The Roles of Employment Barriers in Welfare Exits and Reentries after Welfare Reform: Event History Analyses

This study examines the factors associated with welfare exits and reentries after welfare reform. Results from the analyses of data from the Women’s Employment Study suggest that lack of a high school degree, low work experience, substance dependence, physical health problems, children’s health and emotional conditions, domestic violence, and transportation barriers have significant associations with either the ratio of leaving welfare or the likelihood of returning to welfare. Those who exit welfare without employment have more employment barriers than those who continuously stay on welfare.