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Low-Income/Poverty

The Effect of State TANF Choices on Grandparent-Headed Households

Research Report

November 2000


Findings from a study by Faith Mullen and Monique Einhorn of AARP's Public Policy Institute of how welfare reform may have resulted in state Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) policies that are unresponsive to the unique needs of grandparents raising children in the absence of their parents:

To date, states have largely neglected the question of how welfare reform policies affect grandparent-headed households. Policies and procedures relating to benefit levels, time limits, work requirements, and child support enforcement may have unintended consequences for grandparents.

Data obtained through telephone interviews with state TANF administrators or their representatives from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. (46 pages)

Pub ID: 2000-18