WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (AScribe Newswire) -- Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia reported a welfare caseload increase in the third quarter (July-September 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 0.9 percent. This is only the second time since 1994 that caseloads, when summed nationally, have shown a quarterly increase.
While most state welfare caseloads increased in the most recent quarter, states are roughly evenly split as to whether they experienced a caseload increase during the past year (September 2001-September 2002). And, even with this quarter's growth, the national caseload declined 3.3 percent over the past year.
The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) has collected the new data on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) caseloads through September 2002 from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These are the most current and complete data available.
The increases in state caseloads have come as most states are facing serious budget deficits, characterized by the National Governors Association and National Association of State Budget Officers as "the most dire fiscal situation since World War II."
"Given the growth in unemployment, an increase in welfare caseloads shouldn't be a surprise," said Mark Greenberg, CLASP Policy Director. "Although welfare caseloads in much of the country are still at or near historic lows, any increase in the number of families needing help puts further stress on states at a time when many are facing huge budget deficits."
To view the new data and CLASP's analysis, visit http://www.clasp.org/Pubs/Pubs_New.
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.
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