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Shelter From the Storm

Author

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  • Leah Hamilton
  • Ben Alexander-Eitzman
  • Whitney Royal

Abstract

A growing body of literature suggests that asset limits in public assistance are associated with low savings rates among low-income families. Several states have begun eliminating or significantly increasing asset limits in an attempt to address potential disincentives. The primary concern for other states, however, appears to be the possibility that caseloads would increase to unsustainable levels, especially in times of economic recession. Five states that eliminated or increased asset limits during the Great Recession were analyzed for changes in caseload size after the rule change. Results suggest that there is no significant relationship between asset limits and caseload size.

Suggested Citation

  • Leah Hamilton & Ben Alexander-Eitzman & Whitney Royal, 2015. "Shelter From the Storm," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(1), pages 21582440155, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:5:y:2015:i:1:p:2158244015572487
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244015572487
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hubbard, R Glenn & Skinner, Jonathan & Zeldes, Stephen P, 1995. "Precautionary Saving and Social Insurance," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 103(2), pages 360-399, April.
    2. Erik Hurst & James P. Ziliak, 2006. "Do Welfare Asset Limits Affect Household Saving?: Evidence from Welfare Reform," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 41(1).
    3. Mark F. Owens & Charles L. Baum, 2012. "The effects of welfare vehicle asset rules on vehicle assets," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(13), pages 1603-1619, May.
    4. Yunju Nam, 2008. "Welfare Reform and Asset Accumulation: Asset Limit Changes, Financial Assets, and Vehicle Ownership," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 89(1), pages 133-154, March.
    5. James X. Sullivan, 2006. "Welfare Reform, Saving, and Vehicle Ownership: Do Asset Limits and Vehicle Exemptions Matter?," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 41(1).
    6. Powers, Elizabeth T., 1998. "Does means-testing welfare discourage saving? evidence from a change in AFDC policy in the United States," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(1), pages 33-53, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Petit, Gillian & Tedds, Lindsay M., 2020. "Income Assistance in British Columbia: Reforms Along Basic Income Lines," MPRA Paper 105933, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Petit, Gillian & Tedds, Lindsay M., 2021. "The Effect of Asset Thresholds on Income Assistance Flows in British Columbia," MPRA Paper 110447, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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