8 months. 38% of UF cases had received
welfare previously; these cases averaged 2 years and 2 months
of assistance during their most recent stay on welfare. 59%
of UF cases had not received welfare previously; these cases
averaged 1 year and 5 months of assistance.
-13-
VI. COMPARISON OF AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS WITH OTHER GROUPS
Demographic, current employment, and welfare history of AFDC-UF
recipients were compared with those of new and former recipients of
AFDC-UF in Massachusetts.^ Comparisons are only reported when it is
1 9
clear that differences are real and not due to sampling error.
New Recipients of AFDC-UF
A sample survey of new AFDC-UF recipients was conducted in
May 1978.20 Generally, current UFs have characteristics which might
lead to a longer stay on AFDC than New UFs. Compared to AFDC-UF
recipients new to the caseload (New UF) in May 1978, current AFDC-UF
recipients (Current UF) in December 1978 were:
—more likely not to have received a high school education
(Current UF: 59%; New UF: 47%); and less likely to have
attended college (Current UF: 13%; New UF: 22%);
--more likely to be Spanish-speaking (Current UF: 11%; New UF: 3%);
--less likely to be working at the time of survey completion
(Current UF: 15%; New UF: 26%).
No differences were found between Current UFs and New UFs in age,
average number of children, and race.
Former Recipients of AFDC-UF
A mail survey of former AFDC-UF recipients was conducted in
August and September 1977. Compared to AFDC-UF recipients who stopped
receiving assistance (Former UF) in August and September 1977, Current
AFDC-UF recipients (Current UF) in December 1978 were less likely to be
working at the time of survey completion (Current UF: 15%; Former UF: 80%)
-14-
VII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to Mary Melville and Robert Cloutier for questionnaire
design suggestions, Renae Jenkins for editing assistance, and Roger Wirt
and Gwendolyn Sams for technical assistance.
-15-
Table I
AFDC-BASIC RECIPIENTS26
December 1978
Total Sasic Population = 115,075
Estimate of Basic Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
Demographics
Average Age of Recipient 33 years
Sex: Female
Male
Children: ~7
Average number
Average age of chilcr
Educational Level :
Some high school or less
High School graduate or G.E.O.
Attended college
Race: White
Other
Primary Language:
Engl ish
Spanish
Portuguese
Other
Ethnic Origin:
Hispanic
Portuguese
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Residence in Massachusetts:
10 years or more
1 year to 10 years
Less than 1 year
Marital Status of Recipient:
Divorced or separated
Never married
Married, living with spouse
Widowed
Housing and Household Situation
Type:
Apt. not in public housing
Apt. in public housing
Rent housed
Own house
Share.apt. with relative
Other'
Average Rent or Mortgage:
Own house
Rent house6
Rent apt. not in public housing6
Live with relative
Other7
Rent apt. in public housing
Living Situation:
Husband, boyfriend, wife
or girlfriend
Other relatives
Friends or boarders
■16-
96%
110,472
1%
4,603
2.3
9.3 years
51%
58,689
32%
36,824
15%
17,262
85%
97,314
15%
17,262
86/o
98,965
10%
11,508
1%
1,151
1%
1,151
11%
12.659
4%
4,503
1%
1,151
33%
95,513
15%
17,262
2%
2,302
57%
65,593
24%
27,618
16%
18,412
3%
3,453
sr;
58,689
15%
17,262
13%
14,960
11%
12,659
6%
6,905
2%
3,453
.$150
$183
$177
$156
$113
$107
$106
19%
21,S65
11%
12,659
3%
3,453
Table I (con't.)
