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Title: Migration, the Life Cycle, and State Benefits: How Low is the Bottom?

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2004

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Abstract: I show that among women likely to use welfare, movers move to higher-benefit states. I also find that the probability likely welfare users will move at all is lower in higher-benefit states. This effect is concentrated early in the life cycle, as theory predicts. I construct a theoretical framework to measure the impact of welfare migration on optimal state benefits. Simulation results suggest little impact in higher-benefit states, but possibly a more substantial impact in other states. Finally, evidence suggests little reason for concern (due to welfare migration) in using cross-state variation in welfare generosity to identify incentive effects of the welfare system on other outcome variables.

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Authors: Gelbach, Jonah B.

Periodical (Full): Journal of Political Economy

Issue: 5

Volume: 112

Pages: 1091-1130

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Migration and Immigration, Other, Poverty and Welfare

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