TANF's Impact on Low-Income Mothers Raising Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Using data from the National Survey of America's Families, this study assesses the success of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) goals to increase employment, enhance family stability through marriage promotion, and reduce welfare reliance. In the period prior to TANF implementation, during implementation, and from 1 to 4 years after implementation, employment rates increased for some mother categories. Among categories of poor and near-poor mothers of children with disabilities, marriage rates did not change. Although TANF appears to have mixed results for these families, it is not leading to an overall reduction in welfare reliance among low-income women raising children with disabilities. The authors discuss recommendations and policy implications for the successful promotion of employment among mothers raising children with disabilities.