Total 3asic Population = 115,075
Estimate of Basic Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
Current Grant
Relationship to Children in AFDC
Payment:
Mother
90%
103,568
Father
3%
3,453
Grandmother
2%
2,302
Mother and Grandmother
1%
1,151
Aunt
1%
1,151
Adults in AFDC Payment:
Zero
14%
16,111
One
82%
94,362
Female
81;
y
b
93,211
*£»*
11
f
0
1,151
4%
4,603
Mother or wife and disabled
father or husband
3
.2%
3,683
Disabled mother or wife and
disabled father or husband
0
.2%
231
Nondisabled mother or wife and
nondisabled father or husband
3.
,7%
806
Mother or wife and father or
husband with no disability
C.
po/
231
identified
dumber of Children in AFDC Payment:
One
45%
51,784
Two
28%
32,221
Three
14%
16,111
Four or More
13%
14,960
1 T
Average Total AFDC Monthly Payment S296
Current Employment and Other Assistance
Working in January or February 1979: 22% 25,317
Type of work3'
Service Worker 36% 8.742
Clerical and Sales 27% 6,557
Semi-skilled 22% 5,343
Professional and Technical 8% 1,943
Self-Employed and Manager 4% 972
Skilled Worker 3% 7?9
Average Hours per week 30
Average Hourly wage $3.68
Sources of Assistance in January
or February 1979:
None 50% 57,538
Work 22% 25,317
Spouse 4% 4,603
Other relatives 2% 2,302
Direct child support payments 1% 1,151
Emergency Assistance in 1978: 25% 28,769
Employment History
Ever worked
Worked in Last Four Years:
Type of Work at Longest Job32
Service Worker
Clerical and Sales
Semi-Skilled
Professional and Technical
Skilled Worker
Self-Employed and Manager
Unskilled Worker
86%
98,965
54%
62,141
37%
21,289
29%
16,686
21%
12,083
6%
3,453
5%
2,877
3%
1,727
0%
0
-17-
Table I (con't.)
Total 3asic Population = 115,075
Estimate of Basic Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
Average Hourly Aaqe at Longest
Job. S3. 02
Average Duration in Months 21
Wei fare History
Average Duration of Most Recent
Stay on AFDC: 43 months
First time on AFDC 'Zz= 32,354
Average Length of Stay 45 months
Multiple times on AFDC 27% 31,071
Average Length or Stay 36 months
•18-
Demographics
Average Age of Recipient
Children:
21
Average number
Average age of child"3
Educational Level :
Some high school or less
High school graduate or
Table II
AFDC-UF RECIPIENTS
December 1978
Total UF Population = 5176
Estimate of UF Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
34 years
2.5
8.2 years
59%
3,054
G.E.D.
27%
1,398
Attended college
13%
673
Race: White28
92%
4,762
Other
8%
415
Primary Language:
Engl ish
87%
4,504
Spanish
11%
570
Portuguese
1%
52
Other
1%
52
Ethnic Origin:
Hispanic
11%
570
Portuguese
5%
259
American Indian or
Alaskan Native
1%
52
Asian or Pacific Islander
1%
52
Residence in Massachusetts:
10 years or more
78%
4,038
1 year to 10 years
19%
984
Less than 1 year
2%
104
Marital Status of Recipient:
Married and living together
97%
5,021
Never married, divorced
and married but living
2%
104
apart33
Housinq and Household Situation
Type:
Apt. not in public housing3
51%
2,640
Own house
16%
829
Apt. in public housing
15%
777
Rent house6
Other23
14%
725
4%
208
Average Rent or Mortgage:
S166
Own house
$218
Rent house5
$191
Rent apt. not in public
housing5
$164
Other23
$142
Rent apt. in public housing
$100
Living Situation:
Father or stepfather
and wife or girlfriend
100%
5., 176
Other relatives
3%
156
-19-
Table II (con't.)
