An Empirical Analysis of the Welfare Magnet Debate Using the Nlsy

34 Pages Posted: 10 Jul 2000 Last revised: 22 May 2022

See all articles by Phillip B. Levine

Phillip B. Levine

Wellesley College; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

David J. Zimmerman

Williams College

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Date Written: September 1995

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which differences in welfare generosity across states leads to interstate migration. Using microdata from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) between 1979 and 1992, we employ a quasi-experimental design that utilizes the categorical eligibility of the welfare system. The pattern of cross-state moves among poor single women with children who are likely to be eligible for benefits is compared to the pattern among other poor households. We find little evidence indicating that welfare-induced migration is a widespread phenomenon.

Suggested Citation

Levine, Phillip B. and Zimmerman, David J., An Empirical Analysis of the Welfare Magnet Debate Using the Nlsy (September 1995). NBER Working Paper No. w5264, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=225328

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David J. Zimmerman

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