Mathematica’s WFNJ client study included three rounds of in-depth, face-to-face interviews with a subset of families who had received welfare under the new reforms. This largely narrative report describes the wide range of experiences of current and former recipients and portrays their...

Notes that the mix of families remaining on cash assistance has changed, with child-only cases—in which only children are receiving assistance—becoming a growing portion of New Jersey’s welfare caseload. These cases grew from 17 percent of the state’s caseload in 1995 to 33...

In 1997, New Jersey implemented its welfare initiative, Work First New Jersey, which included five-year time limits on cash assistance, immediate work requirements for most clients, and expanded support services. This fifth, and final, report from our multiyear study tracking an early group of...

Shows that WFNJ clients continue to leave welfare for work and improve their outcomes. Although many are in low-paying jobs, their earnings are increasing, and more are getting fringe benefits. However, one in three remains on TANF, and they face multiple barriers to employment--for example,...

Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of NJ TANF recipients, this brief can help inform recent policy debates related to welfare and marriage. The study found that marriage is relatively rare for TANF recipients, with only about 1 in 10 married and living with a...

This four-page issue brief notes that government housing subsidies improve access to stable, affordable housing for low-income families. Current and former welfare families that receive these subsidies devote a smaller portion of their income to housing, face less housing instability, and live...

This article investigates the long-term economic gains of current and former TANF recipients and explores the extent to which these recipients experience steady economic progress. Results suggest that recipients generally show economic progress but that there is considerable instability and...

Notes substantial economic progress for most clients over time, although the pace of progress has slowed considerably. The majority of welfare recipients find jobs, although many find it difficult to maintain sustained employment. Some groups continue to struggle financially, particularly those...

Uses recent data from NJ to examine the extent to which recipients who left welfare for work during the strong economy are eligible for unemployment insurance. Finds that between 50 and 60 percent are monetarily eligible in an average quarter. However, notes that TANF leavers are more likely...