Total UF Population = 5176
Estimate of UF Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
Current Grant
Relationship to Children in AFDC Payment:
Father 90% 4,659
Father and Stepfather 7% 363
Stepfather 2% 104
Adults in AFDC Payment:
Two 100% 5,176
Nondisabled father or
stepfather and wife
or girlfriend 67% 3,468
Disabled father or step-
father and wife or
girlfriend 20% 1,036
Disabled wife or girlfriend
and father or stepfather 4% 208
Disabled father or stepfather
and disabled wife or girlfriend 3% 156
No response 5% 259
"lumber of Children in AFDC Payment:
One 27% 1,398
Two 32% 1,557
Three 16% 829
Four or More 22% 1,139
Average Total AFDC,-,
Monthly Payment $375
Employment of Father and Other Assistance
Work in Last Four Years 79% 4,090
Type of Work at
Longest Job3'
Semi-Skilled
Skilled Worker
Service Worker
Unskilled Worker
Self-Employed and Manager
Clerical and Sales
Professional and Technical
Average Hourly Wage at Longest
Job $4.20
Average Duration in Months 26
Work in Last Six Months: 28% 1,450
Average Monthly Wage for
July-December 1978 $337
July 1978 $462
August 1978 $456
September 1978 $395
October 1978 $313
November 1978 $247
December 1978 $216
Working in January or February 1979:15% 777
Average Hours per Week 37
Emergency Assistance in 1978: 37% 1,916
Food Stamps3 98% 5,072
27%
1,026
22%
336
14%
532
14%
532
8%
304
8%
304
6%
228
■ 20-
Table II (con't.
Employment of Wife
Work in Last Four Years:
40%
Total UF Population = 5176
Estimate of UF Population
Possessing Each Characteristic
2,071
Type of Work at
Longest Jotr^
Service Worker
Clerical and Sales
Semi-Skilled
Professional and Technical
Skilled Worker
Unskilled Worker
Self-Employed and Manager
Average Hourly Wage at Longest
Job $2.81
Average Duration in Months 16
42%
827
28%
551
22%
433
4%
79
2%
40
2%
40
1%
20
Work in Last Six Months:
Average Monthly Wage for
July-December 1978
July 1978
August 1978
September 1978
October 1978
November 1978
December 1978
16%
$242
$250
$268
$227
$223
$237
$236
Working in January or February 1979 10%
Average hours per week 30
Wei fare History
Average Duration of Most Recent
Stay on AFDC:
First time on AFDC
Average Length of Stay
Multiole times on AFDC
Average Length of Stay
20 months
59%
17 months
38%
26 months
329
518
3,054
1,967
21
APPENDIX
DPW maintains ongoing Recipient and Dependent Master Files
(RDMF) in DPW's computer. Current and past welfare history and
payment for recipients are stored in the RDMF. RMDF yields: 1. timely
information regarding individual cases for use By social workers, and 2.
managerial efficiency by identification of certain categories of cases for
special applications, such as adjustments for Social Security increases.
Comparison of AFDC-Basic Survey and RDMF
No differences at all were found between the survey and RDMF
on comparable characteristics. Variables compared were: number of
children included in the AFDC payment, percentage of cases with
no adult in the AFDC payment, and most recent length of stay.
Comparison of AFDC-UF Survey and RDMF
No differences at all were found between the survey and RDMF
on comparable characteristics. Variables compared were: number of
children and adults included in the AFDC payment, and most recent
length of stay.
Comparison of Survey Respondents and Nonrespondents
Using data solely from RDMF, survey respondents were compared
with those who did not respond to the survey at all. No apparent
differences were found between Current Basic and UF respondents and
nonrespondents in: monthly payment, most recent date of AFDC payment,
average age of children included in the AFDC payment, and average
number of children included in the AFDC payment.
-22-
FOOTNOTES
Two factors limit comparability between results obtained in the August-
September 1977 pretest survey of former AFDC recipients and the December
1978 survey. First, wording on a few questions, was clarified in the
December survey, and these wording changes limit comparability between
the two surveys. Second, the December 1978 response rates (711 for Basics-,
62% for UFs) constitute an improvement over the August-September 1977
response rates (54% for Basics, 53% for UFs). December survey results
are probably less biased and more valid than August-September results.
