Data Shows Welfare Caseloads Increase in Most States in Fourth Quarter; National Caseload Up for Quarter, Down for 2002

4/3/2003

From: John Hutchins of the Center for Law and Social Policy, 202-906-8013 or jhutchins@clasp.org

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Thirty-eight (38) states reported welfare caseload increases between Sept. and Dec. 2002, according to new data collected by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). For the nation as a whole, the welfare caseload increased by 1.2 percent between Sept. and Dec. 2002 -- the second consecutive quarter showing a national increase. However, the national caseload has declined by 2.2 percent for the year (Dec. 2001 -- Dec. 2002).

CLASP has collected the new data on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare caseloads through Dec. 2002 from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These are the most current and complete data available.

Although most states have seen caseload increases in each of the last two quarters, the story remains mixed over the past year. Between Dec. 2001 and Dec. 2002, 24 states had caseload increases and 26 had decreases (with one state reporting no change). Most states continue to report fluctuating caseloads on a month-to-month basis. However, seven states (Arizona, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, and Utah) reported a steady caseload increase for the past six months. No state has experienced a steady decline over the same six months.

"Welfare caseloads are still at or near historic lows, but rising caseloads increase the pressure for states trying to help poor families while still dealing with large budget deficits," said Elise Richer, CLASP Policy Analyst and lead author of the caseload analysis.

------ To view the new data and CLASP's analysis, visit http://www.clasp.org/Pubs/Pubs_New. To set up an interview with Elise Richer, contact John Hutchins at 202-906-8013.

------ A national, nonprofit organization founded in 1968, CLASP conducts research, policy analysis, technical assistance, and advocacy on issues related to economic security of low-income families with children.