THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WELFARE FAMILIES

How long do families remain on cash assistance?

Most people who receive cash assistance do so for short spells, stopping when they find work, marry, or otherwise become ineligible. Successfully enforcing child support can shorten a family’s need for cash assistance benefits by an estimated 6 months. Since welfare reform was implemented in October 1996, the median number of months that a Kansas family receives TAF (Temporary Assistance for Families) cash assistance is a total of 15 months.

Do welfare families have lots of children to get more money?

No. Families receiving TAF cash assistance in Kansas have an average of only 1.8 children. A mother with two children typically receives a maximum cash grant of $403 a month. The maximum grant amount increases by only $61 per month, or an additional $15.25 a week, for each additional household member.

What are the racial characteristics of most welfare families?

Of the cash assistance population in Kansas, 64% are white and 36% represent minorities.

Are welfare benefits too high in Kansas? How does Kansas compare to other states?

Kansas typically pays a maximum of $403 a month to a mother with two children and no other income (or 31% of the federal poverty level of $1306 per month for a family of three). Twenty-four states have higher payment levels than Kansas. Adding food stamp benefits and energy assistance to the cash grant brings a welfare family’s spendable income up to only 63% of the federal poverty level. Most families who receive cash assistance also receive medical assistance.

Are most welfare families able to live in subsidized housing?

No. Less than 20 % of the families on cash assistance currently receive a rent subsidy because:

▸ The number of housing units or rent vouchers are very limited;

▸ The majority of units are dedicated to the elderly, not families; and,

▸ Many eligible families compete for the limited supply of housing units, resulting in long waiting lists.

The majority of Kansas public assistance recipients must pay full fair market price for rent. The average fair market price for rent and utilities in a 2 bedroom apartment in a non-metropolitan area of Kansas is $418. Therefore, a mother with 2 children who receives a TAF grant of $403 must spend almost all of the grant for rent and utilities with little leftover for food, clothing, transportation, personal care items, school activity fees for children, etc.

Do people move to Kansas because of our welfare benefits?

A survey of Kansas cash assistance recipients completed in 1990 showed that 78% of the persons applying for cash assistance benefits had lived in Kansas for five or more years at the time they applied. Fewer than 7% had lived in Kansas less than a year and only 2.4% had lived in the state less than six months. Studies done in other states have shown that welfare recipients typically move to another state in order to be near family or to accept a job. Most have lived in the state they move to at some time in the past.

Does welfare discourage work?

Even though most adults who receive TAF benefits face multiple barriers to
employment, such as a disability or a lack of education, work experience, transportation, and/or child care, they are required to work or engage in activities which will prepare them for work. The employment preparation activities are structured to help participants make quick transitions from welfare dependency to employment. A wide array of services are available including assessment, work experience placements, job search activities, life skills workshops, job placement and development, basic education, and short-term vocational training. Those working or participating in work activities receive support services, including child care, transportation, and special employment allowances for work-related purchases, such as tools, uniforms, and car repairs.

Of the TAF recipients who lose eligibility each month, about 57% lose eligibility due to earnings from employment. An additional 15% of TAF recipients work but continue to be financially eligible for cash assistance. At any point in time, about 59% of TAF adults who are mandated to participate in work programs are engaged in employment. Kansas TAF recipients exceed the national average in job entry, job retention, and earnings gains.

Is assistance with child support enforcement limited to welfare recipients?

No. A full complement of paternity, establishment and enforcement services are
available to all Kansas children and adults regardless of income.

Is welfare a major cause of the federal deficit?

No. Most of the nation's total government benefits go to persons in the middle or upper classes, with only 14% of total government benefits going to the poor. Cash
assistance payments account for just over 1% of all federal benefits programs.

Have most welfare recipients always been poor?

Unfortunately, most American families are only one paycheck away from needing public assistance. Many people turn to public assistance programs during times of crisis and need. A sudden job loss may mean a family will need TAF or food assistance. A newly divorced woman may rely on TAF benefits to help her family regain financial stability. Parents with low income jobs that do not provide health insurance may rely on the Medicaid program to pay for their children's medical care. Many elderly must turn to Medicaid when the need for a nursing home arises.

Page last updated: February 4, 2008