Only substantial differences in response percentages have been identified
here, and even these differences, might. .have resulted from sampling
artifacts. Surer identification of differences in caseload
composition will be possible with forthcoming surveys, since wording
and response rate will be more consistent.
Later papers will provide detailed descriptions of specific groups
of AFDC recipients:
—welfare mothers who have remarried a stepfather not legally
responsible for the care of children;
--relatives such as aunts, grandmothers, and uncles caring for
an AFDC child because of the absence of the parents;
--long-term recipients of welfare;
--recipients living in public housing; and
--teenagers receiving welfare.
2. Final sample sizes" are 628 for Basics and 647 for UFs.
For Basics, we are 96% confident that observed percentages are
within -5% of the true population percentages. For UFs, we are
95% confident that observed percentages are within *5% of the true
population percentages. Generalizations can be made only to the
December 1978 AFDC caseload from which the sample was drawn.
15% (62) of the original 404 UF respondents were excluded from
analysis because they did not fulfill UF eligibility or survey
criteria. Examples are: the parent lived alone, two adults were
not included in the AFDC check, and the respondent did not receive
AFDC in 1978. These were due to change in circumstances of respondents
and misclassifi cations by social workers.
3. These data regarding current and past welfare history and payment
for recipients were collected from the Recipient and Dependent
Master Files in DPW's computer (RDMF).
4. For Basics, 11% identified their ethnic origin as Hispanic, 4% as
Portuguese, 1% as American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 83% as
Other. For UFs, 11% identified their ethnic origin as Hispanic,
5% as Portuguese, 1% as American Indian or Alaskan Native,
1% as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 81% as Other. Also for UFs,
1% identified their race as Other.
5. This includes most of those in Section 8 and subsidized housing.
-23-
FOOTNOTES (Continued)
7.
This might include some families in Section 8 housing, moderate and
middle income housing, and so forth.
Three percent have other housing arrangements, including renting an
apartment or room not designated by respondent in regard to public
housing.
8. This includes a few women who are not the mother of any child in the
grant, but are needy, i.e., a grandmother, aunt, and so forth.
9. This includes a few men who are not the father of any child in the
grant, but are needy, i.e., the husband of a remarried mother, a
grandfather, uncle, and so forth.
10. This group also contains .2% for a disabled wife or mother and disabled
father, and .7% for a wife or mother and husband or father with no
disability.
11. Examples of cases with no adult include remarried mothers who do not
meet AFDC eligibility criteria, grandparents or aunts with responsibility
for the child, as well as other caretakers who are not needy. Also, it
is suspected that some recipients do not know the number of adults
included in their AFDC payment or had problems answering the question.
According to RDMF, 84% of Basic cases received AFDC for at least one
adult. The difference between RDMF and survey data is probably caused
by change in circumstance of respondent at time of survey completion.
12. DHEW figures from the 1979 Characteristics Study appear comparable
regarding percentage of cases in receipt of AFDC for combined Basics
and UFs in Massachusetts.
13. The total monthly payment excludes supplementary payments, per RDMF,
$279 average monthly payment for March 1980 for combined Basic and UF,
plus a $33 quarterly grant, totalled $312 per case.
14. AFDC Quality Control figures for October 1978 to March 1979 in Massachusetts
showed a comparable percentage of cases with earned income. We are 95%
sure that the 18.6% of QC cases with earned income are not significantly
different from the 22%. (z=1.20)
15. Federal minimum wage at this time was $2.90 an hour.
16. Actual receipt of EA was from January and February 1978 to January
and February 1979.
17. DHEW figures from the 1977 and 1979 Characteristics Studies have not
been compared to these data because of differences in wording and meaning
of the questions.
