Indicator 61: Leaving Welfare

 

Why This Is Important

Welfare receipt imposes large costs on taxpayers and can be a painful stigma for those
who receive assistance. There is some evidence suggesting that long-term welfare receipt
may have a more negative impact on adult recipients and their children than short-term
receipt that helps a family weather a crisis. Federal welfare reform enacted in 1996 is a
major social policy change that has significantly affected families and the communities in
which families seek employment.

 

Where We Stand

As of March 2006, 37,562 individuals and 11,973 families were receiving welfare under
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Maine. This compared with 26,494 individuals
and 9,934 families in March 2002. This change represents a 41.8% increase for individuals
and a 20.5% for families.  While Maine saw a significant increase in the numbers of TANF recipients, the U.S. had a 4.3% decline for individuals and a 2% decline in the number of
families.

 

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this measure is the Administration for Children & Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The data is available on-line at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf_news/stats/newstat2.shtml.