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Why do poor households not apply for welfare benefits? evidence from Jamaicas path program

Author

Listed:
  • Garfield O. Blake

    (Central Connecticut State University, USA)

  • Godfrey Gibbison

    (College of Charleston, USA)

Abstract

Estimates show only 56 percent of poor households who are eligible for benefits under the Program of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) in Jamaica actually applied to the program. Also, application rate among urban households is approximately half the rate that exists among poor rural households. This study investigates potential reasons for the relatively low application rate. Using data compiled by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), we conclude that single male household heads are two to four times less likely to apply for benefits compared to households headed by females and married couples. Problems regarding information about PATH and the complexity of the application process have the greatest impact on the decision not to apply.

Suggested Citation

  • Garfield O. Blake & Godfrey Gibbison, 2015. "Why do poor households not apply for welfare benefits? evidence from Jamaicas path program," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 49(1), pages 65-82, January-M.
    • Handle: RePEc:jda:journl:vol.49:year:2015:issue1:pp:65-82
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Poor Households; Welfare Participation; Binomial Logit; Jamaica;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • R20 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - General

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