18. AFDC-Basics and UFs were also compared with those who received Unemployment
Compensation in Massachusetts. A sample survey of the active file of
claimants for unemployment compensation was conducted by the Division
of Employment Security in December, 1978. Generally, those receiving
Unemployment Compensation have characteristics which allow them to
compete better in the employment market than do AFDC recipients.
Compared to all those receiving Unemployment Compensation, Basics are
-24-
FOOTNOTES (Continued)
more often female (Basic: 96%; Total UC: 40%). In comDarison
to females receiving Unemployment Compensation (FUC) , 'Basics are younger
(Basics: 66%; 25-44 years; FUC: 43%; 25-44 years) and lower
wage earners (Basic: 80% $149 or less; FUC: 52% $149 or less).
In comparison to males receiving Unemployment Compensation (MUC), UFs
are younger (UF: 64%; 25-44 years; MUC: 46%; 25-44 years) and
lower wage earners (UF: 34% $149 or less; MUC: 24% $149 or less).
Average weekly wage for AFDC recipients was computed
from weekly wage and hourly wage assuming a 40 hour work week.
See Selected Characteristics of the Insured Unemployed -
Statewide, December 1978, Tables 151, 351, and 551, Division of
Employment Security, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Statistical tests of differences between means and proportions
were conducted so as to satisfy the requirements of 95% confidence.
20. See "Survey of AFDC Case Openings in May 1978", by Donna Balboni,
Office of Research and Evaluation, Massachusetts Department of
Public Welfare, November 1978.
21. This does not include those of Hispanic origin.
22. See "Welfare Census Project Paper #2, A Survey of AFDC Case
Openings and Closings in August and September 1977" by Loran Bittman,
Donna Balboni, and Martin Abramowitz, Office of Research and Evaluation,
Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare, March 1978.
23. 4% had other housing arrangements including a small number of families
who lived with relatives and who rented an apartment or room which they
did not designate in regard to public housing.
24. 1% of UF cases had no eligible grantee in the case, per RDMF.
25. Average monthly earnings for UFs who worked any time from July to
December 1978 were: $216 for December; $247 for November; $313 for
October; $395 for September; $456 for August; and $462 for July.
Average monthly earnings for a wife in a UF case who worked any
time from July to December 1978 were: $236 for December; $237
for November; $223 for October; $226 for September; $268 for
August; and $250 for July.
26. Unless otherwise stated, percentages are based on the number of
returned questionnaires. Estimated population is this percentage
multiplied by the total population, i.e., 115,075 for Basics and
5,176 for UFs. Rounding errors has resulted in total populations for some
characteristics being different than these estimated populations.
27. The average number of children was computed excluding pregnancies
when no other child was in care.
28. This includes people of Hispanic origin who classified themselves
as white.
-25-
<*j i ■«*
FOOTNOTES (Continued)
29. Although 16% are married and living with spouse, only 4% indicated
two adults in the AFDC payment. The 12% difference can include
remarried mothers, grandparents, aunts, etc. Also, it is suspected
that some recipients do not know the number of adults included in
their AFDC payment.
30. This group includes disabled spouses, remarried mothers, grandparents,
aunts, and fathers under 21 in school full time, and so forth.
31. The percentages are based on the number of recipients answering the
question regarding type of work in January and February 1979 (92
Basics). Total number of recipients answering the question was
divided by the number of respondents. This number was multiplied
by the total population. Finally, this result was multiplied by the
percentages as just described.
32. The percentages are based on the number of recipients answering
the question regarding type of work in the last four years
(218 Basics, 251 for the UF fathers, and 130 for the UF wife).
Total number of recipients answering this question was divided
by the number of questionnaire respondents. This number was
multiplied by the total population. Finally, this result was
multiplied by the percentages as just described.
33. This group includes possible common law marriages .
34. Because the recipient indicated his perception of disability,
this finding suggests either mi sclassifi cation by social worker A
of a Basic case or a disability not defined as such under A
AFDC policy.
'
}
-26-
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